The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Praise Olowe

Award: ACLN urges youths constructive participation in politics

The Winners of the youth empowerment Essay/ Debate project Q1 2018, organized by the Association for Credible Leadership in Nigeria ( ACLN ) have been awarded at an award ceremony which held in Lagos.

The competition which focused on Youth Participation in Nigerian politics and governance brought together students of private and government owned secondary schools in Lagos State.

Winner, runner up and ACLN members present

Speaking at the award ceremony, ACLN Country President, Olurotimi Ibiyode said that the project was aimed at building right values in the Nigerian youths from tender age and helping them see Nigeria in a positive light from a tender age when their value system is yet being built.

“As a group, we are poised to making a change in Nigeria and there is no better place to start than within the for walls of our educational system because we believe strongly that it is within these four walls that the future of our Nation is being determined.”

Ibiyode further stated that the Association was formed in 2015 in order to bring NIgerians together to advocate for good governance and promote leadership.

“ACLN seeks to advocate for a new Nigeria, govern by leaders who are trustworthy, competent and patriotic. We also hope to promote leadership values through education and empowerment programs which is why we have chosen this project.”

Ibiyode further noted that ACLN wishes to unveil the full version of the project in the coming months across Nigeria, adding that the association has decided to institute an ACLN Ambassador Club in each school that participated in the debate in which members will have access to its affiliates programmes in Nigeria and around the world.

According to Prince Adefowoju Adewale, ACLN Global President in a statement, “the ACLN Youth Empowerment Essay/Debate Competition is a project aimed at addressing some key issues that are hindering the progress of our nation which if not urgently addressed are capable of destroying us as a people.”

Prince Adewale Adefowoju, ACLN Global President

Adewale observed that over the years, Nigeria has gradually degenerated into a society where hard work, integrity and accountability is no more celebrated and not worth living for. “The Nigerian political terrain has marred the thinking of the people as becoming a politician has been seen as avenues to amass wealth and not to serve one’s nation. Religion has also been embraced in a wrong manner which has inadvertently encouraged laziness instead of hard work.

“Statistics from index mundi shows that 50.13% of Nigerians falls between the age range 15 – 54 years with the youth, that is 18 – 35 years of age accounting for about 30% of the population. As evident in the last 2015 election, the youth participation has increased but the understanding of selecting the right leader through voting is still lacking. Hence there is an urgent need for all Nigerian youths to understand governance and the power of a citizen in determining who governs them,” he said.

Lamenting the unpatriotic and tribalistic mindset of the leaders in Nigeria, the President noted that an in-depth study of Nigerian public opinion carried out by International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES) on behalf of United States Agency for International Development – USAID in 2000 shows 48.2% Nigerians choose to tag themselves with an ethnic identity.

“Though over a decade and a half has gone since this study, we still see that this condition rather than change, has worsened which is evident in several recorded ethnic clashes. Hence ACLN will like to engage in immediate sensitization/awakening of the spirit of nationalism and patriotism through a debate and essay project like this.

“We believe this exercise will also help Youths to, especially, understand the importance of the nation’s diversity and it power if appropriately harnessed. This will also help the youth to step out of ethnic consciousness, seeing themselves as Nigerians first.

“It is with all these problems in mind that the ACLN Youth Empowerment Essay/Debate Project was birthed. We hope that participant in the debate/essay writing contest will learn leadership qualities which will help them in their daily interactions and also in their choice of selecting leaders at the poll.

“Nation building is definitely a huge task and I want to assure you that ACLN members mostly in diaspora are committed to this task and we can only hope that the God of creation will help direct this noble cause,” he said.

Adegbite Nathan , Anenih Anita

Speaking with The Nation, visibly elated Gbenjo Olasubomi, 15; who alongside Abaton Tobi, 14 from Good Shepherd Schools, Meiran emerged winners of the competition, encouraged other youths to prioritize education over any social activity, stressing *education is the cure for ignorance, it gives you a broader perspective in Life. Without education, it is difficult to progress in life.”

