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  • NIMAH ALI: My life as a spa owner

    Nimah Ali is a designer and the CEO of Le Hammam, an exclusive female beauty, fitness & wellness centre, located in the heart of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. She is also an associate of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA), a non-Executive Director at Yusuf Ali Foundation and the Managing Director of Nimahcollections. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she talks about owning a Spa dedicated to women only and working in five different sectors that include banking, transportation and charity before becoming an entrepreneur.

    An accountant turned beauty therapist; at what age did you develop a passion for beauty?

    I’m a chartered accountant from the globally known accounting body, Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA). Firstly, it’s important to state that the beauty industry is a large and vast one that spans from looks to clothing to skin care to hair and beyond. That said, I had a flair and eye for fashion ever since far back as I remember growing up in the town of Ilorin. I remember I use to pay attention to how well I combined my outfits as far back as primary school. There is a picture of me in a sparkly yellow dress and brown turban in my dad’s office that I love till date.

    However, the practicality of getting involved in the industry started in 2013 with a fashion business idea with main focus on fabric sale, both wholesale and retail. Then by the second half of 2015, the idea of spa arm of my business portfolio started to slowly gain momentum.

    Considering your father’s status as a renowned lawyer, what were his initial reactions to your new found career?

    I truly wish everyone has a supportive father and family as I have been fortunate enough to have with mine. He champions my siblings and my decisions and at points where he has observations or concerns, he sits with us collectively or individually to talk them through. So, it’s a nice democratic system we run.

    Most importantly, he use to say, ‘it’s your life and decision’ so that when any of us looks back, we know no one forced us into anything and that includes marriage.

    That said, it’s not to say he wasn’t shocked especially when I started the fashion portfolio of my business. At the time I was working and after I had explained my plan to him, he was puzzled on how I was going to finance and manage an investment advisory job that demanded 8am to whatever time of the night closing hours as well as working almost every day of the week as the need arises. After explaining in more details the fashion business model to him, he was supportive onwards. So by the time the beauty business portfolio idea was being formed, he was in full cheerleader mode (he even went space-hunting with me several times).

    Who are your target clients?

    Le Hammam is a brand that aims to serve women….

    What inspired you to own a Spa?

    My discovery of the true art of Hammam (bath) on one of my travels and the particular one I visited was coincidentally a one-stop spa dedicated to women only with a range of different beauty services offered all under one roof. (A place you can come to in your nightwear and leave red carpet-ready). This was the first point of inspiration for the spa business and eventual move into the industry. My interest was driven by the realisation that there wasn’t many female-only spas around Abuja.

    While interacting and engaging with many women (especially Muslim women who wear the Hijab), I realised that one big challenge; that we struggle with conventional unisex hair salons where men could be customers or stylists. For an even larger group of women, the thought of using unisex spas was unfathomable because they just will not feel at ease. Therefore, it was paramount to create a safe sanctuary for women to enjoy, relax and let their hair down.

    What has been your experience in the sector? What makes your Spa different from others?

    Beauty industry is an interesting and ever evolving one, so there are always new treatments, technology and techniques to keep us on our toes. In terms of experience, I have been a consumer of the service of the industry as well as an outsider, so to speak. In the process, I have encountered some good and bad services in terms of procedures, facilities and therapies. That said, there are a couple of things I have lined up to do differently and I will share with you two of them.

    Le Hammam as a spa concept provides a wide spectrum of services all under one roof such as laser face and body treatments, skin tightening, cosmetic teeth whitening, brow treatments, lash treatments, Hammam massages, facials, slimming treatments, organic products, fitness, hair studio, swimming pool and cafe. Therefore, the two things we do differently are customer service and quality service. If you notice both have got the word ‘service’ in them and is similar because Le Hammam is a model that is heavily based on service provision and a failure to recognise the importance of service is a good plan and recipe for failure.

    Why is spa catering for women alone?

    Making our services specifically tailored to women is an intentional decision because as you might know, our economy is filled with all types of spa that makes the spa sector or the beauty industry saturated. However, most of these spas are unisex based as I said earlier.

    A close and in-depth analysis brought to limelight the need for a female-only spa that’s world class and to create a safe space to let down their hair to relax, have fun and rejuvenate.

    What inspired the name?

    The name Le Hammam is literally translated to the bath. Hammam is a common beauty service offered in Arabian speaking countries and it’s made its way into our society, so it is logical to choose a name that will easily resonate with clients familiar with the service.

    Tell us about some memorable moments as an entrepreneur

    There are too much to mention (to God be the Glory). There is a certain type of joy associated with seeing my designs come to life from sketches or to seeing fabrics transform into timeless designs.

    While from the beauty arm of the business portfolio, it’s heart warming to having clients come in with skin issues and they leave overjoyed while days later they call saying they love the result so far. These are what make super great moments and memories for me as an entrepreneur

    Let’s also talk about life as an accountant

    As a young accountant, I was content with the requirements of the profession. I found one-off scenarios that challenged my mind to think outside the box while still upholding the principles of the profession.

    However, my restless and inquisitive mind needed more challenging situations that keep me on my toes, hence the diversification to other industries.

    Accounting still has my heart and I will return to it in a bit.

    If you had to compare the two, which would you prefer?

    Without being biased towards any of them, I prefer the beauty industry mainly because it’s service-based, which is challenging but equally rewarding if it’s done right.

    When was the turning point in your life and career?

    In my little years, I have seen and witnessed life-changing events which I will like to keep private. These events have forever changed both my life, my outlook on life as a whole, and career.

    How would you assess the sector today?

    The sector is although saturated with a lot of spa shops most of which still practice traditional treatments. As it is a common culture in our society that once an individual undergoes some form of training as a sales assistant for example, once out of training, such individual proceeds to set up a mini store or stall for themselves. That phenomenon is present in this our sector. However, most of them are not up to code in many areas such as hygiene, certification and much more.

