The Nation Newspaper

Category: New Woman

  • What is in the basket?

    What is in the basket?

    Women’s Corner by evelyn osagie

    Ladies! What’s going on, I brought wine!” hailed a smiling Tamara with a sparkling wine in hand as she moved to sit next to me that evening. But, seeing she was not alone, I made room for her, standing up to sit with Sexy Jola on an adjacent bench. Tamara had come with a friend, an older lady, who held a basket in right hand. Her face looked somewhat familiar.

    “What could it be?” I thought to myself. Suddenly, the investigative journalist in me was awoken, and I was secretly salivating, praying earnestly it’d be a basket of fried chicken. Who can beat a blend of chicken and sparkling red wine in women’s gist? But, before I could probe further, Ada asked excitedly, robbing her hands together, “Who is our new Madam, and what is in her basket of goodies?”

    “Sisters, this is my big Sis and mentor, Madam Gold Alero Omatsola. She discovered the event planner in me while I was working with a bank. I have often talked about my boss who forced me into establishing my own interior design and event planning outfit. She gave me a N4.5 million contract to redesign our branch where I made my first one million; and my company was born. The rest is history,” Tamara explained.

    “Welcome Madam Gold!” We chorused, while applauding enthusiastically. Ada stood up and shook her hand – the hand with which she held the basket. “I am always excited to see ladies lifting other ladies. Such moves promote change and industry among womenfolk. There lessons to be learnt from this conversation. But what is in that basket?”

    “Thank you so much my sisters here. I am glad to be here,” began Madam Gold. “Tamara tells me about you all and all your gist. And yes, Evelyn, right?”

    “Yes,” I replied, nodding my head.

    Read Also: 71 exit NNPCL in gale of retirement at oil giant 

    “I read your last column. I found it quite interesting. You ladies are starting something powerful here! You may not know it, but say congratulations. You have set aside prejudices that limit women and are galvanizing a rich resource of ideas. How can you not succeed? Let those who say you are gossiping, keep talking while you take your world by the storm!”

    “Amen o!” echoed the pack. Just then Sexy Jola turned and whispered to me, with a frown on her face, “Which one be this motivational speech? What is in the basket?” I smiled and gave her a pregnant look, and found myself locking eyes with Ada who sat a foot away. Her questioning look was equally pregnant.

    “Tonight, I’m in the mood to celebrate. Tomorrow is my birthday.” Madam said, quite happily. “Happy birthday in advance Ma, and many more years in health and God’s blessings”, we chanted in our usual manner. Madam Gold continued: “Thank you all. I chose to mark it with you beautiful ladies, especially because Tamara mentioned that you (pointing at me), turned seven years as an artist last Tuesday. So I brought chicken. Let’s celebrate and please share.” Her revelation was followed by the shouts of “Wow!” “Nice!” “Lovely!” Tamara then popped the wine and distributed the plastic cups. And while Mummy Fawas unveiled and began sharing the handsome-size chicken, I responded to Madam Gold, with a “Thank you so much, Ma,” and continued: “Our best wishes to you Ma. Like Tamara, a great woman, Dr. Princess Tessy Iyase-Odozi, wife of former CBN Deputy Governor, also discovered me as an artist; and she has been very supportive. You share a birthday with our First Lady Senator Tinubu, may God bless women like you. Please read my next edition, she is my focus. Thank you once again.”

    But by the time I was done talking, I noticed everyone was eating, including Madam Gold. She just nodded, as if to say, “thank you”, and pointed to the basket. I reached for the serviette, grabbed a limb, poured myself a cup, and I too became silent.  

  • It’s demeaning for a man to insist on impregnating a lady before marriage!

    It’s demeaning for a man to insist on impregnating a lady before marriage!

    Last Sunday, I discussed the story of a 34-year-old virgin whose suitor insists she has to get pregnant before he can marry her and I got quite a response and of diverse opinions too from the public -especially men! I shall publish a few today so others in her situation can learn!

    To a certain extent, one might not blame the men who may be scared of ending up with a woman without a womb especially with the present generation of ladies who have in conjunction with men turned sex to an indoor game and lost all sense of value! However, the wish of God for us is to have the marriage bed undefiled no matter what anyone thinks so it’s as simple as lying on your bed just as you laid it! And I really do hope the girls are reading this articles and learning because it appears it would get harder for a lot of ladies to find a man to settle down with in marriage since we’ve long gotten to what was reported in Isaiah 4:1 “In that day seven women will take hold of one man and say, “We will eat our own food and provide our own clothes; only let us be called by your name. Take away our disgrace!”