Representing the first runner up school, Providence Heights Secondary School, Iju, Adegbite Nathan, 16 appreciated the effort of the Association. His words: “We are very grateful to the organizers of this competition. It is an honour for myself, my partner and my school to emerge second among all other schools. We are indeed very happy.”

Olasubomi and Tobi were awarded with plaques and a cash prize of N150,00. While Nathan and Anenih Anita, 15 came second thereby got a cash prize of N75,000. The awardees however expressed their joy and happiness.

March 26, 2018
‘I’ll have fulfilment imparting knowledge’

Esther Adio, a Computer Science graduate, finished with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.90 to emerge as the Best Graduating Student at the eighth convocation of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) in Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State. The 22-year-old valedictorian told PRAISE OLOWE that she wants to teach in a university to fulfil her dream.

Why did you choose JABU?

I chose JABU because I felt it is a university that will help me balance both academic and spiritual life. I didn’t want to go to a school where I would not be able to develop my spiritual life.

You are leaving the school as the best graduating student. How do you feel?

I am happy and excited about this feat, because it is a reward for the hard work I put in. It means my effort was not in vain.

Did you prepare to graduate with a First Class?

I did not plan for it. I never believed I could achieve the feat, because it was not easy for me passing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). I wrote it twice, but I passed my ‘O’Level without much stress. But, when I was admitted into JABU, I realised I had strong results in my first year. I felt I could finish with a First Class. Then, I put in more effort to maintain and improve on the results.

What informed your choice of Computer Science?

I believe Computer Science is a course with several advantages. Virtually, every discipline requires computer knowledge, so I decided to study the course.

What were your high and low moments studying Computer Science?

Writing codes and seeing them work is very interesting, but also writing codes and running them can be challenging, especially when it just one semi-colon that did not make thousands of lines of codes to run.

Were there things you did differently from your colleagues that made you to graduate with the best result?

I did not really do anything different. I just made sure I had a right relationship with God. I was determined, disciplined and hardworking.

How would you describe your stay in the university?

I had both the good and bad experience. Bad experience, in terms of stress and struggling to meet up with some deadlines. But, I’m glad I achieved success at the end.

Read Also: I stayed alone for four years to avoid distractions —Oduduwa varsity’s best graduating student

What next after BSc. in Computer Science?

I want to remain in academia. I want to lecture and this has been my dream. Just before I start lecturing, I want to work in Information Technology firms to gain experience. After my National Youth Service, I plan to go for my Master’s after which I will proceed for my PhD. Like I said, I will love to teach. I want to impart the knowledge I have on others. This will be rewarding and fulfilling for me.

If given the opportunity, would you like to teach in JABU?

Yes, with a good remuneration.

What is your advice to students?

If you are into something get into it completely. Be determined to be successful. Be disciplined and focused. If you are not willing to get into it completely, get out and don’t sit on the fence.

February 15, 2018
Five fun places to visit this Valentine

It’s Valentine’s day and at this time of the year, people ask the question “Where do we go right now?” If you live in Lagos, you have many answers to that question. If you’re on the look out for fun places to exciting time with your family, friends or close associates, then these are the top five places that might interest you…..

Rhapsody’s Victoria Island

This is a must place to visit for a night out or drinks with friends and lovers. It’s the perfect blend of great ambiance and delicious meal.

The Lagoon Restaurant

If you want to go out in groups or as a family this valentine, then this is the perfect place to visit. It has affordable food and an expansive menu ranging from brazillian to traditional menus.

The White Space, Ikoyi

If you’re artsy at heart and want to meet like minds while shopping and partying, then you can’t miss the white space.

La Manga luxury Beach Villas, Ilashe

This is one spot that is highly recommended for couples who want some time away. If your idea of a quick getaway includes stunning beach and luxury accommodation in a quiet and private environment, then La Manga Luxury Beach Villas in Ilashe Island, Lagos, Nigeria with its spectacular and invigorating view of the ocean is the place for you.