    Let’s also talk about your father. How does he inspire you?

    As I said earlier, he is hard working, focused and thorough. I grew up seeing him work every day of the week; from morning to evening without expecting anyone to pick up his responsibilities. He has always excelled in his work and everything he set his mind to.

    He came from a humble background in a (then small town) of Ifetedo in Ife south Nigeria to become one of the respected lawyers in the legal profession today and worked his way painstakingly to the highest rank as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

    This process of growth mimics my humble story growing up in the city of Ilorin, working for some years with other organisations before setting off to be self-employed and aiming to make a difference in the different sectors that I’m operating in now as well as those to be operated in the future. So, witnessing all of those growing up and till date has help shaped my business mind, attitude to work and general outlook as an adult.

  • Ekiti’s name and shame

    In less than two weeks, Ekiti State introduced two major policy measures that deserve commendation. One is the public naming and shaming of convicted sex offenders in the state, as part of measures to curb sexual violence. The other is the ban on the use of English language during traditional events in the state.

    Of the two, I consider the first, which is the one having to do with sexual abuse, as the more important. May be that is because of where I am coming from. I know for sure that the real traditional people might opt for the aspect having to do with Yoruba language.

    If we are not to deceive ourselves, the issue of sexual abuse in the country has reached crisis dimension, given the frequency of occurrence, and the victims, usually minors. Hardly is any news complete these days without stories of some men taking undue advantage of people of the opposite sex. A content analysis of the media will easily point in this direction.

    Sometimes, while choosing topics for editorial comment, we keep asking ourselves if we are not devoting too much time and energy to sexual abuse. But then, one can never say too much of it, if for no other reason but because one does not know who the next victim might be. It is only those who are directly or indirectly affected that know where the shoes pinch; the rest of us see them as mere statistics.

    Just as the scripture tells us, that even God’s judgment would start at the house of God, the first person whose name is to feature in the Ekiti ‘hall of infamy’ opened specifically for sex offenders in the state is a former Anglican priest, Reverend Asateru Gabriel, who was convicted for sexually abusing a seven-year-old girl. Not only is the fact that the first person to be registered is a man of God, he also bears a surname with one of the angels of God, Gabriel. Gabriel’s name means “God is great.” Angel Gabriel was a messenger saddled with the responsibility of delivering several important messages on God’s behalf, including the birth of Jesus Christ.

    A statement by Ekiti State Commissioner for Justice, Mr Wale Fapohunda, said “The Ministry of Justice today began the publication of the names and photographs of convicted sex offenders in the state. We are commencing with a public notice on the status of Reverend Asateru Gabriel, a former Anglican priest who was convicted for the sexual abuse of a seven-year-old girl. The state government is concerned about the frequency of reported cases of sexual violence.

    “It has, therefore, become necessary to put in place proactive measures to halt this trend. These measures include public notification of the status of convicted sex offenders by showing their photographs on Ekiti State Broadcasting Service and announcing their names on radio stations in the state”.

    “Reverend Gabriel is currently serving a five-year prison sentence in Federal Prisons, Ado Ekiti. This publication is in furtherance of the Dr Kayode Fayemi administration’s zero-tolerance policy for all forms of violence against women and children”.

    That is not all. The state government will also paste the photographs of convicted sex offenders in prominent places in their communities as well as their local government headquarters. It would even issue “advisory to the traditional ruler of the sex offender’s community on the status of the offender and uploading the sex offenders’ photograph on the website of the ministry of justice.” And, do such sexual offenders not deserve to have their heads examined in line with the government’s directive?

    As serious as the matter is; only a few government institutions are helping matters where rape or sexual abuse generally is concerned. I have said it on this page before, that this is one reason which deters many rape victims from reporting their harrowing experiences. Apart from the widely known social stigma attached to rape in our clime, some government institutions, like the police and even in some cases, the courts, seem to trivialise the matter.

    Some policemen investigating rape cases would, in the course of their investigation, ask whether the victim was crying or moaning when being raped. In some courts, some counsel ask for the blood stains of the underwear of the victims despite the fact that the crime was committed a long time ago.

    What comes into my mind when I hear of some of these reactions is whether the policemen or lawyers asking such questions would have done so if the minor raped or abused is their daughter or relation. But we have to commend some state governments, like Lagos, for the efforts they have made in curbing sexual abuse.

    We should be eternally grateful to the many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that have dedicated their services to the issue. They are the ones helping to bring some of these cases into focus and keeping them at the front burner of national discourse. They have even seen some of the cases to their logical conclusion, with some suspects convicted.

    This explains the position of the vice-chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Ilesha Branch, Mr Boye Williams, who said he believes “that this will serve as a deterrent to some, because nobody wants their name to be tarnished.” Also, the Gender Rights Associate at the Citizens Gavel, Jennifer Way, said, “The register will curb rape; It is a good one.” We should be eternally grateful to them.

    There are those who might want to see the naming and shaming of Reverend Gabriel as double jeopardy. But, how do we explain that a man of God who should be counselling his congregation on moral chastity, whether in or out of service, was the one caught doing it with a seven-year-old? The truth of the matter is that we like to frown at some punishments as being out of tune with the offence committed. Unfortunately, our sympathy is usually tilted in favour of the criminal or offender.

    Otherwise, what could have brought about the issue of double jeopardy in this kind of matter?  Well, those who so hold are entitled to their opinion. What I know though, is that there is nothing like double jeopardy here at all. If we talk of double jeopardy for the rapist, then how many jeopardies do we know the rape victims suffered? Can we quantify such? Only rape victims are competent to comment on whether the extra punishment such as Ekiti has applied in this instance, and that it intends to be its standard, is too severe.

