₦airaland Forum

For book lovers , there is comfort in flipping through the pages of a book especially about an interesting one and living in the images portrayed in it. Like a journey , it transports you to a world that gives you a profound experience of adventure .
There are so many books written in the world from biographies to historical, horror , psychological thrillers , science fiction and of course romance .
In commemoration of Book lovers day , here are some interesting best sellers books that were turned into films that will be talked about for a long time .

The Godfather
Written by Mario Puzo and published in 1969 and adopted into a film in 1972 , based on a mafia family in Italy is one book that although written over five decades ago , still is engaging with its wild yet captivating plot and imagery.

The Hunger Games
This book is a science fiction written by Suzanne Collins . It was based in a dystopian future where young people were chosen to fight to the death and the winner , of course , gets to live .
The film is known for its wonderful visual imagery and thrilling portrayal of emotions of the characters.

Harry Porter
This series of books were written by JK Rowling and adapted into film . It follows a life of a boy , Harry Porter who had supernatural powers , whose life was threatened several times by an evil wizard called Voldemort.

Game of Thrones
Based on George R. R. Martin’ s A Song of Ice and Fire series of novels , is a fantasy book portraying a shockingly violent imagery of life in the medieval times . In spite of this , fans of the film are anticipating the final episode of the series and are even exciting about the rumours of a spin-off from the film .

Things Fall Apart
Our very own Things fall apart written by Chinua Achebe is one of the best literary works ever written in Africa . The plot , the storyline everything about this book is interesting and thought - provoking.
Some Nigerian authors base the foundations and style of their books on this great work.

https://www.nigerialog.com/tv-movies/five-films-that-were-adapted-from-best-selling-books/new/#new

Dating abroad can be a very exciting and fresh experience, but just as risky.
Dating abroad is another adventure on its own. Here are some important tips for dating locals while travelling abroad.
It might seem counter intuitive to date someone whose idea of home is thousands of miles away from yours. However, some travellers will confess that a short fling or relationship with a local can turn out to be a very exciting adventure. However, if you're going to do this, there are few things to keep in mind.
1. Don't be afraid to meet someone new
Being snobbish while on a trip abroad is like having a delicious plate of food in front of you and choosing to remain hungry. Sounds like a missed opportunity, not only for a relationship but for the other experiences with locals that you are missing. Don't be afraid to start something just because the future is uncertain. Go out, speak to people, use a dating app if necessary and enjoy your adventure!

2. Establish clear expectations
Be realistic and make sure you both are on the same page. Is it a short fling or something serious? Let them know. According Elaina Giolando from Go Overseas , " If you're open to something long-term, let that be known too so they don't think you wouldn't be willing to put the hard work in for a real relationship if it became serious."

3. Be careful not to get lost in the exotic sauce
Dating an "exotic" person can be exciting, we get it. However, it's important to stay clear-headed because if you over-exoticize your partner, chances are they can sense the naivety and take advantage of it. Chelsea Handy from XONecole says " it is important to treat someone you meet as a person and not a possession."

4. It's a relationship not a free guide
Though the person is a local and has a broad knowledge of the best places to visit and tourist sites, it's never nice to turn him/her into a free tour guide. Make conscious efforts to spend time with them because you want to, not because you want them to show you around. Eventually, the latter will happen and you'll find yourself balling with your partner at all the places you've been meaning to visit.

5. Never stop learning the culture
A genuine interest in your partner's language and culture will ultimately make them feel closer to you. This also helps to bridge some important cultural and linguistic gaps.

https://www.nigerialog.com/romance/5-tips-for-dating-locals-while-travelling-abroad/new/#new

See the bridges that have broken records as the longest bridges on the continent.
Third Mainland Bridge used to be the longest bridge in Africa until 1996 when the 6th October Bridge was built in Cairo. Here are the longest bridges » on the continent.

1. 6th October Bridge
The 6th October Bridge is located in Cairo, Egypt. It is a highway that is 20.5km long. The bridge is built across the Nile River and was completed in 1996.

2. Third Mainland Bridge
The Third Mainland Bridge, also known as the Ibrahim Babangida Bridge, is a 10.5 km bridge in Lagos, Nigeria. It was opened in 1990 and is one of the three bridges connecting the Lagos Island to the Lagos mainland.

3. Suez Canal Bridge
The Suaz Canal Bridge is located El Qantara in Egypt, spanning over a distance of 3.9 km and connecting Africa and Eurasia. It is also called Shohada 25 January Bridge.