Read Also: Valentine: Stylish women Day outfit ideas

Lacampagne Tropicana Beach Resort

This is a very tranquil place located just an hour’s drive from Victoria Island in Lagos State. The resort offers a perfect blend of natural environments and the warm Atlantic sea.

It also provides accommodation and a variety of activities like hiking, horse riding, canoeing and exquisite cuisine.

It might be a perfect place to visit with family, friend and lover.

February 14, 2018
Five memorable games from the 90s

Children want to grow up fast and do what adults do but ironically, adults want to be children again.

Nigerian Childhood in the 90s! Anyone who grew up in Nigeria probably had the best childhood in the world.

From street football on raining days playing, Ten-Ten, Catcher, Who is in the Garden and skipping rope with your friends after school.

This beautiful Thursday, we bring you five childhood games that would definitely make you remember and love your childhood the more.

Police and Thief:

This is a game which involves two groups which are the good guys (Police) and the bad guys (Thieves).

The game begins by selecting the members of the police squad and the thief gangs, which is done by appointing one of the participants to recite the Alphabets A-Z, pointing to each person at the call of each alphabet.

If you fall on letter P, you’ll be Police and T, you’ll be among the Thieves. The duty of the police squad in this game is to chase after, catch and jail the thieves.

The thieves are allowed to escape when caught; this further makes the game interesting.

Tinko Tinko:

The girls loved this one so much. It is a clapping game which involves two partners facing each other. The theme song is sung by both parties as the game goes on. With hands held half way up, they begin the game which involves interchanging of hands front and back and slamming of hands by both partners.

Suwe:

Smiles on my face as i type this. Honestly I don’t know the origin of this game, if it’s either African or foreign because it is known worldwide.

The game start by drawing a big rectangle on the floor, then divide it into smaller rectangles or boxes, ranging from 6-12 boxes, with equal amount of boxes on two parts/sides, the left and the right part/sides.

Now there could either be just two players or groups of two team players.

The game involves each participant having a seed, which could be created from anything, mostly from plastic woods or stones.

The seeds are thrown to each box with the players hopping on one leg over the next boxes, avoiding the demarcating lines, which if stepped upon disqualifies the person or team.

Street Soccer:

Street matches must have created Soccer Stars like Kanu Nwakwo as no Sunday ever went by without seeing group of young children playing soccer.

Team players are selected and chosen to play, it’s either a less than eleven player’s team or the standard eleven player’s team, which ever it is, and it’s fun all the way.

‘’I call on’’ or Stop! :

I call on Is a game which requires the participants to draw a circle on the ground and divide it into pies, ranging from 4 to 8 pies, each of the kids are to name their pies and claim it as their house, the common names are derived from Tv channels. or the children might just use their own names.

After acquiring a house (pie), a referee is selected; it could either be none participating child or one out of the participating once, who is to stand in an inner circle, drawn in the middle of the bigger circle, then the referee is to give the command S.T.O.P Stop!

During the pronunciation of S.T.O.P the participants are expected to run as far as they could away from the circle and must stop at the shouting of Stop! The participant in the inner circle is to either make a triple jump and step on whosoever he/she feels is closer to.

Whoever is stepped on gets into the circle, and the game continues.

Feel free to comment yours

January 25, 2018
Convocation Lecture: Corp Marshall clamours TETFUND for Private Varsities

…Boboye, others tasks government of socialisation

Corp Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), Dr Boboye Oyeyemi has called on the federal government to allow private universities in the country enjoy TETFUND allocation for the onward emancipation of education in Nigeria.

Delivering the 8th Convocation Lecture of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Osun State in honour of her convocation ceremonies on “Optimal Functionality of Agents of Socialisation: Decisive Ingredient for a Better Tomorrow”, Oyeyemi revealed that government as an agent has considerable influence in the conscious harmonisation and propagation of long cherished values.