    Many of the rape victims live with the trauma of their experiences for life. It is because we have taken the issue of rape with levity that many people, including students in secondary schools and higher institutions now have the temerity to gang-rape fellow students or some other unfortunate victims. These are supposed to be role models sent to school to make them useful to themselves and the larger society, and all they do is learn to punish ladies who refused their amorous advances with gang-raping, and even threatening to upload the video for the world to see, should their victim tell the school authorities or the police.

    Sex is supposed to be a thing of pleasure between two consenting adults. Where one of the parties forced his or her way on the other, then consent is no longer there, and that is punishable. It is even worse where the victim is a minor; we have seen accounts of grandpas doing it (or is it attempting to do it) with babies less than one year old! And yet some people are talking of double jeopardy when the punishment is being meted to such offenders.

    This is something that lawyers would even tell you that a man can be accused of raping his wife if the wife does not consent to their having sex, and vice versa. How much more people who do not know themselves from Adam?

    But for the fact that death penalty is fast becoming anachronistic in modern times, and more importantly because of the possibility of miscarriage of justice, I would have advocated death penalty for people who rape minors or, worse still, babies. Perhaps they should be castrated?

  • ‘Everyday realities inspire me to write’

    Betty Abah is an award-winning journalist, author, women and children’s rights activist and social media activist. She is the founder of CEE-HOPE, a child’s right and development NGO. She had practiced with Newswatch and TELL Magazine. She is a fellow of the Alfred Friendly Press Fellowships, USA, the John Knight Health Reporting Fellowship (USA), the Kaiser Family Foundation Fellowship (USA) among others. Abah has authored five books including Go Tell Our King (poetry), Sound of Broken Chains (poetry) and Mother of Multitudes (biography). She speaks to Edozie Udeze on what makes her an exceptional poet and writer

    What triggers your muse?

    I am inspired by my everyday realities, both my high and low points. I am pained by human suffering and the gross inhumanity of people in power and others who wield multifaceted powers over fellow humans. I am angry and many times my anger births my literary outputs. Poetry captures my most intense emotions. From age 10 when I started writing and particularly age 15 when I started doing poetry, I came to realise that the more depressed one gets, the deeper the work. But my work is also a vehicle of expression for my joy, fulfilments and admiration of God’s creations.

    When you read a book, what are the essential issues you look out for?

    When I read a book, especially fiction, the first thing I look out for is the style, the elegance of the writing, how the writer is able to arrest the reader’s attention with sheer elegance, and brilliance. I like to see the pages leap at my face and increase my heartbeats with sheer entertainment. Thus, the issues being treated are most times not as important to me as the pleasure I derive from reading a book. I guess I basically flow with the writer on whatever theme he/she chooses to explore, as long as you can sustain my interest with your soul-filling style, and that is so true for fictional works, and which is why our own Chimamanda Adichie and Abubakar Adam Ibrahim are among my all-time favourite writers.

    What sorts of books interest you most?

    Biography, poetry and fiction, and to some extent, motivational books. I also read the Bible a lot, especially the book of Psalms — there are a rich reservoir of inspiration—inspiration beyond words, they enrich my soul. But beyond that, I read EVERYTHING. There is no way you can broaden your mind, hold down conversation, inspire or even be a good writer if you are not an avid, actually a ferocious reader. You must read like your life depends on it. Also, as part of my activism campaign, screaming for the rights of women and children, I write and do lots of media interviews and there is no way you can hold up any good conversation or pass on quality information if you are not a ‘multi-purpose reader’ versed in your area of campaign and in a broad range of other issues.

    Of all the books you have read which character or characters struck you most?

    One of the most profound books I have read is in a non-fiction book called Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace … One School at a Time.  It’s a book about Greg Mortenson, an American nurse and mountaineer who went for an expedition in Northern Pakistan in 1993. Sick and tired in the course of the climb to K2, the second highest mountain in the world, he found himself in Korphe, a remote mountain village in northern Pakistan, where he was nursed back to life by a generous old man called Haji Ali. He discovered that there was no school in the village and promised to return to build a school for them. He kept to his word and returned and his humanitarian effort later led to the establishment of the non-profit, Central Asia Institute (CAI) through which he built hundreds |of schools across Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. I was privileged to have met and interviewed him in 2006 while on a reporting programme at the Rocky Mountain Newspaper in Colorado, USA (as a fellow of the Alfred Friendly Press Fellowship). He is truly an inspiring figure who has won so many global awards in recognition of his transformative humanitarian work.  The idea of a happenstance blossoming into a major movement that would transform the lives of several thousands and transfix millions others later is for me quite captivating. But even more, the colourful and breathtaking writing style of the co-author, David Oliver Relin, now late really did it for me.

    At what point in your life did you start nursing the idea of being a writer?

    I guessed the writing life happened on me, it wasn’t planned or contemplated. I was a very withdrawn and intense child in a large polygamous family, that soaked things in quickly, and tried to rationalize so many things so early in life, indeed my maternal grandmother nicknamed me ‘the agitator’, so I guess writing was an outlet for all that. Anyway, I started writing at age 10 while in primary school in Otukpo, Benue State, doing mostly profuse letters to relatives living in Lagos, then essays, then poetry, then journalism and also now, new media. As I said, it was a natural tendency and I love it. There is nothing like giving expression to our experiences and the world around us. With writing, we are painting words on life’s canvass for all to read and be entertained, to be challenged, be informed, be inspired or to even be angry enough to act positively. So, becoming a journalist later and an author and now an advocacy writer is just priceless for me. I feel like I am in a good place fulfilling purpose. It’s just wonderful to see that situations can change, justice can be served and sanity restored through a single report or just a couple of tweets or one or two Facebook posts. I deeply appreciate all who risk their lives daily by speaking truth to power through both the traditional and social media. With the sickening level of impunity by both the leaders and the governed in our country, the correcting whip of the media is most needed. I am proud to be a part of this.

    Any particular book that triggered the interest?

