It’s no more a breaking news that there is a wild and widespread of a novel malignant virus that is ubiquitous and it’s been tagged a “pandemic” by the WHO.

A pandemic disease according to (Oxford Dictionary) is a disease that hits a widespread geographical area and affects a large proportion of the population. This is of no difference with the exorbitant spread of Coronavirus (covid-19) which has spanned across the globe.

The context of this essay is not to converse about the gestation of the disease as there are many speculations surrounding it. Some says it’s a “bioweapon” contrived by China to eliminate the US population. I don’t know how true is this. But the recently delivered chart of the recovery rate according to (www.worldometers.info) shows that China has the highest recovery from the pandemic. Let me drop this as a debate to you.

Also, there are so many loose interpretations of the significance of the virus. One of which religious people (Christians) claims it’s the sign of the end time as it was written in the Bible on the plagues that would arise and this is just one of the rest. Don’t come lampooning, check your Bible for update.

We all know that one of the natural resources which God has blessed Nigeria with is crude oil. This has been the major source of the stay of the Nation’s wealth as it invites foreign organizations to strike mega-money deals with Nigeria. So far, Nigeria is known as the largest oil-producing and exporting nation in Africa. This oil has been on a benchmark of $57 per barrel and has now dropped drastically to $30 or less per barrel due to the pandemic. I am not an economist but from empiricism, I know likely that there would be a wrecking down in the economy and thus a contingency of falling back to recession. This has been a combat of the led administration since the assumption of his office in 2015 and there would likely be an atavism of it when this pestilence is over and I label it “aluta continua”.

One of the primary ways of curbing the spread of the virus to other virgin parts of the world is the inception of “lockdown”. First by the European countries and now Africa including Nigeria in extension. This has been characterized by the closing of borders by impeding the free flow movements since this virus can be easily contacted from persons to persons.

This lockdown is quite a good idea but it’s a copy and paste one. Foreign countries that participated in the lockdown have provided means of sustaining its citizenry during this period of the fight against the pandemic.
I’m absolutely bewildered about Nigeria adopting this lockdown measure. Yes, this is a means of curbing the spread of the virus but how will you enforce a lockdown to a country where most of its citizenry live from hand to mouth without providing sufficient means of alleviating and sustaining them during this period? This is catalyzing death through hunger than the virus itself.

Resorting back to our reverend leaders who are representing us “the masses” from different constituencies, should see one of the core reasons of being altruistic. Of course not they aren’t. They embezzle all the available resources and jet them overseas, amassed them there all for the sake of being in competition within themselves of their ill-gotten net worth and properties. Here they’re face to the face with the virus as many of them have been tested positive. How will they scamper away to foreign countries for treatment when the borders are sealed and the health facilities in their country have been stripped to bare? This brings to my fresh memory a phrase of “we die here”! Why can’t our Nigerian Leaders emulate the South African Legend, Nelson Mandela?

Each year, there is always a huge amount of money designated for the health sector. Now I come with these rhetorical questions, what mission has the money accomplished? Has it been used for the right purpose or not? This condition is like fighting a war without artillery thus been susceptible to its gnawing effect. And this is lucid to the course of the virus as there’s geometric increase as updated by the NCDC.

This has imposed trepidation in the hearts of many as churches have been restricted from gathering in their usual numbers. How can this mitigate the plight we’re facing? Question of the day.

In conclusion, thanks to all the patriotic and benignant citizens of this country who have doggedly contributed their quota in supporting the fight against the Covid-19 virus with their resources in cash and materials worth millions and billions of naira. God will replenish them flourishingly.
In all you do, don’t forget to “stay safe” as this is a newly adopted and general phrase that has diffused into the global air

The lines between music genres are now blurry. Thanks to digitalization of music. Listen to Stay by Wisdom an Afropop artiste from Houston, Texas featuring Marvy and you might likely not recognize the genre from the beginning.

The song began with electronically amplified percussion that introduces you to Wisdom’s mellow vocal singing the first verse. His lyrics are endearing housing fear amid the lines. They embody the chronicle of a man who is pleading for the presence and attention of his lover, “I wrote you a song, I’m hoping you reply back/ I’ve waited so long, my baby please come home…” which made way for the refrain of the song that has two cliches: Rain stop pouring; sun is done shining.



The second verse has Marvy singing in Yoruba. Her verse is a short translation of what Wisdom sang in his verse and it portrays one of the essentials of African Popular Music, singing in indigenous language or the local parlance of the people whether in Lagos, Nigeria or Soweto, South Africa.
The song is relatable to the listeners as love is a popular thing and the idea of losing someone you love is unpleasant. Love lost breaks the heart and Wisdom is not ready to be a victim.