He stated that government as an agent of socialisation must ensure that her policies on education does not fail and encouraged huge investment in the same as it is the only avenue for the enhancement of the country’s current productivity.

Pro-Chancellor of the University, Professor Anthony Imevbore described the importance of education as an important facet of socialisation. In his words, “… The school is an artificial institution set up for the purpose of socialisation and cultural transmission.

Imevbore further stated that “Joseph Ayo Babalola University is keen to initiate, steer and participate in discussions and reshape the history of this country and continent where we can to alter the social imbalance of the society.”

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Sola Fajana urged federal government to focus her attention on education as it is a core agent socialisation for the all-round build-up of a university graduate in Nigeria.

January 22, 2018
The WISE Women of Nigeria Sparking Change

A Nigerian nonprofit helps women help the environment and themselves.

By Praise Olowe for The Nation

In rural Nigeria, cooking can kill you. According to the World Health Organisation, preparing three meals a day on a traditional wood-burning stove is the equivalent of smoking 20 packs of cigarettes. Little wonder then that each year, some 98,000 women die from the resulting respiratory and cardiac problems.

And the damage does not stop there. Women and children typically spend four hours a day collecting firewood for these energy-inefficient stoves, sacrificing time and money that could be spent on education and other needs. Then there’s the environmental cost: According to Olanike Olubunmi Olugboji, founder and director of Women Initiative for Sustainable Environment (WISE), the resulting deforestation leads to erosion and a host of related problems—not to mention conflicts between farmers and herdsmen fighting over the remaining arable land.

Water—a basic necessity—presents its own hazards. “Rural Nigerian women typically spend a third of their time fetching water from distant sources,” said Olugboji. “Along the way, they may be assaulted or even abducted, and the water they bring home is often polluted, sickening family members whom the woman must care for. All of this diverts time and resources from more productive economic and social activities.”

Olugboji has spent much of her 43 years understanding this complex puzzle of poverty, environmental issues and gender inequality—and figuring out ways to improve the picture. As a child she was troubled by the vast inequities she saw between urban and rural populations, and vowed that she would one day help. She eventually obtained undergraduate and graduate degrees in urban and regional planning, and in 2004 launched the Environmental Management and Protection Network (EMPRONET), based in the city of Kaduna, to promote constructive environmental practices.

Through that work, she became increasingly aware of the dysfunctional relationship between women and the environment. “Women may do all the work on a farm, for example, yet are denied the right to own land. They may be responsible for providing water, yet are given no say in issues regarding water supplies and safety. They are almost always sidelined when it comes to decisions that affect their daily lives.”

She added that the effects of climate change—droughts and flooding, water and food shortages—are making women’s tasks even harder. “Girls often have to drop out of school to help their mothers. What makes this already sad reality worse is that women still don’t have equal access to information and capital, so aren’t equipped to address these problems.”

Observing all of this, Olugboji became convinced women could improve their social, economic and political status if they could become involved in the development and management of natural resources. This realisation led her to re-centre EMPRONET’s activities around environmental issues that have a direct bearing on the lives of women, and in 2008, EMPRONET became WISE.

WISE now has two full-time and two part-time employees, and focuses mainly on water, waste and reforestation issues, often partnering with other NGOs. “Our goal is to get women involved on an ongoing basis,” said Olugboji. “We want them to continue to contribute to solutions and to shape their futures, not return to the default position of victims or recipients of hand outs.”

To accomplish this, WISE takes an integrated approach, educating women and offering them training in areas ranging from leadership and personal empowerment to financial literacy and entrepreneurship to citizen journalism and digital empowerment. The nonprofit also makes small loans and gives financial assistance to fledgling businesses.

A recent example of the WISE approach is the Women’s Clean Cookstove Training and Entrepreneurship Programme. Thirty women (15 teams of two) participated in a week of workshops in April and another in May. The idea was for the women to become capable of teaching others about the dangers of wood-burning stoves and about the advantages—health, financial, environmental—of clean alternatives. They would also be taught how to go into business selling clean cookstoves.