    Yes, a torn copy of Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. I was eight then and wasn’t yet in school (I started school properly at age nine) and so couldn’t read but was fascinated by the artistic illustrations. Once I was able to read it, I read virtually all of Achebe’s books, virtually all of Cyprian Ekwensi’s books, virtually all the titles on the African Writers Series, Pace Setters, books by Kola Onadipe and just about everything I could find in the school library at Wesley High School, Otukpo, the town library or those supplied me by my generous classmate and friend, Ejuma Okoh. As a teenager, I literally buried myself in books.

    When and where do you prefer to read or write and how often?

    There is nothing like being curled up on the floor of my quiet study with a book, or with my note pad and pen. But then the Muse can be dictatorial and can happen anywhere— in the kitchen, bathroom, while driving, while in a meeting—just anywhere!

    what is your preferred genre of literature?

    Poetry. Definitely!

    Who are your choice authors home and abroad?

    So many, but Chimamanda Adichie among the top on the list, any time. I think people also need to read more of our great columnists like Dan Agbese more. Agbese, my journalism mentor and benefactor, is also author of so many books— splendid, indeed world-class wordsmith he is!

    When you meet any of them, what will be your first question to him or her?

    Which is your favourite, of all your books?

    Are you a re-reader and how often?

    Ofcourse! And that depends on how ‘delicious’ the book is. For instance, I have read the motivational book, How to Make Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie several times. Same for Adichie’s Americanah and Tree Cups of Tea. I also hope to find time to read Cyprian Ekwensi’s books again, for the sheer beauty of the stories, I mean who doesn’t love An African Night Entertainment, The Drummer Boy, Burning Grass, or is it The Passport of Mallam Illia?

    How has writing reshaped your life?

    It has broadened my worldview, deepened my thinking process and generally enriched my life. You know, to be a writer, you must also be a good reader, and reading is quite transformative. But also, being an author is quite fulfilling. One of the greatest joys I have ever known is seeing my published works among other books on my shelves and in the shelves of book stores. It’s an incredible feeling, I guess, like birthing and beholding your own child.

    How do you arrange your library?

    Not in any special order, though I can always track particular books when I want to. My books are my friends; they are among my most prized possessions.

    What are you reading now and what do you intend to read next?

    I have three books that I am currently traveling with—Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s memoire, My Watch, Volume 1 (I got the three volumes and plan to read all) Steven Job’s biography Steven Jobs by Walter Isaacson, and a compelling book, However Long the Night by Aimee Molloy, about an American humanitarian Molly Melching who has lived and worked in Senegal for 45 years. Melching established the Tostan Centre in 1991 and works with communities across Senegal, Mali, Guinea and others to end child marriages and other harmful traditions such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) or cutting. Today, the organization has succeeded in more than 8, 000 communities in sub-Sharan African countries. I was privileged to attend a training in her centre in Senegal recently and to get the book. Quite inspiring and educative.

     

  • Mattress buying guide

    I never knew buying a good mattress can be difficult till a retiree, Mrs Edith Udug, complained to us that a mattress of a leading brand she bought collapsed after about one year of usage.

    Explaining, the brand manager of the company who pleaded anonymity said it could have been caused by many external factors. Exonerating the company, he affirmed the high quality of the product but said that Udug bought a mattress not meant for her.

    “When buying mattress, a customer must consider so many things including her weight. A mattress for someone weighing 40kilos will not do for one weighing 100kilos. We provided weighing scales for our dealers and educate them on weighing customers before selling mattress to them.”

    Weight is just one of them. Let us examine other factors to be considered before parting with our money.

    Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to staying happy and healthy. But buying a mattress without doing your research first can lead to sleepless nights and achy mornings, if you are not sleeping on a supportive base.

    So whether you are a side sleeper or suffer from chronic back pain, read on to find out what option is best for you.

    Types of mattress

    Open spring mattress: Also known as open coil or continuous coil mattresses. These contain one long piece of metal wire coiled into numerous springs. There is also an additional border rod or wire to maintain shape and provide structure. It is a great value for money option, although sides are machine-stitched rather than hand-stitched, they are lighter than other models, making them easy to turn. They tend to be less supportive than other mattresses too, so are most suited to guest bedrooms or as children’s beds, where they are used occasionally or will need to be replaced regularly anyway.

    Pocket spring mattress:  You can buy soft, medium or firm versions, depending on your preference, and they are more breathable than memory foam or latex mattresses. This is a good option if you’re looking for a bed for two people, as the separate springs will cater for your different needs and weights, while they will also minimise the risk of you rolling towards your partner in the middle of the night.

    Memory foam mattress: These more modern mattresses are made from memory foam, which is a mouldable material that also responds to temperature and weight, and has hypo-allergenic properties. This means it will mould to the shape of your body, absorb your weight and relieve pressure on your joints. Not everyone likes the sinking motion of this type of mattress, and it can get rather warm, but it’s ideal for those who need support or suffer from a bad back, as it will maintain posture and align your spine horizontally when sleeping on your side.

    Latex mattress: As the name suggests, these mattresses are filled with latex foam, which is an especially breathable material, so you won’t overheat in the middle of the night. It’s also extremely durable and should last for many years. And it’s a good option for those with allergies or asthma. They can feel rather solid at first though, so they’re better suited to those who prefer a firmer bed. Usually heavy, latex mattresses can be difficult to turn and cheaper versions can develop lumps and dents over time.

    Hybrid: Drawing from a combination of materials that usually include memory foam, latex and pocket springs, hybrid mattresses are designed to give a more balanced sleeping experience. They often come with a pocket-sprung base and a memory foam top layer, providing both comfort and support – alleviating aches and pains by responding to your body’s shape.

    Continuous and coil: These are significantly cheaper than other mattress types, but be warned that with the attractive price tag comes the likelihood of these mattresses wearing out and sagging quickly. These mattresses also move around a lot with you as you sleep – as they are designed as one unit – so if you or your partner tosses and turns in the night, we’d suggest you consider other options.