4. Mozambique Island Bridge
Mozambique Island Bridge is located on the Island of Mozambique. It is a 3.8 km bridge crossing over the Indian Ocean and connecting the Island of Mozambique to the mainland. It was completed in 1969.

5. Dona Ana Bridge
Dona Ana Bridge is a rail bridge, built across the Zambezi River. It spans a distance of 3.67 km and connects the towns of Mutarara and Vila de Sena. It was completed in 1934.

https://www.nigerialog.com/metro/these-are-the-longest-bridges-in-africa-(third-mainland-bridge-is-one-of-them)/new/#new

Queen Moremi was a courageous queen who is fabled to have contributed to the deliverance of the Yoruba tribe from oppression.
Honoured with a statue in Ile-Ife that is the tallest in Nigeria, Queen Moremi is revered by the Yoruba people as an epitome of selflessness, bravery and wisdom.
At a time in ancient Yoruba land, the people of Ile-Ife people were enslaved by a neighbouring tribe called the Ìgbò (forest) people. These Ìgbò were considered to be as powerful as demi-gods because they conducted regular raids on the people of Ife. This made the people of Ife seek out help and offer sacrifices to their gods in order to prevail, but all unsuccessfully.
Queen Moremi Ajasoro was the wife of
Oranmiyan, the heir to the King of Ife and Founding Father of the Yoruba tribe, Oduduwa . Upon devising a strategy, Moremi visited the Spirit of the river Esimirin and vowed to make the greatest sacrifice possible if she could discover the strength of the Forest people and save her kinsmen.
She went to a place that was raided frequently, and allowed herself to be captured. Eventually, her beauty attracted the Ìgbò ruler who made her his anointed queen. She was also very confident and skillful so it was not long before she won the trust and affection of the King and people in Ìgbò land. This gave her the access she needed to familiarise herself with the secrets of their army — in preparation for battle, the Ìgbò would cover themselves from head to toe with Ekan grass and bamboo fibers. If someone were to pass amongst the Ìgbò warriors with a torch, they would be defeated.
After she discovered their secrets, she escaped to Ile-Ife to reveal them to the Yoruba army. The Yoruba people used Moremi's privileged information to finally defeat the Ìgbò people in battle. Queen Moremi is recognised by the Yoruba people because of this bravery and celebrate her selflessness with the Edi Festival because she gave up her son, Olurogbo , to the Esimirin deity in order to fulfil her end of the bargain.
To this day, the Yoruba people mourn with her and hold her in the highest esteem of any women in the Kingdom. Queen Moremi has been immortalized in several ways with books about her, public places named after her, and a statue of her erected in 2016 by Oba Ogunwusi in the Ife palace. The 42 feet statue, popularly known as the "Queen Moremi Statue of Liberty," is the
tallest statue in Nigeria, and the fourth tallest in Africa.

https://www.nigerialog.com/random-thoughts/did-you-know-about-the-courageous-queen-moremi-whose-statue-is-the-tallest-in-ni/new/#new

The fio fio dish is a spicy pigeon pea porridge, peculiar to the people of Enugu state in Nigeria.
This simple recipe will teach you to prepare the traditional Igbo delicacy the real Enugu way.

Ingredients
2 cups fio-fio (pigeon peas)
2 cups smashed achicha (cocoyam)
3 milk cups of palm oil
Handful of scent leaf
4 onion balls
2 stock/seasoning cubes
12 pieces fresh pepper
4 handfuls of ukpaka (ugba)
salt (to taste)
fish (optional)
nylon (for the achicha)

Preparation
1. Select the pigeon peas like you would do beans, to remove chaff and insects. After selecting, wash the peas.
2. Pour the washed fio fio into a pot and cover with water. Cook for 30 minutes, wash and then return to the pot for another round of cooking.
3. Move to the cocoyam(achicha). Pour the cocoyam into a bowl of water and allow to soak for at least 10 minutes.
4. Then wash properly to remove all traces of sand and drain out the water.
5. Tie them bit by bit with the nylon and put inside the already cooking pot where the pigon peas are. Let this cook for about 30mins.
6. Remove the cocoyam from the pot and allow the pigeon peas to cook until soft.
7. Drain the water from the peas, untie the cocoyam and mix together.
8. Heat the oil in a separate pot or frying pan for about 3 minutes.
9. Into the oil, add the chopped onions, pepper, ukpaka, seasoning, scent leaf, salt to taste, and allow it to cook for 10 minutes.
10. Mix the already prepared sauce with the pigeon peas and cocoyam.
Your Fio Fio is good to go! Serve with fried fish and a cold drink!