One participant was an especially quick study. After the first week, Binta Yahaya invested profits from her small petty business and started selling a clean cookstove brand that she had learned about during her training. By the time Yahaya returned for the second week of training, she had not only sold 70 stoves but had also designed a stove prototype and had it made by a local artisan.

At the end of the programme, each team received two clean cookstoves and a $500 grant for community outreach. Yahaya took to empowerment and entrepreneurship like a duck to water: She and her teammate have already sold 152 stoves, largely surpassing the target of 120, and she has launched another business processing biomass from farm waste into charcoal briquettes.

To date, some 7,500 women and young people have participated in WISE programmes, earning the organisation and founder numerous awards. Now, Olugboji’s dreams to set up a Women’s Eco Learning and Resource Centre that could serve 3,000 women each year.
“It’s great that we have unleashed so much potential, that the women we have worked with are embracing new opportunities to rewrite their stories,” said Olugboji. “With this Centre, we could do so much more.”

http://wisenigeria.org/

December 4, 2017
Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

In Lagos, a social enterprise trains struggling women in slums to become financially independent micro entrepreneurs.

By Praise Olowe for The Nation

The slums of Lagos are dotted with single-parent households, most of them headed by strong-willed women facing widespread discrimination as a result of divorce, separation or widowhood.

Patriarchal societies and deep-rooted traditions have made life here pretty hard for women going solo. According to UN Women, African widows are among the most vulnerable and discriminated-against women in the world. In Nigeria, widowhood isn’t just a question of heartache but often of losing property, land and any money saved prior to a husband’s death.

What’s more, in the developing world women are 20 percent less likely than men to have a bank account, being frequently turned away by financial institutes simply because of their gender—and the rate is much higher for widows and single mothers. Getting credit is also extremely difficult. The reality is that for many of these single-parent households, mothers are obliged to turn to their children to help prop up the weekly household income, with much of the responsibility falling on daughters—perpetuating gender-specific poverty.

This was the case for Nkem Okocha, whose widowed mother struggled to support her four children, “I had to hawk goods in the Lagos markets to make money to pay for my exam fees,” said Okocha. Still, she was luckier than most; when someone gave her mother money out of pity, she didn’t spend it right away; instead, she invested it, buying vegetables she later sold at a profit. With that small gift of money, she had effectively launched a micro business, using profits to support her family and re-investing money into more goods to sell. It was a valuable lesson for Okocha, who sold shampoo at the market to help her mother; later, she managed to get her university degree and a job at a bank.

In 2013, she founded Mamamoni, a social enterprise that offers low-income women training in finance and vocational skills, and provides them with access to microcredit loans through mobile banking. “Our aim is to provide capital for those who cannot access it through commercial banks,” said Okocha. “Mamamoni was started out of empathy, I wanted to help women in my community. I saw them idle and their children staying at home because there was no money to send them to school.”

Okocha, who also has experience in web and mobile development, took a page from the Kiva playbook, setting up a web platform to fund loans. “Socially conscious individuals can invest in low-income women by making loans to fund their businesses,” Okocha explained. They are invited to lend any amount from 10,000 to 100,000 Nigerian Naira (US $28 to $280) and may read over business plans prior to choosing the specific businesswoman they would like to invest in.

Women who enroll in the programme learn vocations such as how to make soap, insecticides, pastries or handicrafts. They are provided with mobile phones at the beginning of their training, and funds are transferred from Mamamoni’s account to theirs. Mobile money is very common throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, and women can easily use their mobile phones to buy materials to set up their micro businesses. This process, Okocha explained, helps to bypass the discrimination many of these women have experienced at formal banking institutions.