    Mattress firmness

    How firm your mattress is will affect how well you sleep. The type of firmness you need will depend on your sleeping position, height and weight. Here we explain what level of firmness is best for what type of sleeper.

    Soft: Side sleepers or those who change positions during the night are best suited to soft mattresses. This is because the way you sleep already relieves pressure from your spine so you want your mattress to mould to your body’s natural position.

    Medium soft: This is ideal for those who change their sleeping position during the night, as it will still mould to your body position but provide a little more support.

    Medium firm: This is best for people who sleep on their back as you require extra lower-back support, which this type of firmness offers.

    Firm: This type of mattress is ideal for those who sleep on their front, are over 15 stone or suffer from back pain. This is because it will keep your back in a relatively comfortable and stable position without allowing you to sink into it as you sleep, which can cause lower-back pain.

    How should you sleep while pregnant?

    During your first trimester, you’ll often feel sleepy and want to nap. It’s important you get the rest you need so sleep in whatever position feels most comfortable, including on your front or back.

    In your second trimester, you’ll feel the baby’s weight more, which can feel uncomfortable and put extra pressure on certain areas of your body. This is when a soft mattress will help, while your bigger bump means the recommended position to sleep in is on your left side, as sleeping on your back will cause your bump to press against a main blood vessel, which may cause you to feel faint.

    During your third trimester, your lower back may be a source of pain as it supports your baby’s increasing weight. To ease this, continue to sleep on your left side and with a pillow under your head, between your knees and under and around your bump to ease discomfort and take pressure off your muscles and hips. We’ve also reviewed pillows to help mums-to-be sleep.

    What mattress do you need if you suffer from joint or back pain?

    A good mattress needs to give both support and comfort and that includes ones for those who suffer from back problems.

    Although a firm mattress is recommended by some retailers, you should always look for a mattress that keeps your back aligned while sleeping and relieves pressure points along your spine and joints. This has a lot to do with your weight (the heavier you are, the firmer your mattress should be).

    Mattress care

    Once your mattress is delivered, make sure you let it air for at least four hours. This will remove any storage smells of damp or cold.

    Ideally, the mattress should then be aired weekly by removing the bed linen. Remember to turn your mattress regularly too. This will stop dips forming and your weight altering part of the mattress, causing uneven sleeping.

    You should aim to replace your mattresses every eight to 10 years though. This is not only for hygiene reasons but because it will soften over time, reducing the support it gives you.

    If you feel sore when you wake up or you find you sleep better in other beds, it’s time for a change.

  • Italy’s leaders are divided on policy, united in fear of one man

    In the days since the Italian government fell, finding an alternative governing coalition has been less politics and more physics. Italy’s various political forces — right and left, north and south — are divided into 1 million pieces, but are revolving around one center of gravity: Matteo Salvini.

    Before withdrawing from the coalition this month, triggering the crisis, Salvini—Italy’s interior minister and the head of the right-wing-populist League party—used his 15 months in government to run a permanent election campaign. He pushed back against the European Union and used an “Italians first” message to rail against immigrants, theatrically closing Italian ports to boats carrying migrants, while leavening his tough-guy message on social media with videos of puppies and pictures of food.

    This saw the League’s popularity rise in the polls to nearly 40 percent, double that of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement, its senior partner in government. In withdrawing from the coalition, Salvini accused the Five Star Movement of blocking the economy. Mostly what it was blocking was his own path to power. Today Salvini is gunning for snap elections in which the League might well place first, creating the first far-right government in a pillar of the EU.

    That possibility has put the fear of God not just into EU leaders, but into most of Italy’s political parties, from the center-left, such as it is, to the Five Star Movement. Italian President Sergio Mattarella said yesterday that he would support only a solid new coalition capable of passing a confidence vote in Parliament; otherwise, he would have to call new elections, a decision he said would not be taken lightly, since the fate of the country and economy are at stake. If Italy has no government in place to pass the national budget this fall, the value-added tax will go up, further paralyzing Italy’s already flagging economy.

    Unless the League and the Five Star Movement can patch things up, which seems unlikely but not impossible, the most likely alternative coalition would be between the Five Star Movement and the center-left Democratic Party. But this would be highly unusual—and problematic—as it would mean a total about-face for both parties. The Five Star Movement up until now governed with the far-right League; both parties are generally euroskeptic and want to rewrite Italy’s treaties with Europe. Why would the Five Star Movement suddenly shift to the left? And the pro-Europe Democratic Party has for years been opposed to allying with the Five Star Movement. Italy today is a sea of protest voters, allied into parties held together by anger more than ideas.

    Whether Salvini will get the elections he wants is unclear. He may have overplayed his hand. But his gamble has revealed the deep ideological and personal fissures on the Italian left, as well as questions about what, if anything, the Five Star Movement stands for. What is going on here? It’s not about policy, the columnist Ezio Mauro wrote today in La Repubblica, a center-left daily; “all of this is tactics.”

    A split in the Democratic Party between its current leader, Nicola Zingaretti, and his predecessor, former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi—Salvini’s nemesis—is permanent and reveals divides that go beyond personality, Mauro wrote. But the question for the Five Star Movement is equally existential. If it decides to shed the League for the center-left, what is it? Swapping alliances “the way you change clothes” is dangerous, Mauro argued, “because it involves radically different visions, values, methods and horizons.”

    The Five Star Movement is an extremely ambiguous party. It drew protest voters from both the right and the left with a platform of fighting corruption, defending Italy’s natural resources, and generally sticking it to the man. An experiment in direct democracy but a troubling first for Western representative democracy, its internal policy decisions are made via a secret online vote using a web platform managed by a private company—a phenomenon Italy’s privacy authority has sanctioned as not transparent. (The New York Times’ Jason Horowitz has a good explainer that discusses the Five Star Movement’s penchant for creative math and its flirtation with conspiracy theories, anti-vaxxers, and anti-Semitism.)

