₦airaland Forum

First off, if you know five of the beer brands on this list, you are from a family of human breweries, walking, breaking and speaking pidgin, while occasionally eating swallow and draw soup.
Second off, you need to go and marry, altar is waiting for you… Pause. By “go and marry,” we are only talking about the men, not the women, who have a right to marry AT ANYTIME.

We bring a throwback article to some of the favourite Nigerian beer brands, now forgotten.

The starter pack for consumption usually includes a beer mug which Nigerians call, ‘Tumbler’ and a saucer to contain whatever edible the beer is going to soundtrack or ‘drunk-track’ — whichever suits you. Some of these brands have gone out of business, while some have rebranded and are now looking to steal market shares.
Without further bland jokes, enjoy the list;
1.) Tusk
Currently, the brand is produced by Sona Breweries in Nigeria. The brand was a smooth blend, rich in lager and premium alcohol like Nigerians like.

2.) Wilfort
From the stout family. It’s not really known whether this brand ever had a dedicated following, but it was definitely rich in markets till the late 2000s. While it is still in production, also by Sona Breweries, it never really had a better following in one market that the other.
It probably had a spread of following across Nigeria.

3.) Top Beer
This brand enjoyed great following in Ekiti State, Nigeria. It was contained in a green bottle and had slightly sharper taste than the smooth and dull beer brands. The brand is now obsolete and the internet is not even filled with any history of it. What a way to treat a legendary beer.

4.) Harp
A legendary beer produced by Guinness, it started production for the Nigerian market in 1974, in Guinness’ brewery, Benin Nigeria. Its first global production was however in 1960, England.
The beer enjoyed its best Nigerian run in the 80s and 90s when brand diversity of beer first became an issue of Nigerian demand. Housed in a green bottle and emblazoned with the symbol of a trademarked harp, it is smooth and sometimes was an alternative to Star for Nigerian beer lovers.

5.) Kroneburg Beer
It never was a mainstay with the Nigerian ‘mekunu’ as it majorly resonated with the bourgeoisie and their bougie parties. It was too Behind and classy for us.
What use is a Nigerian beer that seems like Hunter’s or Stella Artois to Nigerians?? It is manufactured by Kroneburg Brewery.

https://www.nigerialog.com/metro/beer-drinking-in-nigeria-the-brands-you-have-forgotten-about/new/#new

Nigerian egg roll, similar to Nigerian buns or scotch egg, is made by deepfrying dough wrapped around a hard boiled egg. It is totally different from the Chinese egg roll.

Ingredients
10 whole eggs room temperature
4½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup white sugar
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon mixed ground spices nutmeg & cinnamon
Pinch of salt
4 tablespoons margarine or butter
1 cup warm water
Vegetable/Soya oil for deep frying

Instructions
1. Boil the eggs for some minutes until hard boiled.

2. First sift the dry ingredients into a big dry bowl i.e. flour, sugar, baking powder, spices and salt.

3. Add in the margarine to the dry ingredients and rub the butter into the flour with the tip of your fingers until crumbly and somewhat dry.

4. In the centre of the flour mixture, add some water little by little. Mix the water with the flour until a dough is formed. Knead until a smooth, non-sticky elastic dough is gotten.

5. Divide the dough into 10 equal pieces and roll each into balls.

6. Dust a flat work surface with flour and roll out the dough pieces, one at a time. Wrap each piece around an egg and roll into a ball. Repeat until each piece of dough is rolled and wrapped about an egg.

7. Heat the oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat and fry egg rolls in batches (on low/medium heat) until golden brown and crunchy on the outside.

8. Remove egg rolls from the oil and drain on a paper towel before serving.
Your egg rolls are ready! Serve hot, or cold, with a drink.
https://www.nigerialog.com/food/how-to-prepare-nigerian-egg-roll/new/#new

In our pursuit of happiness, we tend to find out that happiness comes in different forms. However, there are fundamentals and effortless ways through which happiness can be gotten.

Here is a few happiness on a budget tip:

Don’t beat yourself up
Realise that failure is part of life, and anything worth doing is sometimes worth doing badly so that you can learn a thing or two. Pick yourself up when things do not go in your favour and look for a sunny side.

Exercise
This does not really include going to the gym or joining a fitfam community even if it is important to stay healthy. You could settle for a few running laps or simple home routines with a buddy where you both practice and laugh at numerous failed attempts.

Say less for complaints
Yes, there are a million and one things that are going wrong and the truth is, there is a million and one thing that will still go wrong. Sometimes, you just have let it all slide, face the music head on and do what you can. Complaining is not a game changer.

Don’t overthink the little things
Most people like to think that it must always start from or should constantly involve lengthy meditation, getting acquainted with happiness quotes and what not. Although this is good, you can also go small like going to bed early, stretching or enjoying a cool glass of water.


Do not be the last person to love yourself
Sometimes, you have to put yourself at the top of your priority list. Consider your feelings and comfort in what you do. If something or someone is going to cause you heartache while you sleep, you should probably not do it or get involved.

https://www.nigerialog.com/random-thoughts/five-cheap-ways-to-buy-happiness/new/#new

This Nigerian style peppersoup is one of the many meals you can make with plantain . However, it can also be prepared with yam and any other form of protein.


Ingredients
1-2 Unripe Plantain
600g Goat Meat With Bones
1 Small Red Onion thinly chopped
2-3 Scotch Bonnet Thinly Chopped OR 3 Tablespoons Ground Pepper (Atagungun)
2 Tablespoons Pepper Soup Spice
2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
1/2 Teaspoon Minced Ginger
1/2 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
Dry or Fresh Efinrin/ Basil leaves OR Utazi Leaves
2 seasoning Cubes
Salt to taste

Instructions
1. Peel and slice the plantain into small pieces and set aside.

2. Wash and chop the goat meat.

3. In a clean big pot, put the cleaned meat, add the onions, ginger, garlic, seasoning cubes and salt to taste.

4. Place on low heat and leave to simmer for 5-7 minutes.

5. Add some more water and leave to boil for another 10 minutes without the lid.

6. Add the plantain and cook till it softens.

7. You should have at least 5 cups of water left at this time. If you don’t, add some more. Then add the Pepper Soup Spice and Pepper. Taste for seasoning and adjust as necessary. Then leave to cook till the Goat Meat and Plantain are very soft.
Your peppersoup is ready! Serve with a cold beverage.

https://www.nigerialog.com/food/how-to-prepare-plantain-and-goat-meat-peppersoup/new/#new

Nigeria is as interesting as it is fascinating. One of her capabilities is the ability to attribute meaning to words, behind its original meaning, or create new words entirely.

Some of these distinctive words and phrases are commonly used while conversing. Here are some of the very familiar and interesting ones:

How far
Originally, how far was as a way to check up on an ongoing situation. However, how far is now used as a way of greeting, as opposed to ‘hello or hi’. It could mean, how are you? How have you been?