Staffed with just five women, Mamamoni’s impact has been impressive. To date, it has trained more than 4,000 Nigerian women and provided some 100 micro loans. The loan payback rate is nearly 100 percent, and more than 90 percent of those who have received training have started a business. And while selling soap or crafts may seem like petty trades to some, these simple businesses have provided a source of income that has enabled more than 7,800 children to go to school.

One proud Mamamoni beneficiary is Beatrice Alihola, who is now able to send her young children to school thanks to the small business she set up in her community with funds and guidance from Okocha and her team. Prior to taking part in the programme, Alihola sold produce under a tarpaulin canopy at one of the local markets; during the rainy season, she frequently had little or no income. Now, with the assistance of microcredit, she is able to rent a small shop where she sells insecticide and kerosene, a much more stable source of income.

An alumna of the 2015 Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme, Okocha is eager to reach out to many more women like Alihola. She recently began working with teenagers, the idea being to empower the upcoming generation of Nigerian women as well. Soon, she plans to introduce the Mamamoni concept to 20 more Nigerian states, providing training and microcredit access to an additional 10,000 women—and breaking the cycle of poverty.

http://mamamoni.org/

November 10, 2017
Banky W survives skin cancer after 10 years

Nigerian R&b singer, rapper, actor and writer, Oluwabankole Wellington popularly known as Banky W, has survived cancer of the skin and he recently had his third surgery.

The ace singer, shared the news via his Instagram page on Thursday, where he disclosed how he battled with the disease for ten years.

He wrote
“A wise man once said this: “Scars. A sign that you had been hurt. A sign that you had been healed.” Scroll through the pictures to see mine.

“I’m sharing these because they’re proof of what God has brought me through. And because somewhere out there, I know there’s someone who needs to hear this.

“For those who’ve been wondering why I’ve been away so long..I had my 3rd surgery on a rare strain of skin cancer tumours in my shoulder last month. The first 2 times were over 10 yrs ago, then it recently resurfaced. But this isn’t a sad story as much as it is a reminder, and a testimony.

“A reminder that you should never take life for granted. You only get 1 shot. Some people went to sleep and never woke up. Many others have lost the battle to cancer and other illnesses. Many are still fighting.

“You never know when your time will be up so don’t waste another minute. It’s also a testimony about the goodness of God. I think I had to go through this again to remember how merciful God is to me; Lord knows I don’t deserve it but He saves me time and again anyway. I keep saying I need to write a book. I really, really do.

“The past few weeks of recovery have been tough, but beautiful. I’m finally back on my feet, feeling stronger and ready to get back to life.

“I’m thankful for life, provision and healing. Please dont feel bad, or msg me with any worries.. God has done it, just thank Him for me.”
BankyW, expressed gratitude to God as well as his Fiancée Adesuaa Etomi

A post shared by Banky W. (@bankywellington) on Nov 9, 2017 at 4:24am PST

November 10, 2017
Best Nigerian recipe for this weekend – Abula

By Praise Olowe

Hi, it’s another weekend and one to enjoy, of course. We will be talking about one major native dishes.

I am talking about the very popular Abula (one of the foods held in high esteem in the Yoruba land). Abula is a combination of Amala (Yam Flour), Gbegiri and Ewedu. I can actually taste the soup in my mouth as I’m typing this.

Longer throat me, I know. Abula isn’t everybody’s cup of tea but try it once and you’ll be hooked as it is super delicious.

Gbegiri soup (the yellow one in the image) is a Yoruba soup prepared with beans which comes alive with ewedu (A mucilaginous and very slim draw soup made from jute leaves also known as ayoyo or saluyot leaves) soup and assorted meat.

Ingredients for Making Gbegiri Soup

1 cups Beans (white or brown)

Onions (2 balls)

Pepper

Palm oil

Seasoning (Knorr cube, salt etc.)

Fish/meat

Method

Soak beans in water for 3-5 minutes and peel to remove skin

Boil peeled beans with enough water until soft (You can use pressure pot)

Boil assorted meat/fish till tender with seasoning and salt.