    If the League is a leader, Salvini, with no party—or a party whose platform he radically changed—then the Five Star Movement is a party with no clear leader. Its founder and soul is a former comedian; its face is a former small businessman; and its brain is an internet entrepreneur who manages the party’s web platform. The party vowed that its members of Parliament would serve only one term, but now that its gotten pretty comfortable in Parliament, it’s experimenting with ways to circumvent its own rules. In government, it has endorsed Salvini’s hard line on immigration, even if it hasn’t been as vocal or theatrical in its attacks on immigrants. (The two parties’ views are “very much the same,” but they express them “in a very different way,” Marta Grande, a Five Star lawmaker, told me in an interview.)

    There is no easy solution to the government crisis. Italy is a fairly conservative country, but since the decline of former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia party, voters have no options on the center-right, leaving only Salvini’s far-right League. For now, all we know is that the Five Star Movement might turn to the left after working with the right, because Salvini dropped it. And the Democratic Party may turn to the Five Star Movement, a party it has long despised, in order to block Salvini. Beyond that, it’s hard to know if they share any common ground. Which, as Mauro pointed out, is tactics, not policy, and dangerous for democracy.

    Such an alliance would only strengthen Salvini. Whether in government or opposition, he excels at playing the victim of an establishment out to get him. In or out of power, he still has everyone else playing defense.

    This article was first published in www.theatlantic.com

  • APC must begin to reflect on life after Buhari – Princewill

    Prince Tonye Princewill was the Director, Strategic Communication for the APC Governorship Campaign in Rivers State for the 2019 Elections before the Supreme Court excluded the party from the contest due to internal crisis. He was a chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria on whose platform he aspired unsuccessfully to be governor of River State. In this interview with Tony Akowe in Abuja, Princewill who is a close associate of Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, speaks on the crisis that cost the party River State, the security situation in the country and lots more.

    After the 2019 elections where the APC was excluded in Rivers State, are there efforts to carry out a comprehensive reconciliation among members and where does the party in the state stand ahead of 2023?

    Anybody who wants to win wants peace, especially anyone who is not blinded by ambition. I know peace efforts were made before the elections and I suspect peace efforts will be made again soon. But it has to be initiated from outside. That means it is the duty of the party to find a way to bring all sides back to the table. The national office in my opinion is best placed to midwife a genuine peace process. Disagreements are commonplace in politics. Friction is a function of interaction. So we await the party. Clearly as the dust begins to settle and ministers are put in place, the need for a state by state reconciliation will come to the front burner.

    I will say however that party disunity at the state level was not what cost us the election. It was disunity at the national level buoyed by a few in the judiciary and in INEC that were willing to use the guise of local issues to implement a plan hatched in Rivers State Government House. We were naive to think that those threatened by Amaechi were only in PDP. Now we know that was not the case. His unadulterated closeness to Buhari and his refusal to “play” with some of his fellow leaders at the national level meant that his enemies became Wike’s friends. If an Amaechi without a state government is so influential, an Amaechi with a Rivers State Government would be unstoppable. 2019 for us was about 2023, not 2019. Amaechi was taught a lesson and we in Rivers State paid for it, through no fault of our own. Anybody weak enough can be induced to be disunited. Our fault was we underestimated how much Amaechi was hated within his own team. So at the federal level, we were really in government, but we were not in power.

    At the national level, the party seems to be fragmented along interest lines. There are those who feel your party is losing its goodwill and that the party may not be in reckoning come 2023, particularly considering that the cult-like followership of President Buhari will no longer be there. How do you react to that?

    It was the former British Prime Minister that said “A week is a long time in politics.” That applies here too. My prediction is that there will be an alignment and realignment of interests leading up to the next elections. We see it all the time. It’s nothing new. What may be new is the President may sign into law a new electoral act that will introduce electronic voting. People will become more important to politicians if that is the case. In many states, that has not been the case. Both the APC and the PDP will be affected by this and it means the possibility of a third force will become more likely.

    I agree APC will need to begin to reflect on life after Buhari. Like I said earlier, it was Buhari that won that election, against all odds. So if he isn’t there, it will be different. But if Buhari raises the hand of anyone, he or she already has a head start over the opposition. Buhari won’t raise anyone’s hand in 2023 unless he genuinely believes that such a person can do justice to Nigeria and take her to the promise land. It will be that person versus someone who can take us back to the days of sharing and I know, in the end, the progressives, under whatever banner, will win again.

    Amaechi is perceived in certain quarters as a stumbling block in Rivers APC and not a rallying point. He couldn’t stomach Magnus Abe, Lulu Briggs and a few others who left the party because they alleged he imposed Tonye Cole. You are a strong force within. What is your take?

    Let me start by saying that I am not a strong force, just a very stubborn politician who will not play politics as usual. I am easy to understand. My loyalty to party is not at the expense of my loyalty to my people. As long as my party respects my people, my party can have no problem with me. Who are my people: the youths, the vulnerable, the disabled, the masses, the Niger Deltans, the Ijaws, Rivers people and of course, the Kalabari Kingdom. Mess with any of these groups and you have messed with me. It is therefore impossible to impose someone where I am seated. I won’t take it. Amaechi did not impose anyone on us. He did not even allow the writing of results at the ward, LGA and state congresses. He, like his father Buhari, became an extreme democrat. The amount of sincere consultations we did in Rivers State, impressed even a sceptic of our politics like me. I’ve been a victim of the popular will being reversed many times and I can tell you, that didn’t happen in Rivers State. Yes, its true Amaechi expressed an opinion as to Tonye Cole at the end, but he did so only after we gave him that option. I was one of the last to agree. But I know Amaechi has genuine love at the grassroots and the best way to fight the opposition was lining up behind one position, no matter whose ox was gored. Can I agree behind closed doors and reject it publicly? No. I cannot do that. We the leaders agreed on the process of choosing a candidate and we agreed on Tonye Cole – collectively. With respect to my brother, the distinguished Senator Magnus Abe, he jumped the gun and expressed an interest to contest very early. Amaechi refused to endorse him, but he was left free to express his views and free to associate, including with Wike. He could never have won, so he ensured nobody won. I’m sure he is very happy about how he made his point. Wike owes a lot to him.