    Hmmmmm….life isn’t going to be funny for the average female unfortunately except those who practically carry God on their heads with some violence in their spirits and get Him to avail them the life of their dreams!  

    Dear sister,

    I planned to remain a virgin till my wedding night but when the tension was too much I gave in. I abstained from sex until 23 and how it happened I can’t explain till today. I am now 28 raising my son alone, biting the finger of “had I known!”

    My son is my happiness but truth be told, it has never been easy doing it all alone although I left myself because of the family hatred and lack of peace of mind. Please and please I urge you not to give in- that’s a glorious virtue you have with you, please keep it.

    Miss Chioma

    “To be honest the situation is a bit challenging but since she can abstain till her present age she can as well keep it up because some of us are not that disciplined.

    Way forward, she needs to get involved in social and religious activities and she should not let anyone tag her as my girlfriend when they’re just an onlooker.

    Be more prayerful, dress well with less artificial colouring and be respectful and polite when talking to others because someone might be watching you from a distance and sometimes it’s not for themselves but for someone very dear to them.

    Don’t say yes when you meant to say No like Sisi Eko.

    I wish you all the very best.”

    A.K. ADEWOLU

    “The man ought to be proud of you. Don’t give room for such a man. If the love is not there once he sleeps with you then you stand the chance to lose your dignity.”

    Michael Henry

    “First, you must understand that every time you take a decision to stand for something that’s not common, you need not comparing yourself to anyone and never to envy anyone. There’s nothing special about whatever anyone has in life. I have seen a woman who died in an accident the same day with all her three children two Christmases ago. This last festive period, a woman got burnt with pregnancy and the only daughter she has while traveling. That’s how life possession can be fleeting. I’m not mocking anyone. It’s just to let you know all these “someone has this, someone has that” are irrelevant. Another thing is that the moment you decide for something not common, you’ll face uncommon troubles that intends to discourage you. The only thing I can assure you of is that “If it’s God you’re keeping your virginity to please, He won’t disappoint you!”   No one has ever obeyed God and end up disappointed. At the end, the promise of God shall speak, it may tarry, it may look delayed. Habakkuk 2:1-4.  Don’t give up! Don’t give in! Don’t surrender to the deceptive manipulation of the devil. All those men looking for sampling don’t truly love you and won’t marry you.

    Imagine giving in. Then you get pregnant. Then he absconds. Then those your friends who have respected you before now see you with a pregnancy when you’re not married, how would you then feel? Look around you- there are many who are regretting their marriages. I know two families who are yet to have a child after 15 and 20 years of marriage. Calm down! God’ll settle you soon!

    • Afolabi Oluwole Nath
  • Gabon/Niger Coups: Greek gift or Achilles heels

    Gabon/Niger Coups: Greek gift or Achilles heels

    Hey there Ladies!

    Have you heard of Homer’s epic play, The Iliad, Ada began as all the ladies took their seats that evening. This time around, we were joined by another suspect, the feisty Tamara. Tamara, the event manager, is hardly ever around due to her event planning gigs and has since taken over my title, Ajala, the Traveller.

    “Who does not know the story of Helen of Troy!” she quibbled, excitedly as she took her seat next to Ada, while winking at Sexy Jola. And if you ask me, she was actually too excited for my liking.

    “Trouble has come to town,” mumbled Jolaolu, next to me. I gave her a pinch. It was obvious she hadn’t forgotten their last face- off months back, over the educational standard of unity schools being more preferable to private boarding schools when Ada had brought up her son’s admission issue. I remember Ada had some fears over sending her son to Federal Government College (FGC), Odogbolu, saying although her hubby wanted it, she preferred he attended a private boarding school close by.

    You see, Tamara had attended FGGC Benin; Sexy Jola on the other hand attended Apata Memorial. Long story short, the boy in question has since resumed at Odogbolu.

    Seeing the tension in the air, Ada retorted laughingly: “Our boy is now in JS One and soon we’ll be talking about Jamb form o.”  We all laughed back, and relaxed.

    “Back to my question, have you guys read Homer’s The Iliad?”

    “Yes!” I replied. “It centres on a conflict that arose after Paris, a Trojan prince, stole Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world then, and wife of the Greek King Menelaus, from Sparta. In response, an alliance of Greeks sailed to Troy to recapture Helen and destroy the cities – an expedition which gave rise to the famed Trojan horse that has since given us the metaphor, GREEK GIFT.”

    “Scholar!” screamed the pack. “What do you expect from a literary scholar? Evelyn The Poet, Salute!” voiced Tamara.