https://www.nigerialog.com/food/how-to-prepare-this-spicy-traditional-enugu-dish/msg48002/#msg48002

Every relationship has its moments, and so do friendships . Let ’s say you have a friend and , along the line, you both start getting sexually attracted to each other . Then you end up having sex with them , things get awkward , and it damages the friendship .
While this may seem like the way some modern -day relationships work , there are ways you can stay friends after having sex.
Here are a few tips :

Have “ the talk ”
It may seem easier to act like nothing happened or to avoid each other, most especially when it was a one-time thing. But it helps both parties to sit, talk and evaluate the friendship . Decide if you both want it to grow into a relationship or not.

Accept the decision made
Sometimes, the feelings may not be mutual , and one party may feel more than another . Either way , it is better to accept whatever decision you both make and move on or end the friendship .

Give some space
If you both have decided not to nurture the relationship , then you can either go ahead and continue as friends or take a healthy break from the friendship in a situation where the feeling isn ’t mutual.

Don't stalk each other
Most people say that the point when they stop stalking their ex is when they know they have finally moved on. Although it will take a while , this is one healthy way to make some space . Take up healthy hobbies , visit new places and just have fun.

Declare boundaries
More often than not when you have sex with a friend, it goes on more than once . Learn to declare boundaries and state what you really want out of the friendship. Until then, you may end up more hurt than when you started.

https://www.nigerialog.com/romance/can-you-stay-friends-after-sex/new/#new

Everybody will like to have a porcelain body without marks , blemish or stretch marks . But the body is elastic made up of fluids, veins, muscles , flesh and so on , it is not made up of glass .
Stretch marks are a dreaded skin mark that appears as a result of skin stretching during pregnancy, sudden weight gain, pills , lotions and creams that contain corticosteroids and adrenal gland disorders like Cushing ’s syndrome and Marfan ’s syndrome which cause stretch marks.
There are many beauty treatments and suggestions that promise to make them disappear . News flash! They may not fade away completely , some stretch marks are there to stay.
No matter how much you covet those slim, sometimes photoshopped images of the super slim models on a magazine, remember that over 80 per cent of people have stretch marks. Some are very clear while some are faint.
Before you let someone body shame you into thinking you do not deserve to wear a swimsuit or swim trunk because of this , here are reasons you should love your body stretch marks and all.

They are a map of where you have been
Stretch marks are the indications of your experiences and how far you have matured as a human being. The weight gains during puberty and the weight gain during childbirth are maps of what trails you have blazed in life .

They show that change isn’ t such a bad thing.
Stretch marks could appear suddenly and make you spring into action to what remedy to use . The sudden change is not such a bad thing. It will help you evaluate your lifestyle and take care of your body more.

They are your own personal tattoos
Stretch marks are distinct on a body. No stretch marks are the same. If you can sit for hours to get a tattoo you should embrace this as a natural beauty tattoo.

Shame beauty standards
Beauty standards are all about perfection or some advertisers idea of perfection. Shame this opinion and make fact that stretch marks are nothing to be ashamed of. Beauty standards should be about the emotional , physical and mental wellbeing of an individual.

https://www.nigerialog.com/beauty/four-reasons-you-should-embrace-your-stretch-marks/new/#new

Everybody makes mistakes . Even the best beauty expert can have a beauty fail. But it important to learn from them and avoid a repeat although some people tend to overlook this and make these beauty mistakes a regular routine .
Nails
The nails should have a consistent length and shape whether they are natural or false . Some people wearing false nails leave some on while others have fallen off. If one has fallen the others should be promptly removed .

Excess perfume
Everybody wants to smell nice but do not make the mistake of thinking that choking people is appealing. Resist the urge to cause vomiting and headache and apply subtly to the neck and wrists. There is no need to drench your clothes in perfume .

Neglecting the neck
It is odd when the face looks youthful, well moisturised and toned while the neck looks old and neglected in contrast . Whatever beauty regiment used on the face should be extended to the neck as well.