    We are experiencing dwindling external reserves and the GDP isn’t encouraging. In specific terms, what do you think should be done by the new cabinet to drive the economy, particularly from its mono cultural status?

    There are a lot of things they can do sector by sector. But I think there are a few areas that I see quick wins. Improved agricultural output is already a priority and I expect that the government will do more; same for infrastructure. We need more rail, roads, better ports and airports. Our refineries also need to be online and effective. Decades have passed without progress. But two areas are dear to me. The first is that I want the power sector to be a key target and I want to see it improved, especially at the level of distribution. This issue frustrates me so much so I took time to study it. No matter how much we generate, we don’t have the infrastructure to distribute more than 4,000 MW. The discos are a bottle neck and I now see why. The issue needs to be addressed.

    The next area for me is the creative industry, our music, our film, our comedians, our artists and our collective culture, popularly called the entertainment industry. This is the life blood of our youths and one of the largest employers of labour. I see that the CBN and BOI are doing a good job of recognising them. But they need to do more and this has to be a serious and a directly supervised initiative by the executive under the Ministry of Information and Culture and supported by Justice Ministry.

    You have been around for long: a friend to Atiku, you worked with Tinubu in 2007 and you are one of Amaechi’s confidants. Yet you are at home in the Villa. How have you been able to manage or navigate around all these power blocks and tendencies in our polity?

    I am a willing student and I did not join politics for what I can take. I joined for what I can give. Both Atiku and Asiwaju brought me up very well politically. Atiku gave me the opportunity to contest and allowed me a voice; Asiwaju stood by me and gave me the tools to fight for justice. They both handed me over to Amaechi even though they both denied it at the time. I now know why. Since then, we have been a team, even though his refusal to support me for governor kept me away from him for a while. All politics is local and so in Rivers State; you are either with Wike or Amaechi. I’ve tried the third party option. It doesn’t work. There is no way I can work with Wike. As for the Villa and the Presidency, I believe in Buhari and I’m not alone. Ninety (90) percent of my LGA agreed with me. He got our votes. We rejected anything and everything associated with Wike and we have seen a man for the masses. I’m sure they see that in me.

    With the problems that trailed APC’s adoption of direct primaries in some states of the Federation, do you see it as a better method than indirect primaries?

    If well managed, it can be a solution to many of our problems. It’s expensive and it can be an invitation to violence. But if you can check that, I will forever be an advocate for it.

    The Buhari administration has faced strong criticisms from Nigerians who feel he is not holding on to his campaign promises, especially in the area of fight against corruption. Would you not agree that the fight against corruption could be better fought?

    Of course it could be better fought because there is room for improvement. I will be the first to agree with this. But let us not be fooled by those who think nothing is being done or no significant progress is being made. Critics are available like sand. I ignore them. What I watch out for are the constructive critics. They want to see more high profile convictions and fast tracking of cases and their wishes are being heard. I am reminded of what a banker once told me. He said he can’t make it impossible for people to steal money. What he can do is make it harder and harder for them.

    From your arguments, it is obvious that you consider the last governorship election in Rivers State as a sham. But there are those who would argue that Governor Wike is solidly on the ground in that state and that he understands the politics better and has earned for himself the sobriquet, Mr. Project in Rivers. What chances does the APC have with another four years of Wike?

    INEC declared him governor. So, that is what he is until the Judiciary says otherwise or till his four year term expires or God takes control to the contrary. We all know it was a sham; it’s not breaking news. What was a surprise was who and who were involved. But now we know. He is now planning to endorse Austin Opara as his successor because he has seen that cash is King; anybody can be bought: the media, the police, the judiciary, the opposition and the youths. He knows our moral fibre is weak and that hunger has left many of us thinking with our stomachs and not our heads. We are here and watching. Let the buying begin. APC’s chances depend on APC. If like in 2015 and 2019, you predicted a President without Rivers; that may not be the case going forward. We need candidates who are popular, grass-rooted and can appeal across party lines; at all levels. We can’t afford a disgruntled electorate.

  • Goldberg Larger wears new look

    To sustain the spirit of celebration and cultural heritage, Goldberg, the premium quality beer which has become a cultural staple for pleasure-seekers for years, has launched a new golden look that speaks to its respected status in the beer community as a cultural symbol.

    With its refined, classy look, Goldberg was relaunched on August 9, 2019 at the finale of the brand’s talent hunt show, Ariya Repete, at the Ikeja City Mall, Lagos with the theme, “The Mark of Respect.’’

    For years, Goldberg has retained its spot as the regional mainstream brand for South West Nigeria. Like the traditional talking drum, Goldberg has commanded attention at weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and other parties across the cities in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo as well as Kwara. From its towering look of effervescence to the lingering bitter-sweet taste, this larger beer from the leading brewer, Nigerian Breweries Plc, is brewed for quality enjoyment.

    Goldberg represents a cultural heritage and excellent craftsmanship. It is also a common find in any cultural gathering such as festivals where oral poetry tradition is celebrated. Its panegyric element is synonymous with the Yoruba’s oral tradition which is passed down from one generation to another to preserve history and culture. To bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, Goldberg’s new look appeals to the next generation of consumers who share the values of respect, enterprise and dignity.