    “Well done, Eve. Have you also heard of the proverbial ‘Achilles Heel’?”

    By now, it was evident that Jolaolu was already getting irritated by Ada’s suspense, shifting left and right without leaving her seat. “Which one be this lecture on Greek mythology? Go straight to the point na,” she urged.

    “My point exactly! I thought we were supposed to be discussing about coups,” added Tamara”

    “I’m getting there,” Ada replied, and took us into political/history class, “You see, whether is Niger’s coup or Garbon’s, I do not subscribe to coup d’états as being the way out. My take is that coups are more or less like an Achilles Heels that is also a Greek gift.”

    “Supu! Barrister, speak your Lordship! But this one pass me o. How are they related,” exclaimed Tamara.

    “Ask Google.” I’d mumbled to myself, smiling mischievously as Sexy Jola nudged me.

    “I must agree with our Barrister,” Mummy Fawas, who has only been smiling and nodding all evening, interrupted the tease.

     “As we were chatting, I googled all that Ada was alluding to. Indeed, the recent wave of coup d’états across the region forces one to take time to reflect on the phenomenon. It begs the questions and calls attention to lessons about management of power and representation. But is coup the way out.”

    “So what is the way out, then? When political leaders think they are fooling us all nko?” Jolaolu queried.

    “I like the take of political scholar and Institute Director at CIAPS, Anthony Kila that democracy should be a means to (good) governance offering transparency and accountability,” Ada explained. “On the other hand, not only does coup d’état allow rebellion to fester and enables illegal state capturers to successfully operate; if things are not corrected and it becomes a trend it may take us back some decades.” And just as she was about going into another long lecture, Tamara’s phone rang, a customer was calling. It was my cue to run off. “See you tomorrow ladies and Mummy Fawas I want to be part of your next Ajoo o!”

    “That would be in January. By God’s grace. Good night!”

  • ‘Ladies, don’t be scared of new beginnings’

    ‘Ladies, don’t be scared of new beginnings’

    Wife of Nigeria’s immediate past Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Mrs. Tina Itegboje, is a passionate believer in new beginnings. Mrs. Itegboje, a businesswoman and trained journalist, has continued to inspire younger women on startups. She speaks to EVELYN OSAGIE, on her 25 year-long experience as an ambassador’s wife, love story and more.

       What defines me as a woman

    Integrity and respect for people has always been my watchword. If I give you my word, I try as much as I can to stick by it. Right from my journalism days till date that has being my byword over the years. I am still that person.

     My passion

    I am passionate about God. That is number one for me. I am also very passionate about family life. I am equally passionate about and my career. I like to do everything administration wherever I am. I have a master’s in public administration. I love reading and writing as well. My passion for writing led me into journalism. I have a diploma in journalism and a BA in English language. My journalism background brings out my passion for writing and self-expression which I do as part time. Incidentally, I freelanced for Daily Times and the then Classic Magazine. It was my journalism skill then that drove me into the business world in which I own a mini mart. I used to report entertainment and business.

     My thought on beauty

    For me, beauty is being calm, clean, natural and presentable. Beauty is not being loud (i.e. elaborate) and fake. Beauty means just being myself and as simple as I can. It is being presentable at every point in time and to represent in every capacity, anywhere I find myself. I try to be true to myself. I don’t want to be clumsy or fake.

     My fashion secret

    I think it’s more of looking good and presentable at all times which gives me that inner satisfaction. My style is moderate, modest and comfortable. I am most interested in the African and English attires. 

     Fashion item I can’t do without

    My perfumes.

     My belief in love

    I believe in love. My life’s story is a testament that love truly exists and a lesson to young ladies to believe in humble beginnings. I come from a very humble background. I’m the first of six children: my primary and secondary education was in Delta State. I met my husband in journalism school and we have been together for 30 years. When I met my husband as a young man, he was not a diplomat then. We were both purely students together in the Times Journalism Institute in 1992. I’ve known him as a calm, easygoing person. My husband is somebody that believes so much in hard work, perseverance and determination – that was what endeared him to me. Look at us today – God has blessed us with three kids.

     My experience as a diplomat’s wife

    I can tell you that being a diplomat’s wife, particularly, an Ambassador’s wife was quite interesting. My husband’s first posting was in 1998 at Venezuela. From Venezuela, we moved to Addis Ababa and then to Philippines to New York, and then back again to New York, where he served as Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations. I love every bit of it. I’m excited about experiencing other countries, new people, cultures and all. I love the suspense that comes with each assignment. It afforded me the opportunity of interacting with other countries’ ambassadors, their spouses and also learning new cultures and values of other countries and continents.