Using excess foundation
Every girl wants to look like a cover subject of a beauty magazine but applying foundation like a mask will only make you look awful even if it is the right shade.
Foundation should be well applied and blended in to the hairline, jawline and the neck to achieve a natural look.

https://www.nigerialog.com/beauty/which-of-these-beauty-mistakes-are-you-making/new/#new

Safety at home refers to the awareness and education of risks and potential dangers in and around a home that may cause bodily harm , injury , or even death, to those residing in and around the physical structure of a home. When children, especially toddlers are involved , extra care is necessary to ensure that accidents in the home are almost eliminated .
Parenting blogger and Founder, Temi Randle, in her opinion , said toddlers are curious and need to explore their surroundings as part of their growth . They really have no idea what danger is, so parents need to be cautious about the environment .
Parents can ’t assume that because they are at home with the kids or even watching them , accidents can ’ t happen. We need to learn about all the ways to baby proof our homes and not wait till something tragic happens before taking it seriously .
Randle noted that there is really no area in the home that is 100 per cent safe enough to leave a toddler unsupervised . “There are safety measures needed even in a cot . It is more important to be aware of the baby proofing options in every area of the home.
“The kitchen should be an obvious no -go area for children, but speaking from my experience as a mother with no help, I sometimes have to keep him on me to have my hands free . Even then , there are some safety measures to consider : Don ’t carry hot food or drink and your baby at the same time ; don’t hold your baby while frying at the stove; turn pot handles away from the edge of the hob ; install Stove guards that prevents pans being pulled over ; move cleaning agents , medicines, vitamins , toiletries and other potentially toxic items out of reach or lock them up ; check batteries and smoke detectors regularly and plan a fire escape route .”
On how best parents can relate with their children to reduce or eliminate accidents in the home , Randle said , “Chances are your toddler doesn ’t understand consequences yet , so even if you shout at them for putting their finger in the socket plug , it would not prevent them from doing it again . It is up to the parents to install plug socket protectors . You can , of course, show disapproval in your tone when they cross boundaries but we can ’t expect that alone to be a deterrent for toddlers .
“Keeping your eyes on your toddlers 100 per cent is not realistic , but you can make sure that before you leave them to explore a space freely , you have pre -empted all the dangers and made the place as secure as possible . Keep your eyes on a toddler as much as possible and if they are sleeping in their own room, it is advisable to use a baby monitor, especially for younger babies.”
Randle added : “We shouldn ’t be too hard on ourselves as parents when accidents happen . Even the most cautious of parents and the ‘safest ’ of homes are susceptible to accidents . What is important is that we are intentional about the safety measures in the home. We don’ t have to buy fancy tech gadgets to baby- proof our homes; you can easily Do - It- Yourself ( DIY ) many of these . Tragedies can be avoided simply by being aware of baby proofing your home and making those simple changes .

https://www.nigerialog.com/family/putting-safety-measures-at-home-for-kids/new/#new

Cholesterol , a fatty substance made by the liver and distributed throughout the body, is essential for the body to function properly . Cholesterol allows the body to make vitamin D and hormones , and makes up bile acids.
Too much of it, however , or high cholesterol means there is more in the blood than the body needs . When this happens, it becomes harmful to the body, particularly the heart , according to health experts .
On the relationship between high cholesterol and heart diseases, Dr Fidel Okite , a medical practitioner explained : “Lipoproteins are what moves cholesterol through the bloodstream- we have the LDL ( low density lipoproteins ) that transport cholesterol around to where it’s needed and the HDL or high density lipoproteins , known as ‘good cholesterol ’. If there ’s too much cholesterol , ( the LDL variety ) , it may be deposited into the arteries causing plaques which can narrow the coronary arteries . As these narrow , it is harder for blood to make it through to the heart . If an area of plaque breaks open , it can result in a blood clot , which can block blood flow altogether . This puts you at great risk of having a heart attack.”
Speaking further , he added : “Strokes can also occur due to plaque buildup in the arteries which carry blood to the brain . When the brain is deprived of oxygen, brain cells quickly become damaged and start to die resulting in strokes. A stroke can cause brain damage , disability or death.
For those prone to high cholesterol , a nutritionist , Chioma Frederick , recommends a diet rich in foods that will reduce the amount of LDL in the body. “You will need to adjust your diet if you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol in your bloodstream because of the health implication . It can cause heart attacks or strokes.