    It is for this reason that Goldberg earns the title of “Omoluabi’’ which conveys the value of good character, respect, enjoyment, dignity and integrity. Over the years, Goldberg has stayed true to its core value of reverence and quality enjoyment which makes it different from other mainstream beer brands in Nigeria. As a beer that treasures tradition, Goldberg has a competitive edge of restoring the true communal spirit as the toast of socialites in the South West region. Indeed, Goldberg is an iconic beer that has defined and still redefines the cultural landscape for beer consumers who cherish and relish traditional values.

    The Senior Brand Manager, Goldberg and Life, Maria Shadeko, in her remarks noted the distinctive elements of the Goldberg brand that has made it a market leader in the beer industry and how the new look will impact on the consumers. ”Goldberg beer is an ideal complement to consumers who place value on tradition, respect and culture. With its new look, Goldberg offers more than just high-quality taste for pure enjoyment but an enhanced visual delight which will make it the choice larger beer for every connoisseur.’’

    Speaking to the new theme, Shadeko added that ”with the new theme ‘mark of respect’, we will be speaking to the excellent craftsmanship and impeccable quality of Goldberg, elevating its credentials to a position of reverence and admiration. While ‘Omoluabi’ encapsulates the ethos of the Yoruba people and their values of “Respect, Enterprise, Dignity” (R.E.D), of which enjoyment is a manifestation.”

    It’s been an eventful year for Goldberg Larger. 2019 has seen the brand unveil a new brand ambassador, successfully sponsor the 2019 edition of Ariya Repete as well as re-invent itself in a new and exciting way. With a new label, a new crown cork and a newly formulated larger which promises a great tasting experience, Goldberg seeks to further establish itself as the market leaders.

  • One dies as street party turns tragic

    A street party turned tragic penultimate on Thursday at Oko-Oba area of Ogun State after a youth identified as Ayomide Olanrewaju was run over by a car.

    He died shortly afterwards in the hospital where he had been rushed to for treatment.

    A mob immediately descended on the car driver identified as Onibudo and almost lynched him.

    The police intervened and arrested the suspect.

    The angry protesters stormed the police station demanding that the suspect be released to them for punishment, but the police would not yield.

    Read Also: Angry transporters shut market, protest extortion in Ogun

    A witness said: ’One man moved his car  and ran over Onibudo and one other youth at a party held on Charity road, New Oko Oba . The victims were taken to hospital where Onibudo died.

    ‘’The protesters went to the police station when they learnt the suspect was to be released from custody.’’

    Contacted, police spokesman, Elkanah Bala said the case had been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department.

    He said: There was a neighbourhood party held in the area during which the suspect was said to have hit two youths with his car and one of them later died at a hospital.

    “The suspect has since been transferred to the homicide Section of SCID, where he is being detained for further investigation.’’

  • NAPTIP nabs man allegedly involved in kidnapping Ghanaian girls

    Operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition in Trafficking of Persons (NAPTIP) have nabbed a man accused of being involved in kidnapping Ghanaian girls to Nigeria.

    The suspect Chika Nnodim is believed to be part of a cross border criminal gang including kidnapping and have been under security watch list of the government of Nigeria and Ghana.

    He and two other Nigerians: Samuel Udoetuk Wills and John Oji were alleged to have been involved in the kidnapping of three Ghanaians girls aged between 15 and 21 years.

    Victoria Ijampy said this in a statement on behalf of the head Press and Public Relations of NAPTIP.

    She stated, “Operatives of the National Agency for the prohibition in trafficking of persons NAPTIP have arrested one Chika John Nnodim for alleged involvement in the kidnap of three Ghanaian girls from Ghana to Nigeria. The suspect has also been handed over to the office of the Inspector-General of Police for further investigation.

    “The suspects who is believed to be part of a cross border criminal gang including kidnapping and have been under security watch list of the government of Nigeria and Ghana was nabbed by NAPTIP officials after a very painstaking investigation at various locations within Nigeria and Ghana.

    “He and two other Nigerians: Samuel Udoetuk Wills and John Oji were alleged to have been involved in the kidnapping of three Ghanaians girls aged between 15 and 21 years.

    “The case was reported to the Agency by the Ghana High Commission Abuja in April 2019 alleging the kidnap of their citizens from Ghana to Nigerian. The Agency collaborated with relevant law enforcement Agencies within Nigeria and Ghana in the investigation.

    “The case has been transferred to the Inspector-General of Police for further investigation because finding from investigation proved that the case is not human trafficking related but of murder and kidnap.

    Read Also: NAPTIP to open register for sex offenders

    “When contacted, the Director-General of NAPTIP Dame Julie Okah-Donli expressed displeasure over the activities of the suspects adding that they were promptly handed over to the sister law enforcement Agency to ensure their thorough prosecution.

    “She stressed further that the Agency shall continue to collaborate with other relevant Agencies as part of its inter-agencies synergy. The NAPTIP boss warned that there is no hiding place for any criminal in Nigeria irrespective of their status even as she assured of a robust inter-agencies collaborations in the years above. “

  • VAR rules out Ronaldo’s goal as Juventus start title defence with win

    Cristiano Ronaldo had a goal ruled out for offside by the video assistant referee as Juventus started their season with a slender win over Parma.

    Captain Giorgio Chiellini scored the Serie A champions’ goal, poking in from close range after Alex Sandro mis-hit a shot from a corner.

    Ronaldo looked to have doubled his side’s lead but his head was judged to have been narrowly offside by VAR.

    Read Also: Ronaldo scores as Juventus held to a draw at Ajax

    Juve’s £67.5m summer signing Matthijs de Ligt was an unused substitute.

    Aaron Ramsey, who joined from Arsenal in the summer, did not make the matchday squad.

    Manager Maurizio Sarri did not travel to Parma after receiving treatment for pneumonia, and the former Chelsea boss will also miss next week’s fixture against Napoli at Allianz Stadium.

    BBCSports