    As I’ve said being an Ambassador’s wife is a process. You are introduced to the routine of going on postings with your spouse, go for other functions and watch how things are done; you’d learn on the go. There is always induction course that is usually organised by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for ambassador upon your arrival at your place of posting. It is equally compulsory that all their spouses attend that induction course. That is where one learns a lot of what is expected of one as the spouse to an ambassador. And although you’re actually not allowed to work because there are other functions or official assignments that you’ll be saddled with; there are things that’ll keep you busy. But due to a recent Bill signed between some countries ambassadors and other diplomats’ spouses are allowed to work in countries like the USA, Canada and UK. While in the US with my husband, I worked in the health sector. I was a healthcare administrator at some point and worked as a consultant with the United Nations African Economic Commission. And when I’m not being an ambassador’s wife, I attend to my family full time and am into business (laughs).

      Challenges of being diplomat’s wife

    I must say that it is also challenging and very demanding. Being an ambassador’s wife also comes with its own challenges. And the challenges include having to pack, relocate and make new friends during and after each diplomatic posting. And to an extent, hosting and entertaining of numerous guests also comes with its own challenges.  

  • Caring tips for all skin types

    Caring tips for all skin types

    Giving your skin proper care is serious business. Taking care of your skin is essential, regardless of the skin tone. However, individuals with deeper skin tones may have specific needs and challenges when it comes to skin care. Deeper skin tones are naturally rich in melanin, which provides protection against the sun’s harmful rays. Here are some skin care tips tailored to all skin tones.

    •Stay hydrated

    When the skin is dry, it can become irritated or damaged, which can make acne worse. Staying hydrated also ensures new skin cells develop correctly as sores heal.

    The golden rule of drinking eight glasses of water every day is crucial for all. When your body is hydrated, your skin remains plump and healthy. Water also helps drain the toxins out.

    • Using oil-free skin care

    Oil-based or greasy products can block pores, increasing the risk of clogged and growing acne sores.

    Look for skin care products and cosmetics labeled as “oil-free” or “noncomedogenic,” which contain ingredients that allow pores to breathe.

    • Cleanse and moisturize daily: To keep skin bright and supple, it is best to cleanse and moisturize it daily, ideally right after showering. Massage the cleanser into the skin with clean fingertips, then rinse it off with warm (not hot) water and pat the skin dry with a clean towel.

    • Reduce stress: Stress causes levels of the hormone androgen to increase. Tips for managing stress include: talking with family, friends, a doctor, or other supportive people, getting enough sleep, eating a healthful, balanced diet, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption, and practicing deep breathing, yoga, mindfulness, or meditation

    • Eat a balanced diet

    Good skin care starts on the inside. To give skin the nutrients it needs to form and repair itself, eat a healthful diet rich in: fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources, such as fish, eggs, legumes, and tofu, and healthful fats, including nuts, avocado, and olive oil

  • NESG endorses Tinubu’s 8-point agenda

    NESG endorses Tinubu’s 8-point agenda

    The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has endorsed President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s eight-point agenda.

    A statement from the NESG said the Tinubu administration’s agenda is designed to improve the country’s economic situation and help it overcome the current economic challenges in Nigeria.

    The NESG specifically mentioned the World Bank’s forecast of an average annual economic growth rate of 2.9 percent for Nigeria between 2023 and 2025.

    This forecast, the NESG said, indicates the possibility of positive change and improvement in the country’s economic situation.

    It said that if everyone works together and puts in their effort, Nigeria can successfully navigate these challenges and experience economic growth.

    According to the NESG, “these challenges are worsened by an uneven allocation of resources, macroeconomic instability, and institutional deficiencies. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in 2022 revealed that approximately 62.9 percent of the population live in multidimensional poverty, threatening the development of a vibrant middle class.

    “With population growth outpacing poverty reduction, Nigeria’s current trajectory highlights the critical need to prioritise long-term development and shared prosperity”.

    Read Also: Bayelsa APC campaigners congratulate Tinubu on Tribunal victory

    The NESG noted that “technological advancements and their increasing adoption offer glimpses of what can be achieved with the proper mechanisms. The change in political leadership also brings the opportunity for fresh ideas and the rectification of economic policies that have weakened the fiscal system.”

    The group advocated for constructive dialogue that incorporates the ideas of stakeholders.

    It assured: “NES 29 would build on the legacy of previous summits to nudge the public and private sectors to co-create solutions that drive shared prosperity.

    “In the context of a new government administration, there is an undeniable need to reinvigorate our efforts to achieve sustainable economic development.”