Heart Foods
Frederick advises those with high cholesterol to go for foods rich in fiber , polyunsaturated fats , which directly lower LDL and those that contain plant sterols and stanols . “If you have been diagnosed with high cholesterol and you wish to bring it down , you should eat high fibre foods and cut down on saturated fats . Beans are highly recommended, as they are rich in soluble fiber. They also take a while for the body to digest , thereby making you feel full for longer after a meal . Eggplant or garden egg and okra are also good sources of soluble fibre. These are readily available in our local markets and can be prepared in a variety of delicious dishes .”
To her , certain foods which contain saturated fat and trans fat such as red meat , whole -fat dairy products , margarine and eggs should be avoided by those with high cholesterol . “These saturated fat rich foods are the major contributors of LDL in the bloodstream. So , they should be avoided or taken in very little quantity . The same applies to some oils like vegetable oils such as palm oil , coconut oil , and cocoa butter . Instead, go for olive oil , sunflower oil , canola oil , corn oil and mustard oil ,” she stated .
She also recommended sweet potatoes , walnut , almonds, red wine , salmon , tuna , fruits such as oranges, grapefruits and watermelon , oatmeal , flaxseed , low fat yoghurt, cherries among others.
“Instead of red meat , opt for oily fish such as tuna and salmon . Salmon is heart- friendly as it is rich in omega -3 . Omega - 3 are healthy fats that can stop heart rhythm disorders as well as lower blood pressure ,” she said .
Nuts are rich in fibre, plant sterols and heart healthy fats and are good for the heart, she added .
A small handful of walnuts a day , Frederick said , may lower your cholesterol . “It may also protect against inflammation in the heart ’s arteries . Walnuts are packed with omega - 3 s, healthy fats called monounsaturated fats and fiber . The benefits come when walnuts replace bad fats , like those in chips and pastries.”
Almonds may also help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol so they should be taken regularly as well for a healthy heart.

https://www.nigerialog.com/health/diet-for-a-healthy-heart/new/#new

Not very many people that are desirous of burning unneeded fat will be willing to put in the work, especially when it comes to staying off night snack.
If you are one of those that can’t stay away from late night snack, there are some snacks that are essential for your use.
While we all know that regularly eating at night could lead to weight gain and that is especially true when it comes to snacks that contain refined carbohydrates and starches such as bread, rice, potato chips, and pretzels—which are low in fiber and high in sugar.
While these snacks may seem like a quick fix snack, failing to use the converted energy can cause problems as those calories will be stored as fat, instead which will be problematic for your waistline.
However, health experts believe it is best not to go to bed hungry, either and when your tummy starts rumbling after you go to bed, you’re probably better off reaching for a low carbohydrate but high-protein snack.
If you are feeling hungry, you have a good choice to snack on in mozzarella string cheese sticks. This snack has fewer than 100 calories per pop, which is quite heavy, given the fact that it packs a lot of punch.
This snack provides a whopping six grams of protein with just one gram of carbohydrates, as well as extra nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. More so, you have no reason to worry about eating too much, due to the fact that it comes in prepackaged portions.
If you are lactose-intolerant folks or you are on of those that just doesn’t like dairy products and derivatives, a small handful of nuts like almonds and walnuts will do the trick, too.
While both types of nuts are high in fat and calories, they are also filled with plenty of protein, vitamin E, selenium, magnesium, and other healthy nutrients.
It is however important that you remember that when it comes to nuts, a little can go a long way. Enjoy your snacks without the fear of getting fat!

https://www.nigerialog.com/food/the-late-night-snack-that-can-help-you-burn-fat-in-your-sleep/new/#new

There are so many cultures and festivals in the world. Some of them have been practiced for so long that people cannot tell when it started and the rationale behind it while others date back to centuries.
One such festival is the El Colacho baby jumping festival in Spain . This festival is held annually in mid -June . In this festival , some men dress in yellow and red suits hold whips and run through the village flogging people and sometimes saying insulting things to them.
After then , babies born during the year are laid down on mattresses in the street and these men jump over the babies.
Jumping over the babies signify a ritual bath or baptism which will free them from original sins. They believe that the evil has absorbed the sins of the babies and hence saved them from bad luck and diseases.
After the babies have been jumped over, rose petals are sprinkled on them and they are then taken away by their parents.
This festival dates back to the 15th century, in 1620 and is celebrated during the feast of the Catholic Corpus Christi.
Although people believe that it is a blend of Catholic and pagan rituals because of the reference to a baptism of some sorts , Pope Benedict advised priests not to be involved with this ritual because according to the Catholic faith, there is only one Baptism that cleanses one from original sin.
Before now only natives participate in this ritual but recently people all over the world attend and even participate.
The thought of this festival is somewhat disturbing because of the accident that could occur if something goes wrong while jumping over the babies.