Blend cooked beans in a blender for a smooth pure and set aside

Place a cooking pan on a medium heat, add palm oil and heat for about 3 minutes (don’t bleach oil)

Stir beans in palm oil

Add water if needed to achieve desired thickness

Add assorted meat/fish and pepper, stir properly

Reduce the heat and leave to cook for about 10 minutes

Check in between to avoid soup from burning

Ingredients for making Ewedu Soup

Ewedu leaves

Ijabe (Traditional broom whisk) or blender

Potash

Locust beans

Water

Salt to taste

Method

Pluck the ewedu leaves from the stem

Rinse the plucked leaves in clean water – Set Aside.

In a small pot, add the water and potash and leave to heat up

Once the water starts to boil, add the ewedu leaves and leave to cook for about 7 minutes

Turn off the burner and mash with the broom. Alternatively, if you don’t have the broom, leave the boiled ewedu to cool a little then pour it into a blender and blend.

Pour the ewedu back into the pot and turn the burner to the lowest.

Add the salt, crayfish and locust beans.

Leave it to simmer for 3-5 minutes.

Ingredients for making Amala (Yam Flour)

Yam flour

Water

Wooden stick (Omorogun)

Method

Heat water on fire to a boiling point

When the water is boiled, gradually add the yam flour to the water and stir simultaneously and quickly with the turning stick (omorogun) so it doesn’t form lumps

Add little water to it, cover and cook on low heat for about 7mins

Turn the Amala again

Bring it down from the fire and turn until a smooth lump is formed.

Serve alongside Gbegiri and Ewedu. I am urging you to spice up your weekend with this delicious delicacy.

Have a lovely weekend!!!

October 20, 2017
Interesting tips about Zobo, Roselle drink

Today, we will be learning about one of Nigeria’s popular drinks, family beverage and our very own local Chapman; Roselle drinks and also known as Hibiscus tea is popularly known as zobo in Nigeria.

Zobo drink is one of Nigeria’s popular drinks made from dried Roselle plant flowers. The drink is also as Roselle drink. It is mostly prepared at home as family beverage drink and also as refreshment in parties and get-togethers.

Ingredients for 5 litres of Zobo drink:

You can get more with the same quantity of ingredients depending on the concentration you want. If you will be using artificial flavours, you might want to add more water.

2 De Rica cups of dry Zobo leaves

1 clove of garlic

1 big piece of ginger

1 big, very ripe pineapple

Enough water

Preparation:

Zobo leaves are usually very dusty, so make sure you wash off the dust thoroughly. It will seem like all the flavours/colour of the zobo are being washed off but don’t worry, you would be impressed to find out that the leaves still have a lot of the colour intact when you start boiling it.

Wash, peel and cut the pineapple into thin slices. Some people add the peel of the pineapple when making the zobo drink but I don’t do this, simply because I always think that dirt sticks to the peels of pineapples.

Similarly, peel and cut the ginger and garlic into tiny pieces.

DIRECTIONS

1. Put the washed zobo leaves into a deep pot.
2. Add the pineapples and pour enough hot water to consume the contents of the pot and then some garlic at this initial stage.
3. Start cooking at medium to high heat and let it boil for about 5 minutes.
4. Now, add the ginger and the garlic, more water and keep boiling for the next 30 minutes. This is the actual time it would take for the zobo leaves to be completely soft and the pineapples tender.
5. Turn off the heat and set the pot aside to cool down completely.
6. When cool, wring out the juice from the pineapples and zobo leaves, leaving only the zobo juice in the pot.
7. Pour the juice through a sieve to take out the remaining large particles then pour it through a chiffon cloth to remove the tiniest particles.
8. Add any artificial flavour of your choice at this time and stir.
9. Pour into bottles and refrigerate. Your Roselle drinks is ready but remember that it is best-served chill.
Finally, serve with ice and sliced fruits. Enjoy with any snack of your choice.

October 7, 2017