    At the recent inauguration of the NESG and Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning’s Joint Planning Committee for NES 29 in Abuja, the NESG emphasised that the primary goal of this year’s Summit is to enhance the economic agenda setting of the government.

  • ‘My love for nature dictates my fashion style’

    ‘My love for nature dictates my fashion style’

    Cristian Munduate is the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) representative in Nigeria. Cristian has 30 years experience in development work with women and children across many countries. In this interview with EVELYN OSAGIE, she speaks on her style, passion, and UNICEF Champions’ initiative, among others.

    My thought on beauty, style

    My thought on beauty: for me, beauty comes from inside, from the soul, spirit. Of course, we have the physical side of beauty. And around the world, the definition of physical beauty is diverse. It is very contextual and not defined by one part. 

    For me beauty is about health: keeping myself healthy, energetic, watching out on my weight, doing my exercises. I wake up at 4am daily and I do my exercises from Monday to Friday. Saturday and Sunday are my cheat days. So, I sleep a little bit late: not too late but not waking up at 4am. Exercise helps me feel energetic and good. Beauty also requires some wisdom. Mainly for women at my age, we start having changes in our appearances grey hairs come out and all that. This is also an interesting moments of our lives. So, we need to help ourselves and also learn to manage our health.

    For me, that is beauty. But style differs from one country/society to the other. So, for example, Nigeria is a wonderful and colourful country, with people of diverse style. Their clothes are so alive. And I’m learning because where I come from we use plain colors – it’s kind of boring. So, being in Nigeria is an experience and looking at the different fashion and style in the country is inspiring, a change in me towards understanding how I can look more alive and livelier in my dress sense. 

     My fashion

    My fashion sense is deliberate. And I think it stems from my contact or connection with nature. I would say my fashion style is simple but connects with my love for nature and my advocacies. I practise some behaviours that are linked to my contributions beyond the organisation I work with. Of course, UNICEF is concerned about water and sanitation. And that has to do with natural resources and climate change. As an individual I am a practitioner of some things that contribute to the climate change advocacy. I am a simple person and it shows in my dressing.

     Inspiration behind UNICEF recent initiative

    We truly believe that everyone can be a champion. But we need inspiring champions who are always concerned about the wellbeing and development of the country, and children in particular. Nigeria has powerful women and men who are the champions in their arts. Those who through their creativity as music producers, musicians and film actors, have been a positive role model for thousands of people in the country. 

    That is what led to the appointment of four Nigerian celebrities – Cobhams Asuquo, WAJE, Kate Henshaw, and Ali Nuhu – as UNICEF Champions for a period of 12 months.

    We, at UNICEF, feel very delighted and have a lot of expectations that together with these UNICEF Champions, all of us can build a vision that has to become a reality that translates into concrete results in the children’s basic social rights, like health, education, nutrition and among others in the country.

    Many children are far behind because of geographical areas, poverty, inaccessibility, insecurity, among others. Many of these problems can be solved: and it’s not that they can take decades to be solved but there should be a will to move ahead. This esteemed assembly of champions will serve as powerful voices amplifying issues around child rights in Nigeria. They can inspire for a change, raise the awareness with your support and definitely persuade decision makers to make the right choices for the children. They will be a leading force in this new journey.

     UNICEF ambassadors vs UNICEF Champions

    UNICEF Champions is a different approach to reaching the government, families and communities so that everyone understands what their role are and are accountable for children in Nigeria. This collaboration symbolises a bridge between the commitment to child rights and the power of art and storytelling. Through music, film, and public engagement, we hope to touch hearts, shift perspectives, and inspire action. 

    The difference in this approach is our coming together as one voice – a very powerful voice that can bring other champions on board. This initiative is next level in reaching the people and all sectors that can come in and make a change. This has to be a cascade; even the media are also champions. And on a constant basis we want to keep practicing this championship through your media so that we can all together make this change.

     Message to government, parents, society

    It’s about time that there are tangible changes in the country. We all cannot continue to be indifferent towards children’s situations. There are too many millions of children facing these adversities and they are alone. We need to be with them. Everybody has a role: we don’t need to step into others role what we need is to do properly what we are supposed to do for change. 

    That is why I’m making this call – first to the government (federal and different levels) – trying to mobilise and convince that the right decision is to prioritise children. Of course economic growth is important but there’s room and space enough resources to also prioritise children’s needs first. And secondly, not just government, families (parents) and community all have a role to play. Parents are the first caregivers of children. They should be informed on what is best for their child. At times it is lack of information like how to breastfeed your child so that they are not malnourished.

    Prioritising for children is prioritising for the county.