I dey
This here is a plus because it is technically a reply to ‘how far?’. It also emphasises the extent of how well you are. On this note, it is alright to say: I dey oh, I just dey.

As in eh
Usually, the phrase ‘as in’ is a question that begs for more clarification on whatever is being talked about. However, this is not the case here. Hence, ‘as in eh’ means ‘very true’ or ‘your assertion is correct’. The addition of the ‘eh’, qualifies the agreement.

Oya na
This phrase has the ability to accept a new meaning as the day progresses including saying goodbyes. Initially, oya na was a phrase popular to the Yoruba’s which means “hurry up” until it began to be used to refer to other things. The difference in its meanings is observed in the cadence while pronouncing. Oya na could mean okay, do whatever you want to do, answer me, let’s go, take care and so many others.

Be feeling yourself
It sounds very funny, yes. This is a sarcastic way of telling someone to quit self-hyping himself.

For your mind
This here and ‘be feeling yourself’ practically have the same meaning.

https://www.nigerialog.com/random-thoughts/five-interesting-phrases-used-by-the-nigerian-youth/new/#new

It is said that what happens within 5 minutes (or less) determines if a relationship dies or will continue. Hence, the importance of choosing your words wisely because they are like magic.

While a lot of us are aware of this, the problem is some still find themselves tongue-tied when they meet their crush. Because of this, we tend to envy those who are able to start and carry on with a conversation.


Unlike those in the tongue-tied group, they understand the effect of words and how to use it at the right time. Also, they know how to communicate importance to the person they are talking to.

They don’t have to make things look more than they are by glossing situations or trying to impress people, they just know what to say.


How they do it?

It is alright to start off with small talks about your job, the economic situation. But when it goes long into a conversation, for instance, 20 minutes, you’d come off as boring. However, there are exceptions to this: If your conversation partner has the same forte and you are looking for a business partner or something towards that line, this is fine. If this is not the case, be versatile in your conversation.
Nagging is a huge turn-off for most people. Besides, that is not what you want to portray at your first meeting. Instead, get to know them. At some point while enjoying the conversation, you’d hear the “default” question, “enough about me, how about you?” And this is a good signal.
Awkward silences can spring up in conversations. Spice it up with humour. And if you don’t? Not to bother, you can always start the conversation with another good story.
Now that you have the basics at hand, get to the romantic and emotional part:

Flirt: There is nothing wrong with sending signals that you find your partner attractive. A little wink, stare, close lean, laughter here and there and you have made an impression. You want them thinking about you after the conversation has ended.

Plant ideas: You want them to know you like them, yes? Don’t come off too strong. Instead, plant ideas with your words. If he likes to play soccer? Let him know you like to bring on your A-game and love to be on top of things. He’d imagine you “on top of things” when you win.

The point of this is, you want them to think you’re interesting enough to know better and you have set the pace for the chase game.

Now that you know this, go on and become the royalty that you have always been.

https://www.nigerialog.com/romance/how-to-trigger-love-through-words/

We often hear about the benefits of sleeping early and the wonders it does for your health, but no one talks about the unrecognized benefits of not sleeping early.

Even though it is important and advisable to sleep for 7-9 hours, there are also some shocking benefits of sleeping later.

Here are some of its listed benefits:

There is a tendency that you are smarter and a better creative
We are not saying that early birds are not bookworms, but substantial studies have shown that bookworms majorly come from the night. Also, we know that people love to work better at night because it encourages creativity. Most night owls are natural creatives and think up better ways to do something or create something.

Less sleep equals more energy
It sounds contradictory and unbelievable but it is true. Unlike the early birds, these night crawlers enjoy what is termed as ‘night strength’, as they have, according to Dr. Olle Lagerquist, “increased motor cortex and spinal cord excitability in the evening.”

There is more time for you
Because night owls sleep less, they commit almost all their time to bookworms super productive as opposed to those that sleep for 9 hours.

You get to take highest risk and do the craziest things
Most often than not, crazy things happen in the night, be it bad or good. But guess who is making all that magic? Definitely not the ones who go to bed early.

https://www.nigerialog.com/metro/surprising-benefits-of-being-a-late-sleeper/

Education in Nigeria has taken a continuous downward slide in recent years as opposed to the intention and philosophy which it was built when it was first introduced in the 17th century by the missionaries and the earlier schools established by the British government in 1909.

Even intelligent Nigerians have been thrown in the loop of those who are half-baked and underprepared to thrive outside the Nigerian competitive academic environment.


Then, when education in Nigeria was at par with other countries, relevant curriculum to prepare Nigerians to not only gain admittance into foreign university but to equip them to be successful in any professional field was adopted and stuck to.

But now after sixteen years in school, many Nigerian graduates still struggle at the most mundane things.


While some fault the decline in maintenance in public schools, others blame the prevalence of private schools that are in every nook and cranny of the country filled with unqualified teachers. Some of these schools engage in all sorts of malpractice to sell false academic excellence, in order to maintain patronage of parents who will rather buy their children’s future off the shelf than ensure that their children work hard.

Expecting education in Nigeria to dramatically change and magically emerge as one of the best in the world is like a farmer who plants pebbles and expects to reap corn.

Every well-meaning Nigerian is praying that the government does not sleep as long as Rip Van Winkle before the problems faced in education can be addressed.

But the question is does the responsibility lie solely on this most mentioned party?

https://www.nigerialog.com/education/the-poor-fruits-from-academic-labour-in-nigeria/new/#new

With twenty-four to the deadline given by organised labour to the Federal Government to announce a new national minimum of N65,000, the movement has urged Nigerians to stockpile food and other necessities given what it described as government’s “known intransigence and insensitivity to the collective plight of the people.”

Rising from an emergency Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting yesterday in Lagos, the president of United Labour Congress (ULC), Joe Ajaero regretted that government was yet to neither “respond sensibly and positively to workers’ demands nor show any sign that suggests otherwise.”

According to him, the new pay demand was desirable and possible only if government could be patriotic for once by cutting perks of political appointments and others in positions of leadership as well as shed off the toga of greed and corruption.


Labour, in a communiqué issued at the end of the gathering, argued that a living wage becomes possible when security votes, heavy convoys and political appointees are removed from the system to allow for reduction in the cost of governance.

It therefore ordered all affiliates and state councils nationwide to mobilise for the nationwide strike.

Ajaero noted that government was still playing politics with the lives and living conditions of Nigerians, especially workers.

He said: “Labour shall no longer be obliged by this time to give any further notice to the government before embarking on the needed action to resist the deliberate and unconscionable desolation of our people and nation.”