Stay is an Afropop song that’s well-written and rightly performed. It’s a mid-tempo song produced by ID Cabasa that leaves you to swing your body like a pendulum. Slowly. The song is from Wisdom’s “Not Just A Man” album. The success of the song and the album will position Wisdom to be one of the poster boys for everything African Music and he’s at an advantage since he has the love from house and he’s penetrating the American market from America.

SAAF Feeds over 1000 Street People in 3 Nigerian States


Nigerian NGO - Street Aid Africa foundation which is known for her numerous street projects, had in February, 2020 taken to the streets of Uyo - (Anambra State), Port Harcourt - (Rivers State) and Uyo - (Akwa Ibom State) to share Food Items, interact and also have a mentoring session with Street Children in the different States through its -Feed The Street Project which have constantly taken place for the past 3 years in various states in Nigeria.


The founder of the NGO - Nancy Ogbue said; "There are over 13.2 million out of school children in Nigeria and SAAF is contributing her quota to bring the number to its minimal rate and we will continue to push till we achieve it".
The NGO is currently sponsoring about 57 Students in Primary and Secondary Schools in Nigeria and the group is really deliberate about curbing the rate of out of school children in the country.


Here are some of the pictures of Feed The Street Project 2020.

TeenNation Set to host Social Media Week Meet-up

Africa's Leading Teens Organisation - TeenNation is set to host a meet-up at Social Media Week Lagos. The session is tagged - The Youth In Tech: The Future We Want meetup session at the Social Media Week (SMW) Lagos.

The session will provide opportunities to exchange ideas, compare proven and promising practices, discovering cutting edges research and contribute to a new ecosystem of learning.
The session is scheduled for today Wednesday, 26 February, 2019, 9:30AM-11:00AM at the Meetup Lounge, Landmark Center, Victoria Island, Lagos.


The host organization for the Future We Want session is TEENNATION and the moderator of the session is Mmanti Umoh (Founder of Teennation). The speakers for the session are Youth in different industries using tech as an enabler.

They speakers for the event are Aniedi Udo - Obong, Franklin Davids, Sampson Malachy, Marvel Umoh, Edidiong Asikpo, Chef Gregory Otu, Bolaji Ayodeji and Ifunaya Onwughalu.

The Co-founders of Maxtreme Inc., Marvel Umoh and Sampson Malachy will be sharing their knowledge on Music Tech and Advertising Tech respectively at the Social Media Week (SMW) Lagos, 2020.

SMW Lagos is Africa's largest tech and business event with conferences, festival experience and a marketplace for attendees.

Marvel and Malachy will be speaking on Wednesday, 26th February, 2020, 9:30 - 11:00AM at the Meetup Lounge, Landmark Center, Victoria Island Lagos on the " Youth In Tech: Future We Want" panel.

The host organization for the Future We Want session is TEENNATION.

The session will be educative and it will provide opportunities to exchange ideas, compare proven and promising practices, discovering cutting edges research and contribute to a new ecosystem of learning.


The Music Business executive duo Marvel and Malachy have been consistent in providing solutions to artistes leveraging on tech through their company, Maxtreme Inc. Maxtreme Inc. is a Music Distribution and Talent Management company for the digital age.

Ifiliya is a Nigerian female R&B, Afro-Pop and Dancehall artiste. She hails from the South South region of Nigeria and is an ex beauty Queen (pioneer) of the then College of Agric, now Akwaibom State University.
Her passion for music has always been there since childhood and she had always believed that ‘if one could turned his or her passion to a career, that's when you can derive more joy and satisfaction in life.’ Perharps, this explains why years after studying Agricultural Engineering in the University, she decided to pursue her first love and passion as a career.

She believes she can always have her own mechanized farm in future. Her approach to songwriting has helped her create a niche for herself in the Nigerian music industry.
She churns-out amazing and inspiring messages in her songs to connect with people in relationships and marriage, because she understands that a lot of unions suffer from lack of spice and nurturing which leads to infidelity, insecurity and lack of self-esteem.

Ifiliya wants to be remembered for her uniqueness and confidence.


Her early musical influences growing up were a blend of soul singers including Jennifer Lopez and Celine Deon, Gwen Stefanie and Tony Braxton, 2baba and Yemi Alade to mention a few.

Ifiliya has a new song - Deep Love dropping in the next couple of days. In the song; she tells a unique story of Love - perfected with a great blend of Timeless Sound accompanying it to highlight the sweet tale. Ifiliya is here to take the world by storm. Don't sleep on Her.

HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY START A SALON IN NIGERIA - UCHE UMANA


Starting a Salon business whether it be barbering, spa, nail, weavon, makeup or Hair is always a venture most people are not prepared for psychologically.
I don't know how we got to the point of assuming its a no-brainer. A mistake I also made 13 years ago. You see when you have an 8 (or 7 in the case of bankers or some parastatals) to -6, have a passion or just a stay at home Mum who wants to start a business; The need for a backup plan or extra income makes us look for businesses that appear to be low risk and can be managed with little supervision or no experience. As much as this is the right step, we have erroneously put Salon business as such and this has led to the frustration and closing of many businesses in the industry.

Here are some guidelines to running a successful Salon business.

1. A salon business is first a "business". So it requires more than getting a space, furnishing and buying equipments. You have to first remove that idea from your head and transfer it to paper detailing how everything is suppose to work. The day to day operations and administration.

2. Salon business is dynamic. Meaning that your average business structure or plans may not be effective pending on how relevant you want to become in the industry. There is a business course dedicated to salon business. I suggest every person who is running or intends to run this business take this class FIRST before spending their first or another dime.

3. The type of salon you want to run determines; your staff, the equipment you buy, the level of skill or education required and how you go about employing for your salon business.
4. Staffing should be done based on responsibilities you have clearly earmarked for EACH staff. Meaning that the recruitment process plays and important role to the success of your business.

5. Have a mentor, teacher, coach or support group in the industry that you can communicate with. Some of the people have scaled through your current situation and can give you valuable information.

6. If you are already in business. Get clarity with courses like and leave the saturated market.

7. If you are having management or staff behavioral problems. It shows a of lack of policies and processes or absence of an execution plan.

8. Building a communication channel; for your staff and clients. This means you pay attention to not just how your staff treat each other or the clients, but also what you put out on media.

9. Finally, if you have had some level of education or have put in a good fortune in setting up your salon, you can't afford to run or price it like the skilled person down the street. They will beat you at being cheap. You overhead costs are different and your clients too. Remember people pay for the value they think they get from doing business with you, not what you think you are offering them.

Is It possible to run a successful salon business and save the saturated market If we observe and follow the guidelines above.
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Uche- Umana, stands at the forefront of pioneering professional education and standard business practices in the beauty industry. A Trichologist & certified Hair Practitioner with experience in Education, administration, operations, consulting, diagnoses, treatments , management and information on running any type of salon business or pursuing professional career in the industry.

For over sixteen years (16), Uche has worked as a human resources manager, Business Development officer, General Manger. Those experiences were garnered across different sectors such as Finance, oil & Gas, Hospitality, Human Resources, Consulting & Marketing. In the course of these jobs and on personal capacity, Uche has trained and acquired some certifications from CIPS-UK, HSE, NIM, EDC, IAT, a certified Hair Practitioner, Brand Educator & Manufacturer Trainer.

Ekiti Block Party Set to Light-up Ekiti


MacItan Kreative Agency, an event, music and lifestyle startup in collaboration with Maxtreme Inc - (Music Distribution and Talent Management firm) is organizing a gig: Ekiti Block Party for young persons, students and Corp Members in Ekiti State to network, have fun and be inspired.

The gig is slated for this Friday, 6th December 2019. It will be held at Fajuyi Memorial Park Ado-Ekiti. It will feature lots of activities and side attractions like music performance, dancing competition, games, merchandising, face painting, giveaways etc.

Performing Artistes/Artists and to thrill the events are Dr. Bengu, Arab Sean, YANG 21, Skaa, Xpensive, Dellycool, DJ Mountain, DJ Santi, DJ Best and host of others.

Gate will be open for the gig at 3PM. It is promised to be an amazing time for the young in Ekiti State.

Tickets are available for the gig at the rate of N500.

Follow - EkitiblockParty on all social media platforms for updates or contact 08146806049 to make your reservation.

Uche Umana set to Judge the Biggest Beauty Exhibition in West Africa


Africa's leading trichologist and Salon Business Consultant - Uche Umana has been announced as one of the judges at Beauty West Africa Exhibition. The 2019 Edition is scheduled to take place at Landmark Centre, Victoria Island Lagos Nigeria on 20th – 22nd November 10:am - 5:pm, 2019. The event is designed to provide a platform for different beauty products companies across the world to market their products, network and learn current innovations that is coming into the sector.



Participants of the event includes over 4,500 attendees and 200 exhibitors who will showcase latest beauty products such as spa and professional equipments, quality perfumes and fragrances, make up, hair care and skincare.

Other Judges expected at the event are Eneoma Chigozie CEO - Zuby Definitions, Dionne Smiths - Coiffeur Group, Tewa Onasanya - Founder Exquisite Magazine Services.