     My words to our nursing mothers

    There are many believes around breastfeeding and you know many women choose not to breastfeed their children because they think it’s bad for them. But breast milk is the best thing… I mean the best gift you can give your child. The benefits are many. By breastfeeding your child, you are empowering that child with all the nutrients needed for proper growth and wellbeing.

     My message to women

    To the women, one strong message I want to share is: ‘Woman, you have to first take care of yourself, empower yourself, love yourself; and you’d then love your children and those of everyone else. For those women who really don’t know what to do or where to go to for their children’s health and nutrition education, government-owned health facilities should provide the needed counseling, information, medical attention (vaccines), for your children’s health and yours. The other message is: Every child has a right to education. Education can really change a life. Pay attention to the education of your child. Please, help us to take your child to school.  Children should be in school and if there’s no school demand for one. It is their rights. 

  • On your mark…set…Mber

    On your mark…set…Mber

    Imagine yourself in a race. You take your posture for another exciting race with your heart beating fast. You brace yourself, ready to launch out as if your life depends on it. You couldn’t wait; the whistle bearer blows the whistle but then says: ‘On your mark…set…Mber!’” I teased as I joined the pack and took my seat, while trying hard to make light the evening deliberation which I suspect would be heated. I envisioned there would be a shift from the “Bayelsa palliatives” topic to “Gabon’s coup d’etat”.

    “Ehen! What are you trying to say, journalist” queried Ada, who had warned me earlier that Wednesday morning when my column came out to stick with referring to her as simply ‘Ada’, subsequently. We had planned to meet the previous evening but everyone had something to do and we pushed the meeting to the next evening. And then the news Gabon’s coup broke; and as if telepathy was at work, all the ladies sent me the same message on WhatsApp, asking if I had seen the news. I replied to the group, saying I had but that we’d discuss more on it in the evening. But I was not having any of it. I had just returned from an assignment from the Island, interviewing UNICEF country representative; and all I just wanted to do was gist – but not about politics or Nigeria. And so, I was determined to drive the conversation.

    “I just wanted to say, Happy New Month! I mean Happy ‘Mber’ Month!” I retorted.

    “Yes o! We don enter Mber month o! With all the wahala,” began Ada, “But I thought we were going to talk about Gabon coup. I have some concerns I wanted to share.”

    “You dey talk Gabon, when there is fire on the mountain here! Mber o…my children’s school fees.. House rent o! Our house rent will expire at the end of September! I don’t know why we didn’t factor all the dynamics associated with this period in then when we were planning to move,” wailed Jolaolu, who said she wants to be known as ‘sexy Jola’.

    “As the year draws to a close, every Nigerian knows the last quarter is usually associated with all kinds of anxieties, so, it is understanding that one would have some concerns about the ‘Mber months’ as it were. So I get it,” Ada said, nodding her head to drive home her point; while I reach my hand across to Jolaolu who was sitting opposite me, and said “Relax! Breathe Ladies! Breathe! We made it through last year and even 2020; we’’ make it through this one! With a calm head, you can think and plan. One needs to be determined and get ones priorities right.”

    “Thanks Evelyn,” they all replied.

    “Do you know we are planning to travel in December? I wish we can cancel but we’ve been putting it off since the pandemic and money no dey o.” Ada voiced.

    “Ada I thought you traveled last year and must you travel?” I asked.

    “Don’t mind her jare. We are talking about schools fees and house rent: she talking about travelling,” sexy Jola retorted, and turned to Mummy Fawas, “Mummy Fawas, wetin happen, you have not said anything since.”

    “I was just thinking about what Evelyn said earlier about planning. I totally agree with her. My husband and I set a certain amount aside monthly from the beginning of the year. We try not to touch it. It helps with house rent and some other expenses. And for the school fees, we are part of an ajoo (local thrift scheme) that helps with that,” Mummy Fawas, said.

    “But it’s not easy with this economy. I seriously wonder how you do it o?”

     “You’ve said it yourself: “…to be determined” and start early. We are not lazy people. We must reinvent ourselves with the changing tides so that we are not left behind.

     “I borrowed a leaf from Ada when she decided to take her law practice online in 2021. I now offer online classes from the comfort of my home. And I can now sit and gist comfortably,” replied Mummy Fawas, who said she preferred to stick with being addressed with her son’s name, saying: “I am a mother and I am proud of being one jare.”

     “Tell them. What are you using your social media platforms for if not for making money (laughing). Think about it,” Ada said.

    And on that note, I stood up, said my “good night” and left. But Ada’s words trailed me to my apartment and found their way into my piece.