However, the Central Working Committee (CWC) of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) said it had empowered the National Administrative Council (NAC) and its leadership to carry out all necessary actions in conjunction with other stakeholders to ensure the achievement of the new minimum wage.

https://www.nigerialog.com/metro/labour-urges-nigerians-to-stockpile-necessities-as-nationwide-strike-looms/new/#new

We all know that there is a difference between parents and, African parents. Well, to be more specific, Nigerian parents. This Sir or Ma, mummy/daddy as we call them is a rare breed whose definition of parenting is totally different and funny and annoying (sometimes).

Here are some of the few annoying things they do to those of us who are fortunate enough to be their offspring.

They attribute the cause of a recent failure to something you did…

5 years ago
If you haven’t been told that the reason you came fourth in class is because you stayed for long in Bisola’s house 5 years ago then you are very lucky. Nigerian parents go overboard like that.

They tell you the reason you now have your own opinion is because you are growing boobs or beards…

Every time!
Girls can relate to this, even guys! You tell them the reason why the TV remote is not working is because it needs a new battery, they say the reason you ‘know better’, is because you have started growing beards or breasts or developing hips.

Other times, it is during a confrontation, when they are beating you to a pulp and you raise your hands in self-defense (wrong move) never do that or else, you will hear; “so you think you can beat me now because of your chest.”

They never give you room for explanation
Shut up, just shut up, what you say doesn’t matter, they don’t want to listen to it and they don’t care. You did it and that is the beginning and end of the conversation.


They stalk you on social media
Why all this?
Social media can sometimes be a betrayer; they expose a side of you your parents should not see. Even if your parents are not on social media, nosy family members will not let you be great.

They embarrass you in front of your friends, always
Ah, yes, Nigerian parents have zero chill. They can easily ‘remind’ to go and wash the toilet or plates or your 2 days old soaked bread spread in front of your friends and they do not do it nicely.

They wake you up from sleep for the most trivial things
Seriously though, this is an all-time favourite. They can wake you up to come and taste if there is salt is in the food or to pass the remote.

They call you out of the shower to greet all their friends
Their ‘show you off’ time, they can call you from anywhere, at any time to come and greet mummy Iyabo or Daddy G.O just because they want to brag about all the accomplishments they never tell you they are proud of in person.

https://www.nigerialog.com/family/some-annoying-things-nigerian-parents-do/new/#new

Over the past two weeks, a cholera outbreak in north-eastern Nigeria has claimed nearly 100 lives, according to the United Nations.

In Yobe and Borno states, a region that is also grappling with a Boko Haram insurgency, over 3,000 cholera cases have been recorded.

The UN reported that more than 500 people had died from cholera in the Lake Chad region since the start of the year, representing the worst outbreak to hit the area in four years.

It said more than six million people could be affected by the outbreak without urgent action to control it, especially as expected floods and heavy rains were “an ideal environment for the outbreak to spread”.

Cholera is caused by a bacterium transmitted through contaminated food or drinking water. It causes acute diarrhoea, with children particularly at risk.

People in areas where cholera is occurring or has occurred should be aware of the basic cholera facts and follow these five basic cholera prevention steps to protect themselves and their families according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

1. Drink and use safe water
Bottled water with unbroken seals and canned or bottled carbonated beverages are safe to drink and use. Use safe water to brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, and to make ice. To be sure water is safe to drink and use, boil it or treat it with a chlorine product or household bleach. If boiling, bring your water to a complete boil for at least one minute.

To treat your water with chlorine, use one of the locally available treatment products and follow the instructions. If a chlorine treatment product is not available, you can treat your water with household bleach. Add eight drops of household bleach for every one gallon of water (or two drops of household bleach for every one litre of water) and wait 30 minutes before drinking. Always store your treated water in a clean, covered container. Piped water sources, drinks sold in cups or bags, or ice may not be safe and should be boiled or treated with chlorine.

2. Wash your hands often with soap and safe water
Wash your hands with soap and safe water before you eat or prepare food, before feeding your children, after using the latrine or toilet, after cleaning your child’s bottom, after taking care of someone ill with diarrhoea. If no soap is available, scrub hands often with ash or sand and rinse with safe water.

3. Use latrines or bury your faeces (poop)
Do not defecate in any body of water. Use latrines or other sanitation systems, like chemical toilets, to dispose of faeces. Wash hands with soap and safe water after defecating. Clean latrines and surfaces contaminated with faeces using a solution of one part household bleach to nine parts water.

If you don’t have a latrine or chemical toilet, defecate at least 30 meters (98 ft) away from any body of water and then bury your faeces. Dispose of plastic bags containing faeces in latrines, at collection points if available, or bury it in the ground. Do not put plastic bags in chemical toilets. Dig new latrines or temporary pit toilets at least a half-meter (1.6 ft) deep and at least 30 meters (98 ft) away from any body of water.

4. Cook food well
Cook food well (especially seafood), keep it covered, eat it hot, and peel fruits and vegetables. Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it. Be sure to cook shellfish (like crabs and crayfish) until they are very hot all the way through. Avoid raw foods other than fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself.

5. Clean up safely
Clean up safely in the kitchen and in places where the family bathes and washes clothes. Clean food preparation areas and kitchenware with soap and safe water and let dry completely before reuse. Wash yourself, your children, diapers and clothes, 30 meters (98 feet) away from drinking water sources.

https://www.nigerialog.com/health/five-easy-ways-to-prevent-cholera/new/#new

For lovers of sweet things, the unripe plantain pottage alone, somehow, is a dish that is not as interesting as it sounds. Not to worry; this is the recipe for you. You can add sweet potatoes or ripe plantains to this recipe for added sweetness.


Ingredients
-2 large green plantains, washed, peeled and diced
-1 medium sweet potato, washed, peeled and grated
-¼ cup palm oil
-2 tbsp ground crayfish
-1 medium onion, sliced
--2 cups shredded smoked fish
-2 seasoning cubes
-1 tsp ground pepper, or to taste
Salt, to taste
-A handful of fresh greens (ugu, spinach, utazi), thinly sliced.

Method
1.Put the diced plantains in a pot.
2.Add the chopped onions, stock cubes, fish, ground crayfish and pepper.
3.Add in enough water to just cover the contents of the pot.
4.Cook on medium-high heat until the contents boil.
5.Add the palm oil and salt to taste.
6.Cover the pot and cook on low-medium heat until the plantain is almost tender. Then add the grated sweet potatoes and cook until done.
7.Take off the heat and stir in the vegetables.
8.Leave to stand for a few minutes before serving.

https://www.nigerialog.com/food/how-to-make-unripe-plantain-and-sweet-potato-pottage(pic)/new/#new

"Police underestimate the speed of the okada" rapped Baba Dee circa 2000, a time when the acronym 'Y2K' was still a hip slang and not an embarrassing abbreviation of the weird early years of the new millennium.
In the line above, Baba Dee attests to the power of the commercial motorcycle popularly known as okada.
Okadas are a natural phenomenon on Nigerian roads. They are bikes imported from Asia for Nigerian roads. With what started as an anomaly to get people to their destinations fast, okadas have become important in Nigeria's transportation system, especially in urban areas.
The name 'okada' has little to do with speed. Here is how the name okada came to be.