  • Herbal teas for women’s well-being

    Herbal teas for women’s well-being

    Woman, you are beautiful and know what you want. You are a goal getter, living a life that is upward mobile. But you often feel drained. You are not alone. Today’s world has launched women into a busy lifestyle, packed full of demanding routines. Such demanding lifestyles are energy sapping, leaving a woman drained. Not to worry, herbal tea maybe what you need to stay healthy and energised. And you don’t need to go out to travel far to get them, just check your kitchen.

    Herbal teas, like ginger tea, cinnamon, turmeric, and offer several health-promoting properties and could help improve heart health, digestion, sleep quality, and more. They have been used as natural remedies for a variety of ailments for hundreds of years. Here some to try.

    Ginger Tea

    Ginger is apopular spice that has strong medicinal properties. That’s why a lot of people use it to treat motion sickness, keep their blood pressure in check, help keep cancer cells at bay, and to reduce bodily inflammation.

    Ginger tea may help reduce nausea, relieve pain associated with menstruation, and improve blood sugar and lipid levels in people with diabetes. It is packed full of disease-fighting antioxidants and is a known remedy for nausea.

    Studies consistently find that ginger is effective at relieving nausea, especially in early pregnancy. Since ginger is also seen as being a natural stimulant that increases blood circulation while reducing oxidative stress, it’s just one more tea that can help your sex life out. Many cultures see ginger as one of the greatest natural aphrodisiacs for men.

    To make ginger tea to detox, add ginger in a glass of warm water together with the lemon juice. Drink at the desired temperature. Another way to make your ginger tea is to add chopped ginger to water and allow it to boil for 5-7 minutes. Once boiled, add the lemon juice.

    Tumeric Tea

    Tumeric Tea is another popular spice that comes with some strong medicinal properties. It shares some health benefits with Ginger Tea. It is used for detoxification of toxins that end up in the body system due to bad food choices. To make this tea, in a glass of hot water, add half a tablespoon of Tumeric in the water with the addition of honey to sweeten the taste as the taste isn’t mind-blowing. When that is done drink on an empty stomach.

    Hibiscus tea

    Besides, its bold color and unique flavor, hibiscus tea offers healthful properties helps to reduce blood pressure, improve (bad) cholesterol levels, and decrease oxidative stress. However, be sure to talk with a doctor before drinking hibiscus tea if you’re taking diuretics, as it may interact with your medications, according to a report. Those of you who enjoy the refreshing taste of a sourer brew may also be familiar with herbal infusions of hibiscus, a plant whose flowers can be used not just to make invigorating beverages, but also to give a subtle “punch” to salads, or as an elegant garnish for sophisticated dishes.

    Cinnamon tea is filled with antioxidants and offers several health benefits, including reduced inflammation and blood sugar levels, improved heart health, and perhaps even weight loss. Cinnamon tea may also fight off infections and reduce PMS and menstrual cramps

    To make Cinnamon tea: Boil water and add one-inch long cinnamon stick to it. Steep for about 10 minutes and then strain out the liquid. Now add a spoon of honey to the mix. Stir well and drink this tea while it is still warm. Both cinnamon and honey work like aphrodisiacs.

  • ‘Women, it’s never too late to pursue your passion’

    ‘Women, it’s never too late to pursue your passion’

    An engineer-turned runner Adedayo Akinbode epitomises the saying: age is just a number. At 56, this two-time Guinness World Book of Records holder is a formidable force, inspiring women to follow their passion. Despite surviving an accident that almost claimed her pregnancy and kept her crippled for two years, Akinbode is ever so determined to conquer the world through sports, photography and travels. She has run in 112 marathons in 77 countries. In this chat with EVELYN OSAGIE, Akinbode speaks on her passions, fashion and more.

    Beauty to me

    I find beauty in nature – the harmonious arrangements of bodies of water specially resonates with me.

     My fashion style

    I am an outdoor girl who loves nature and this is reflected in my style. Practicality, functionality and culture are the key elements that define my style which I call the Minimalist style. This style is characterised by simplicity, a focus on functionality and a deliberate reduction of excess elements. I intentionally strip away non-essential elements to create a clean, uncluttered and serene look.

     My fashion secret

    Fashion secrets can vary from person to person and the most important thing is to find what makes you feel confident and authentic in your style choices. The secret for me is comfort. I find it very important to feel comfortable in whatever I wear because I know what I wear significantly impacts how I carry myself and present my style.

     My motivation for running

    It was at Shell where I discovered my obsession and learned that I was obese and my cholesterol levels were high. This realisation made me aware of the fact that I was at risk of serious health issues. At a certain point, I found myself constantly seeking permission to participate in events organised by Shell. Despite having 32 working days of annual leave, it wasn’t sufficient for me. As time went on, I reached a point where my personal health became more important than monetary concerns. It was Shell that truly transformed my lifestyle when they introduced Global Corporate Challenge, a global event where each individual (staff) was given a speedometer to track one’s steps while encouraging us to achieve 10,000 steps per day. At age 50, I took an early retirement to pursue her passion of running to complete as many marathons as possible, in as many countries as possible around the globe, therefore merging my two passions of travel and running. Now at the age of 56, I am still running. That is why I tell women, that it is never too late to pursue your passion and goals. All you need to do is be physically active, stay positive and focus.

    Read Also: Subsidy: Ibeju-Lekki residents hail council chair over palliatives

     My most memorable marathon

    Every marathon is different and unique, making them incomparable. Since completing my first in Dubai in 2014, I have run in 112 marathons in 77 countries and seven Continents, including eight balcony marathons and 11 virtual marathons, all self-funded. However, there is one I will never forget. My time in Antarctica stands out. I have never forgotten my time there. And I take pride in sharing that I had the opportunity to be there. It’s not something many people in the world can claim. The remarkable thing about running in Antarctica was the absence of human spectators. Instead, we were surrounded by penguins and sea lions in their natural habitat. It’s a place I may never have the opportunity to visit again in my lifetime, as access is limited. We couldn’t even spend the night there; we had to sleep in a tent. The following morning, we ran, and after completing the run, we had to leave.

     My motivation to go into travels and tours

    Adventures have always beckoned me, and my travels have continuously led me to the pursuit of thrilling experiences. As I journeyed to renowned destinations across the globe, I could not help but notice that some of the celebrated places I visited did not hold a candle to the hidden gems within my own homeland. The unexpected silver lining of the COVID era was how I commenced quenching my thirst for exploration within the confines of my city, Lagos.  I paid more attention to my surroundings and discovered some overlooked treasures of Lagos during this period.  My passion for unveiling the beauty of my surroundings grew stronger with each new discovery. These experiences ignited fervor within me to share these remarkable landscapes with fellow adventurers. I am now on a mission using the FogAdventures Ltd platform to introduce the captivating wonders of Nigeria to like-minded explorers.

     My travel experiences

    When it comes to travel, I’ve been fortunate to explore some truly amazing places, each with its own unique charm and appeal. It’s hard to pick just one favorite because everywhere I’ve visited has left me with incredible memories and experiences. From the stunning landscapes to the vibrant cultures, every destination has had something special to offer. And the responses to our adventures have been incredible. When I showcase my country to foreigners, I feel like an ambassador of authenticity and wonder. There’s an immense pride that swells within me as I unveil the hidden gems, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking landscapes that define my homeland. There’s a sense of excitement in being able to share the stories that have shaped us, the history that has moulded us, and the dreams that continue to drive us forward. It’s an opportunity to break down stereotypes, to bridge cultural gaps, and to foster connections that transcend borders.

    My photography style

    Photography for me is a journey woven from various threads, each representing a unique aspect of my passion and purpose. Photography is more than just a hobby—it’s a calling to celebrate, to inspire, and to amplify the untold narratives that deserve to be heard. Through my images, I aim to contribute to a collective tapestry that honours the beauty, diversity, and resilience of my homeland. In this way, my journey in photography has become a powerful reminder that every frame I capture is a step towards reclaiming our stories, preserving our memories, and showcasing the vibrant tapestry that is my Nigeria. I would describe my photography style as “Candid Cultural Storytelling.” I’m captivated by the magic of capturing unscripted moments that offer a genuine glimpse into the lives of my fellow countrymen.

     My newest pursuit

    There’s an undeniable charm in connecting with others who share a passion for nature’s beauty and the tranquility it brings. This realisation inspired me to create the “Beach Sleepover”. Many beach enthusiasts yearn for the enchanting experience of sleeping under the stars, with the soothing lullaby of the waves as the backdrop, but the fear of solitude holds them back from embracing the experience fully. And that is what has inspired the Beach Sleepover, my latest project. It’s not just about experiencing the natural wonders of sunrise and sunset, but about doing so in the company of fellow beach lovers who appreciate the same simple joys. You are invited to join me on this journey as we embark on an unforgettable monthly escapade starting from September 2, and embracing the beauty of the sky meeting the sea, and relishing in the camaraderie that comes with sharing these captivating moments on a monthly basis. Together, we’ll turn these shared dreams into cherished memories.