Origin of Okadas
While these bikes are also a primary means of transportation in countries like Cameroon, Togo, Benin Republic, they started gaining notoriety in Nigeria, circa 1988 in Benin City. Youths, who struggled with the troubling fate of being broke and a need to make money engaged in the mass importation and purchase of bikes for commercial transportation.
Despite the dangers they occasion on people as a very unsafe means of transportation, they soared in usage to their flexibility to ply any inroad and being cheap as an alternative to the more expensive taxi.
History says that we call it ‘okada’ today because in Benin - where it first gained prominence, was situated the now defunct, Okada Air, representing the hometown of its founder, Okada, Edo State.
It was established in 1983 and at the height of its operations it had 18 BAC One-Elevens planes in its fleet, and rights to fly international routes. In 1997 Okada Air was in ruins and was destablished. However, its legacy already had a tangible manifestation.
It is said that the name 'Okada' began as a joke to stylize its usage as a playful form of air transportation due to its ability to be unhindered by holdups and maneuver through anything just like someone, somewhere will probably jokingly call his Volkswagen Beetle a Bentley for pure jokes. Interestingly, the creative name stuck and it is not beyond belief that the location of an abstract concept, needing a relatable description for the average mind found itself in something familiar and began as a joke. Everything that gets used often and with a popularly accepted name, began from something familiar.

The rise of okadas
In a concrete jungle like Lagos with poor road networks, traffic and bad roads, Okadas have become indispensable. To beat the everyday hustle, Lagosians rely on daredevil drivers on okadas to help them get from one point to another.
On the transportation food chain, okadas rank last. They are dangerous - most riders do not have helmets for themselves and their passengers. They do not have licenses and have passed no driving tests.
For many, okada is a hustle. Okada drivers is predominantly a male workforce made up of men who belong to Nigeria's lower class. It's a rugged job and one of the few ways to make money daily when you are stuck at the bottom of Nigeria's economic ladder.
Since okadas became a major source of transport, state governments have tried to eradicate them. The Fashola administration was particularly tough on okadas with frequent crackdowns. However, during the election period in 2015, okadas were back on the streets of Lagos again. The popular theory is that politicians need okada riders for grassroots mobilization.
Like cockroaches, okadas are very hard to kill. Lagos state government has tried to regulate it by ensuring helmets are worn at all times by both passengers and riders. It worked for a while but we are back to the status quo ante.
The state government has however found success in establishing a curfew for okadas. After 8 pm, okada riders are expected to be off the streets. This is because okadas have been used to commit robberies (snatching of bags and purses) at nighttime. Any okada driver who operates after 8 pm is at the mercy of policemen who are eager to make anyone go through hell and pay large sums of money.
In popular culture, okada men are depicted as rough, vulgar, and dirty. The best depiction of this is Terror Muda , a petty crime solving, badass, swashbuckling, okada rider.

The name of okada has stuck and become a fixture of our everyday lives.
The idea of okada might be short of validity, but considering Nigeria’s history with naming things, it does not seem far-fetched at all. Also called, ‘Achaba’ by our Northern brothers, it is not just a source of cheaper transportation costs alongside the Tricycle, currently called, the ‘Keke (Maruwa/Napep)’ to signify the eras which they represent, okada has also drastically reduced unemployment and is livelihood for a lot of people.
It is however not without its disadvantages, but on this article, we only highlight the plus points as they are the only relevant points.

https://www.nigerialog.com/metro/here's-why-we-refer-to-motorcycles-as-'okada'-in-nigeria/new/#new

When music executive Teebillz had a meltdown in 2016, many were quick to blame his estranged wife, Tiwa Savage. In the same vein, Ariana Grande was blamed for the recent death of ex-boyfriend, Mac Miller who had a struggle with depression and sobriety.

Most times, we do not address the impact of mental illness on a couple’s relationship. We fail to understand that individuals who have a mental illness can have a negative impact on their spouse’s mental health, and vice versa. It is possible for both partners to struggle with symptoms that have developed because of the original illness in one of the partners. Research on psychiatric illness in romantic relationships has found a correlation between one partner having a mental illness and the other also suffering from one.

Helping someone with mental health is tantamount to walking on eggshells without making a sound. It requires a lot of sensitivity and more of empathy than sympathy.

It is, therefore, important to educate yourself, prioritise your own well-being, and avoid taking responsibility for your partner’s diagnosis. Directing a loved one to seek expert help ensures that you as an individual do not begin to internalise what they are going through.

https://www.nigerialog.com/romance/the-effect-of-mental-health-in-relationships/new/#new

Dreads are gradually rising above derogatory stereotypes which range from unprofessionalism to irresponsibility to branding dread wearers as drug abusers to becoming a trending fashion move and a bold statement. These beautiful locs evolve in every stage of their growth which offers endless opportunities changes your face and adds to your looks.

Popularly called dada in Nigeria, there is an endless variety on how to rock them, here is

Do not be afraid to have a splash of colour in your hair, go bold or pick something conservative. You could decide to dye the tips, whole thing or divide your hair into parts and colour them separately.

Wear it long
For an easy breezy look, just let your locs fall over your shoulders and make people marvel at that wonder.
Wear hair decorations: Because of the African heritage of dreads, it always looks so much better in hair and beaded ornaments. You could style it up with, ropes, beads, and cowries. Whatever that gives you culture.

Bun it or Bob it
The beautiful thing with dreads is that you are never limited and you can still achieve that office look. You can either put up those long dreads in a bun or be official with a bob.

Go curly
Depending on the length of your hair, you could put on some curls rock that beauty. Curls and dreads are a mixture of sassy and untamed which always equals beauty.

https://www.nigerialog.com/beauty/four-easy-ways-to-wear-your-dreads/new/#new

Judging from the questioning look on persons face when the ATM dispenses grimy looking cash and the near joyous look when the currency is crisp, it can be concluded that everyone prefers a crisp new note to a soiled old note.

Which begs the questions, does it really matter? Does the look of money affect our spending habit? Are we in any way emotionally attached to our currency?

Research has shown that people are likely to spend dirty crumbled notes as against new bills probably because they are worried over where it has been, what muck it’s picked up, not to mention the health implications. It does not end there though.

The reverse in the case in social situations. People would rather spend their crisp neat money over the dirty ones when ‘important people’ are watching despite the issues earlier mentioned earlier.

Situations such as this go on to show that people might be emotionally attached and take pride in their currency.

It should, however, be noted that the physical appearance of money matters not more than traditionally thought.

That is, the spending value of money remains the same regardless.

https://www.nigerialog.com/random-thoughts/dirty-money-and-its-effect-on-the-subconscious-mind/new/#new

Unfortunately, when it comes to Nigerians, there is an undeniable poor attitude towards work. You walk into a store and somewhere along the line, you are being treated as an enemy or, the boss is the enemy; with no regard for your physical and mental well being.

A studied view can show that most Nigerian workers and employers alike bring nothing but unprofessionalism to the table. They fall ungracefully to a place of complete lack of civility and the disturbing thing is that they are either unaware or do not mind at all.

Here are examples of how far we have fallen;

We fail to treat co-workers with dignity and respect: We struggle with this, especially when there is a newcomer in the building or there is someone we do not like for almost any reason at all. We become more disrespectful, less humane and show that we are capable of going to extreme lengths to talk down at people.

Integrity and honesty: This rubs off on both the employers and employees where we hear people saying something and mean another. Employers sometimes lie about payment, make promises they do not intend to keep and sometimes, employees, hike cost, handle transactions deceptively or take things a notch higher to what they actually are.

Lack of care when handling the company’s equipment: “…after all, no be my own.” We find ourselves saying this when it comes to the handling of the company’s properties. We wear equipment out, do not take proper care of them as we should, until they pack up and die. And then, we expect a replacement.

To give to work what belongs to work: This is about investing the allocated period for work to what it is meant for, working. Not running personal errands or taking multiple excuses every day to ‘go take care of something.’

Providing a safe environment: This brunt falls on the employers, most times, they are nonchalant about providing safe working conditions for their employees. For instance, the inhalation and constant contact of poisonous substance. It is good to consider the health of your workers and enlist them under a health insurance policy if possible.

https://www.nigerialog.com/career/work-ethics-nigerians-fail-to-observe/new/#new

People from Cross River as stereotypically known as “loose people”. However, a new documentary by BBC is now discrediting this handed-down belief and showing the reverse.

In Becheve tribe, in Obanliku LGA, Cross River, parents are appreciative of their daughters (money woman) because they are propelled by the belief that they will be used to settle off debts. With some of these girls as young as six, some are used to play bets, settle hospital bills while others are given off for as little as N3500. Here, a 10-year-old girl is considered as ripe for marriage and is taught to cook and clean.

The age-long practice imposes that a woman has the roles of having children and bringing money into the home. She is allowed to bring in the man (her customer) to her home and can have sex with him as long as it is not done on the matrimonial bed.

For some, they are borrowed to a lender until he gets his money. During that period, he can do to her as he pleases including getting her to give birth to his children. It is only on the condition that the parents are able to pay the incurring interests on the girl that she is returned. When she is sold, her father does not share the proceeds he gets from the transaction.

Once married, she is prevented from going to school and is given leftovers meals and is treated as a property. It is a social status determiner because only the rich can afford to have as many as they want. Despite the existence of the Nigerian and cross river law against the practice, it is still adhered to. At present, missionaries who are in the area are working towards ensuring that this practice is put to an end.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu9A6ONxnCU?t=9

https://www.nigerialog.com/culture/cross-river-tribe-where-girls-are-sold-for-n3500-(video)/msg50082/#msg50082

The coconut oil is one of the longest surviving oils, from the time when our mothers used it as a glow product till today where it is included in soaps and lotion. This topical gift is never to be overestimated.

This beauty treats all, is extracted from the kernel of matured coconuts comes with its own fragrance and the promise of a long shelf life as it has tremendous beauty benefits.

Here is what it does:

A great lip balm
The Nigerian weather has a way of cracking your lips, treat chapped lips with a daily application and get the best soft lips ever.

A good makeup remover
Kill two birds with one stone with this oil. We all know the importance of going to bed barefaced; the coconut oil cuts off through makeup effortlessly and treats your skin while you sleep.

Weaken wrinkles
Yes, the coconut oil serves as an anti-aging formula with the treatment it gives to your skin which includes exfoliation and moisturization. The oil goes into your skin and attracts protein molecules which aid the timely repair of worn out tissues in the inner layer of the skin, leaving it to wrinkle free.

Treat dandruff
Consistent use of the coconut oil on your hair not only banishes split ends but sees to it that your scalp is dandruff free. Massage a generous amount of the coconut oil into your scalp before shampooing to remove those dry white patches.

Clean makeup brushes
Aside from using water and anti-bacterial soaps, coconut oil also serves as an effortless cleaner.

The surprising benefits of coconut oil cannot be overstated, following these simple and effortless routines, you can look beautiful at the cost of almost nothing.

https://www.nigerialog.com/beauty/five-secret-uses-of-coconut-oil-you-didnt-know-about/new/#new

Cook for him, surprise him with meals, and learn to make his favourite meal so that he will not go outside.”

For many a woman, one of the ways to show your partner that you are prepared for marriage is by cooking. Because of this, women spend their early lives in the kitchen.

Yet, the evolving society continues to question the ideals that we were raised with.

The best cooks still have cheats as partners. There are happy marriages, some claim, where the couple does not cook. After all, they argue there is a reason chefs and restaurants exist.

In another class, there are men who never tasted their wife’s meal but still chose them. Still, there are some who believe that if they must eat, they must learn to cook. These kind are specific with what goes in through their mouth.

Then there is the problem of monotony and man’s desire to explore other people’s meals. Adventures which might involve him trying out the benefits of fasting.

Perhaps, we could blame it on the “woke” and evolving society or on the realisation that pleasing a man goes beyond food.

But…

There are exceptions. There are meals that make a man a customer for life. It wanes his anger and makes him fulfil his “other room” duties as he should.

Food or not, to each man his own!

https://www.nigerialog.com/random-thoughts/is-the-way-to-a-mans-heart-through-his-stomach/new/#new

Heartburn or acid reflux is the phenomenon where the stomach's contents sometimes flow backward, up into the oesophagus.
Acid reflux is a symptom of the chronic condition Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Beans is one of the most common causes of this heartburn, so here's a food hack on how to avoid it.
Many people experience heartburn and belching after having a meal with an iota of beans in it. Beans porridge and Ewa agoyin are top of the list, both are meals that ever struggling Nigerian knows well and meals that give heartburn.
There could be some scientific explanation but for now, here's a way to prepare your beans to avoid heartburn.

Directions
After picking the beans, soak it in water for about 5-7 hours.
OR
Parboil the beans in water the same way rice is parboiled. Cook for about 5 minutes, sieve out and rinse before putting it on heat for the real cooking.
After that, proceed with preparing the beans the normal way.

https://www.nigerialog.com/food/how-to-avoid-heartburn-from-beans-porridge/new/#new

For Nigerian lovers of basketball, the new instalment of the gaming franchise NBA 2k19 should feel right at home.
As Nigeria's pop culture soars high, the guys at EA Sports have tapped into the green-white-green-wave.
Basketball players in 2K19 now have the option of doing the 'Shaku Shaku' as a celebratory dance in the game. From the streets of Agege, 'Shaku Shaku' has now gone global and is no longer a Nigerian street dance.
How did a catchy dance move that originated from the slum of Agege captivate the world?

Shaku Shaku
This dance made its first entrance into the wave of Nigerian mainstream circa 2017 with the Nigerian Street Hop sound, propagated by Agege boys like Mr. Real, Slimcase, Obadice and
Dammy Krane.
While the dance became almost synonymous with Nigerian rapper, Olamide and his 2017 hit, ' Wo ', he did not create the routine.
Veteran Nigerian journalist, Chiagoziem Onyekwena, described Shaku Shaku as “a dance performed by crossing your arms in front of each other and the wrists, widening your legs slightly and launching into a graceful half-gallop ” before highlighting similarities to Psy’s 2012 hit, ' Gangnam Style '.

Onyekwena also noted that the dance had been bubbling under before launching in the mainstream around July 2017 and becoming viral later that year off acts like Idowest, Mr. Real, DJ Real, Slimcase, Zlatan Ibile, Cashwale, Reminisce and Obadice .
Finally, he attributed its homecoming to Olamide’s show Olamide Live In Concert 4 also know as OLIC 4 where it was performed and celebrated by almost 10,000 individuals.
Asides being simultaneously celebrated with the South African Gwara Gwara dance, synonymous with their Gqom sound, it has uniquely permeated through western ranks, towards global acceptance.
A cursory look through Nigerian videos will bring the reality of how well Shaku Shaku is a true Nigerian phenomenon, accepted and celebrated. However, it has been aided.

Success, aided by Nigeria at the forefront of the global affection for African culture
Alongside the ' Gwara Gwara ', Shaku Shaku has gone on wild global integration over the past 8 months. Stars like Paul Pogba and his French teammates have danced these routines to near perfection at the World Cup.
Let’s be clear, Shaku Shaku is not the first Nigerian contemporary dance. ' Galala ', ' Swo ', ' Yahooze', ' Alanta ' or even ' Shoki ' are predecessors of Nigeria's latest dance craze. 'Shoki' and 'Yahooze' are Nigerian dances who have gotten international acclaim.
In 2015, US rap star Missy Elliott danced the 'Shoki' in her music video 'Where they from '. In 2008, way before Nigerian hit songs clogged the Internet, former US Secretary of State Colin Powell danced the 'Yahooze' alongside Olu Maintain.

However, none of these dance steps have nothing on 'Shaku Shaku' in terms of global reach.
Nigerian music and culture have become increased subjects of global obsession. Our music, fashion styles and even our pidgin English have been borrowed by westerners and our artistes continue to enjoy western success in touring and recognition.
It only seems inevitable as asides K-pop, the various genres of African music were the only areas of music that the West had not put on blast.
Inevitably, Shaku Shaku looks to be reaping the benefits of the continued inquests or in some quarters,onslaught on Nigerian culture. To some, it is sudden. To others, it seems an appropriation to refresh the stalling western dance music scene. Whatever it is, Nigerian and the wider African culture have been getting some overdue recognition.
In most ways, that is enough.

https://www.nigerialog.com/random-thoughts/shaku-shaku-how-the-dance-became-a-global-obsession/new/#new

The thing you learn when you first bump into Lagos is that you cannot live in it with the same gear you use to cope and live within other states. You realise, much sooner than later, that in Lasgidi (), there are certain essentials you must have, various instructions you must follow to live, at least, an easy life.

This pack of essentials includes:

Own a pair of athletic legs
You need this. You might not know why at first but when you jump on and run after a moving vehicle once or twice, you realise that a good pair of athletic legs is the only support and worthy friend you can have in those trying times.

Hold a large amount of “vex money”
The Lagos transport system is filled with much unpredictability because the bus you see for ₦150 today, you might see no more. So to save yourself a thousand and one Yoruba curses, hold more than you bargained for (vex money)

Have a compass for your body
With Lagos been declared the most populous city, there is really little to wonder about this. In Lagos, you avoid three things, at the same time; buses, bikes and bodies; you learn that this is what makes up the traffic, that holds up, this go slow. So the earlier you know how to manoeuvre, cross the road with moving vehicles at your sides and a puddle in front of you, the better for you.

Wear a shock absorber
Get ready to see and hear things in Lagos. From the conductor who claims that he is richer than most bank managers to the fact that most bikes operate as tricycle known as Keke =, Lagos sweeps you off your feet and in those moments, you close your mouth, shrug it off and go on with your business because nothing is too big for Lagos to do.

Own a power bank!
We all know that power in Nigeria is almost never stable but Lagos is on a different peak. Before making this journey to “the city of lights”, ask friends or families so that you can know the power condition of where you are staying and then act accordingly.

Nevertheless, Lagos has its perks and you should learn to enjoy them in between the crazy and madness. Enjoy the hot puffs, that are either ₦10 or ₦50 for breakfast, enjoy the Diet Coke that is ₦100 and still be healthy, enjoy the roadside shops where you can get a denim jacket for less and do a mini shopping. But mostly, enjoy the people who know that despite everything, your problem is their problem and are willing enough to give you transport fare, without you asking when you seem to have missed your stop.

https://www.nigerialog.com/metro/lagos-for-dummies-starter-pack-for-the-new-lagosian/new/#new

When you wake up in the morning, what should be the first drink you should have in the morning?
Tea, coffee, water and fresh fruit juice are just some of the most popular drinks people take to start their day. Many would argue that each is better than the other, but maybe you should decide for yourself.

Tea
Drinking tea in the morning is one the most common practices all over the world. Though tea varies across regions, "real tea" is derived from
Camellia sinensis , a plant that gives only four varieties — green, black, white, and oolong. If you're drinking any of this, then prepare to be loaded with tons of health benefits. Tea is said to contain antioxidants which help in boosting exercise endurance, fight against cancers and help to fight free radicals. Tea is, obviously, very hydrating, despite the caffeine. If you are also looking for somet to help you burn calories, then green tea is your best bet.

Water
Drinking water in the morning, especially on an empty stomach, is many shades of healthy. We all know that water doesn't exactly have many nutrients but one thing is sure, it is incredibly beneficial. Water helps to cleanse your colon and allows the stomach to absorb nutrients better, hence boosting metabolism. Ever heard the saying, "Drink water and mind your business" as the key to glowing skin? Yes, water does remove toxins from your blood and body giving you perfect, glowing skin.

Fresh Juice
Juicing early in the morning has health benefits that vary based on the fruits or vegetables used. There is really a juice for everything. However, there are some basic benefits of drinking fresh juices first thing in the morning. Say goodbye to toxins, junk food cravings, lack of energy and say hello to glowing skin, better metabolism and digestion, and accelerated weight loss.

Coffee
Uhh, yes. Contrary to popular beliefs, coffee has many health benefits, even excluding the boost it gives to get through your day. First, it is full of antioxidants. In fact, some studies argue that it has more antioxidants than some fruits and veggies. These antioxidants fight against free radicals in the body. It also helps you burn fat, fight against some cancers and has pain-relieving abilities that can reduce migraines. Surprisingly, it also gives you a short term memory boost!

https://www.nigerialog.com/food/what-should-be-the-first-drink-you-should-have-in-the-morning/new/#new

Sometimes burdened by negative rumours, half-truths, and infamy, secret societies have played significant roles in the economic, political and social aspects of different communities in Africa. Their ideologies and way of life sometimes help redefine how an entire community is administered. Members of these groups are influential and powerful. Here are a few of these societies:


Ekpe
Ekpe, which means Leopard in Efik, is a masquerade cult with members who are typically well-respected agents of wealth distribution in the community and other reputable and outstanding personalities. Being a member of the group is a self-enriching quest for members and their families. To give back to the community, they sponsor feasts and throw parties for the sole merriment of the people. The Ekpe from Cross River and Akwa Ibom have migrated to other parts of Africa and some foreign countries like Cameroon and Brazil.

Nze na Ozo
This society is one of the highest and most important social groups in Igboland. Taking the title is extremely expensive and is only for individuals with extreme prestige, power and influence in the community. To become Ozo means that the title holder is now an Nze (living spirit and an ancestor). It is a symbol of prominence on whomever it is conferred upon and often assumes a leading role. In times of crisis, most Igbo communities rely on Ozo members for leadership.

Ogboni
This institution plays roles in the socio-political and religious affairs of the Yoruba people. They aim to strike a healthy balance in the aspects of fairness and justice. In pre-colonial history, the judiciary of Yoruba kingdoms was under the tutelage of the Ogboni members. But this changed and translated into dubious tendencies, attaching a derogatory tag to the group. It still functions in a few remote kingdoms and is popular in Nigerian Yoruba and Igbo-speaking communities, Togo and Republic of Benin.

Okonko
An Igbo equivalent of Ekpe, the Okonko society is only open to a certain calibre of men in the community, including titled elders, kingmakers and law enforcers of no questionable character. Its festivals are strictly meant for members, and only initiates can follow Okonko processions at ceremonies. Initiation holds in three stages and lasts for seven days. Palm leaves, to the group, hold great significance. For instance, when held between lips, it shows silence and divinity.

https://www.nigerialog.com/culture/the-most-prominent-secret-societies-in-nigeria/new/#new

If you are an adult in present-day Nigeria then I believe you ought to have realized by now that tertiary education in this country is laughable.
I am not saying it is all bad but then it is very bad. The system is rigged against the students. The facilities are dilapidated or nonexistent. Most of our educators are either dinosaurs or poorly qualified. The all-around environment is not conducive. All this stands against us but beyond that, there are certain things we believed as young ladies about a school that are not wholly true.

1. We don’t need connections
Inasmuch as we should not thrive on nepotism, it is highly important that we maintain quality relationships. Most of us went to the university with the mindset that we only have to study hard and earn good grades; everything else was secondary. However, even if you are good at what you do, you may still need a recommendation here and there to get through the door before you prove yourself.
Thus, the university is one of the best places to network.

2. All we need is a certificate
Closely linked to the point above, we assumed that once we studied hard and graduated with a first class or second class (upper division), life would be kind to us. Yet, it does not work that way. You would need your soft skills above all else to differentiate you from the throng of people holding a similar certificate.

3. Beauty is meant for the dull
Somehow, we believed that the beautiful girls who went to extra lengths to look good were dull and so the smart ones didn’t bother to put in such an effort in their appearance. However, in reality, if you don’t take care with your appearance, only a few people will be interested enough to listen to what you have upstairs.

https://www.nigerialog.com/random-thoughts/lies-we-believed-about-higher-education/new/#new

Kano, regarded as the commercial hub of Northern Nigeria due to its strategic location, is also the home that houses ancient relic and culture which dates back to the 7th century. Take time out and appreciate this beautiful location.

Dubar Festival
Also called Kano Durbar by some, this is the most popular festival amongst the various festival celebrated in Kano, hosted by the Emir of Kano. A thrilling display of culture, tradition and religion, it is celebrated to mark the two annual Muslim festivals, Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha.

The Dubar basically is a procession of very sophisticated dressed horsemen, passing through the city to the Emir’s palace to offer respect and allegiance.

Dawakin tofa pottery
Situated in the local government area of Dawakin Tofa, artistic vessels of various forms are created. Do you want to see clay pottery transform from its raw state, this is where to go.

Kurmi market
Once known for its large involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, the kurmi market is an age long traditional market popular for the sale of very attractive cultural items like handcrafted beads and jewellery, sculptures and other woven materials.

Kofar Matar dyeing pit
Famous all over the world and a major reference point in international museums, the 500-year-old pits have never ceased operation since its creation. In ancient time, it was one of the most lucrative occupations that brought people from far and wide to purchase. It is the best place to learn about cloth-dyeing.

Minjibir weaving place
Minjibir is a whole village which is entirely dedicated to textile weaving. Here, you can feel the passion of the locals in their creation of beautiful African materials.

Kano City Wall
Of course, the city wall is an antique that must be mentioned for the piece to be. Built in the 14th century to secure the city, this architectural beauty offers archaeological significance and an impressive tourist attraction. Though not as grandiose as the Great Wall of China.

https://www.nigerialog.com/travel/kano-a-city-of-antiques-and-culture/new/#new

Often times, we complain about boring conversations. However, leaving the job of starting and carrying on a conversation should not be the job of one person alone.

Ask yourself this question. If they are not doing it right, are you? Striking and maintaining a conversation can be difficult, but it should not be. Conversation is communication, communication is life. When getting to know someone, here are a few tips to ensure that your conversations are never boring:

1. No interrogation, share
When you only ask questions and don’t share, it feels like an interrogation. This should not be, especially when trying to get to know someone. Whenever others feel sceptical about engaging in a conversation with you, sharing your own experiences while asking questions to know their opinion is a good way to break the ice.

2. No oversharing
As much as it is important to share, do not take over the conversation and go on and on about yourself. You will keep the other person excluded from the conversation they should be a part of. It will help also you to avoid disconcerting yourself or the other person with uncomfortable words you would have known of if you were not dominating the conversation.

3. Ask open-ended questions
These are the kind of questions that maintain a conversation. They are capable of allowing conversations to flow from one topic to another. This way, it struggle is less and the conversation is more.

4. Stay current on happenings
You want a good conversation, stay updated. Asides from keeping yourself informed, it aids while conversing. This is not saying that there are no things to talk about asides current happenings, this is saying that it helps.

5. Common ground
Thinking about the other person’s interest is required for having a good conversation. “Wow, you love Brymo, I love him too. Did you see his Banuso music video it was ………” It gets easier from there on.

6. S.O.F.T.E.N technique
This is one important technique to know when having face-to-face conversations. It’s a good thing to know when networking or meeting new people.

Smile genuinely: This tells the other person that your interest is sincere, thereby making them comfortable.
Open up your posture: A relaxed posture gives the impression of interest and readiness to converse.
Forward lean: This paints the picture of focus, in what the other person has to say.
Touch: This is dependent on the kind of relationship you have with the person.
Eye contact: Maintaining eye contact is very important.
Nod: This shows that you are really listening to the person.

https://www.nigerialog.com/family/six-ways-to-have-a-good-conversation/msg49843/#msg49843

Over the years, Nigerian weddings have become more lavish and glamorous. We see asoebis, colours and most important of all, gift wraps and presentation. The problem with gifts, however, is getting the right gift that appeals to the couple’s wish list which, in turn, is uploaded online or in a registry store.

Although unpopular, wedding registries ease this stress.

Awesome right?

Imagine having a wishlist of your wedding presents and having your guests get them. But here is the catch with this system in Nigeria:

Greed: Wishlists in Nigeria is an opportunity to ask for high-ending items. There are people who abuse the intent of wedding registries and fill their list with high-ending gifts with options of cash.

People may not actually find it funny: Our parents, friends and a lot of people would probably roll their eyes and call you ungrateful or wonder why you can’t be satisfied with what you will be provided with on that day.

Despite the daunting risks, wedding registries actually have their benefits:

They reduce stress: As a guest, the thought of carrying a big package while battling with your flowing agbada or double decked gele is reduced.

With a wedding registry, guests can have a guided focus and get the couples what they need and would appreciate the most.

Also, the newlyweds are saved from the stress of moving their gifts from place to place, all thanks to the registry store.

Having a wedding registry increases your chances of having valuable gifts.

https://www.nigerialog.com/family/gifts-the-nigerian-problem-with-wedding-registry/new/#new

If you have lived in Lagos , you are probably aware of the alternation and change in transportation . In the morning , there is a bus going to your destination and in the evening , there are no buses and people are walking from Oshodi down to Aswani to find the fastest leg routes to their houses.
If you have lived in Lagos , you are probably aware of the shift and drastic change in the transport system . In the morning , you see a bus going to your location , in the evening , there are no buses and you people are already trekking from Oshodi down to Aswani to find the fastest leg routes to their houses.
If you are tired , what do you do in cases like that? Three things , you can either be brave and walk , wait endlessly for a bus or you could do what most people in Lagos do in situations like that , hitchhike.

Getting a ride or lift as we popularly refer to it, is a type of transportation where you ask people , mostly strangers for a ride in their vehicles especially if they are going your way.
How do you become a good hitchhiker, because let ’s be honest , in Lagos , it is necessary.

Take the most used route : When you want to hike a ride , it is best to take the most used route where majority are driving through. That way , you get to see a lot of options and you are not limited on who to ask.

Be in a good and safe spot: In Lagos , this is important , considering the traffic and pickpockets . Pick a spot that is away from moving vehicles and safe , not just for you but for the driver. It is wise that you stand in spots where you can be seen easily , with enough space for the driver to park when they decide to help you.

Smile , but not too much : No one would probably give rides to a tight -faced person, despite delayed success , it is important that you maintain a positive attitude , smile but not too much because it might come off as creepy.

Know where you are going to : Don ’ t give the driver double work , know the precise routes of where you are going to and spare the driver and fuel the stress of being obligated to get you there.

Be ready to walk : Not every day is your lucky day , do not rely too much on hitchhiking. Know that sometimes things might not always work out the way you want. Be ready to walk or get on the nearest bus available.
Yes, hitchhiking is a dangerous business, especially in these parts and the ‘one chance ’ stories we hear every day. It is good that you trust your instincts and look carefully before hitchhiking. Avoid asking for rides at odd times of the day and always go for the most used routes.
Avoid hitchhiking alone . It is dangerous !!

https://www.nigerialog.com/metro/five-tips-for-safe-hitch-hiking-in-lagos/new/#new

Relationships are not always rosy. There are times when simple conversations could lead to disagreements that threaten the foundation of the relationship . While it is quite known that men and women psychology are different, there are times when the communication is misplaced and reactions are unanticipated.
There are many beliefs that are held by women and can be damaging to the relationship. Why ? Because beliefs go a long way in influencing the decisions that we make and our reactions.
Here are some beliefs that might be erroneous :
Silent Treatment
Women love to give men the silent treatment to show their displeasure but when he does same , we feel hurt . The truth is , more often than not, his quietness means he needs to make big decisions.

Sex
This does not mean that there are commitment phobic men who just want the sex. You have probably fallen into their hands and that is why you think that all men are scared of commitment. Yet , you know men who are making their women happy. There are good men who are looking to commit and hope to live happily ever after. You just might be in the wrong circle.

Conversations
A man has needs so does a woman. Women , naturally like to talk about everything including the annoying lady who wore the same shirt as hers at work on the same day. Because he loves her, he listens intently and asks questions. Due to this , it is easy to assume that he loves to listen and not talk. However , he might be yearning to talk about how his team won a match. So get him involved in the conversation, ask questions about their favourite sport, their project and watch him talk animatedly.

https://www.nigerialog.com/romance/three-miscommunications-that-ruin-relationships-for-women/new/#new

Although pencil thinned eyebrows are common , it goes without contest that whenever we see someone sporting their thick , natural and perfectly shaped brows , we always make a jealous turn.
Here are a few natural ways on how to grow your brows without hurting your face:
Olive oil
Not only does olive oil contain vitamin E which sustains each hair strand, it also contains vitamin A that enhances the production of our body’ s natural oil . Make this a routine by applying daily , with the use of your fingertips and watch those brows blossom.

Onion juice
Lovers of onions , this is for you. Make a paste from blended onions , apply the juice , and watch how the selenium, minerals , B and C vitamins create magic for your brows. Of course, for the non- onion lovers , you can use lemon juice to erase the after smell.

Coconut oil
This is not just a good moisturiser but doubles as an antimicrobial agent with its lauric acid to help prevent infection from the hair follicles and it also possesses iron which promotes healthy and thick eyebrows.

Lemons
Make lemonade eyebrows by applying a piece of lemon on both brows and leave to marinate for 20 minutes before washing off with warm water . The Vitamin B and C and folic acid present will give your brows that nice rich look.

Castor oil
Apply this to your eyebrow roots and watch how your hair enriches with the help of the proteins, fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins. Stick to this routine daily for 30 minutes but avoid pure castor oils as they are likely to cause irritation. Sticking to black castor oils is the best.

Petroleum Jelly
Remember when we used petroleum jelly to keep our skin moist during the dry season ? This is what the petroleum jelly does for the brows: it locks in all the moisture and when you leave overnight and you that much-desired fuller and thicker brows.

https://www.nigerialog.com/beauty/five-hacks-to-grow-your-brows-naturally/new/#new