https://www.nigerialog.com/culture/el-colacho-festival-a-baptism-of-babies(photo)/new/#new

Due to the ever-increasing number of music producers, artists, and songwriters, the Nigerian music industry has grown and has been exploring different musical sounds. But the imbalance between music beats and lyrics has drawn notice.
For any song to be considered a good song, it must have both good sound and meaningful lyrics. But looking at the songs we vibe to nowadays, some have a very nice sound courtesy of the producer but the artist fails to deliver good or even meaningful lyrics. The same thing goes for other artists who have meaningful lyrics but lack good sound. Surprisingly, many Nigerian music lovers still vibe to these songs despite the imbalance. It seems more like some just vibe to the beat and damns the lyrics. And there are those who regard meaningful lyrics and don’t exactly catch the “good beat” vibes. This brings us to the question of the day, between good sound and good lyrics, which does it for you? A good dancehall sound often helps dance away sorrow temporarily while good lyrics can heal the sorrow. But people’s preferences differ. We would like to know yours. Is it the meaningful lyrics that get you Or it’s the sound

https://www.nigerialog.com/music-radio/good-sound-or-good-lyrics-which-do-you-prefer/new/#new

Exactly twenty - one years ago , Nigeria ’s Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti died , having reportedly contracted AIDS . But , his family said soldiers of the Nigerian government killed the singer and not the disease .
Months ago , French President Emmanuel Macron was at the New Afrika shrine to celebrate African culture. He praised Fela for being more than a musician , for being a politician who wanted to affect the society.
Prior to his death, Fela was well known at home and abroad not just for his spirited musical performances and stinging lyrics , but also for his political and human rights activism . They were filled with antagonistic messages directed at the government of the country . It earned him several stays in jail on different counts and charges .
Fela’s music , both inspiring and rebellious was the height of social commentary at the time . Constantly , his music frayed military nerves with his album Zombie particularly stinging. It personified soldiers as mindless creatures that blindly followed orders and were incapable of thinking on their own. It also touched on their insatiable lust of violence and destruction .
It sparked different responses from the government , with soldiers invading and razing his Kalakuta Republic . During the invasion , Fela ’s mother Chief Funmilayo Ransome -Kuti was thrown from the second floor of her home. That eventually led to her death.
Fela’s reaction was unexpected , when he took his mother ’ s coffin to Dodan Barracks , the seat of power then , after which he released the tracks Coffin for Head of State and Unknown Soldier .
The latter was in reference to General Olusegun Obasanjo’ s claim that the invasion was by an ‘Unknown Soldier ’ while the former detailed the ordeal Fela and his mother went through during the raid .
He criticized the corruption of Nigerian government officials and the mistreatment of Nigerian citizens . He spoke of colonialism as the root of the socio - economic and political problems that plagued the African people.
Fela was referred to as “Abami Eda ,” which means “a strange creature ” . He swapped his middle name “Ransome” for “Anikulapo ” which means “ one that has death his pocket ”.
Fela the politician almost became fully -fledged . However , he was refused to run for the presidency under the political party he formed , Movement of the People ( MOP) . Fela noted that party was going to “clean up society like a mop .”
He had his stand- off with the current Nigeria president , Muhammadu Buhari in 1984 . Anikulapo harshly criticized and insulted the then military head of state Buhari .
Buhari jailed him afterwards on a charge of currency smuggling . After 20 months , Fela was released from prison by General Ibrahim Babangida .
Fela was far from perfect, he often drew controversies and attracted attention by promoting indulgence in sex, misogyny , polygamy , and drugs, especially marijuana . His song ‘Lady ’ reeked of misogyny .
In a book , Fela: This Bitch of a Life , written by Carlos Moore, Fela infamously compared women to mere ‘mattresses ’ on which men are meant to sleep . He noted he didn ’t mind hitting any of his 27 wives when they defaulted.
He compared women to Satan and disappointing claimed some girls are ready for sex as early as nine - years -old. These imperfections added that veneer of fallibility to the Abami Eda , after all , he was only human . Still , he remains in our hearts and lives in our memories.

https://www.nigerialog.com/music-radio/21-years-after-why-is-fela-remembered/new/#new

Unripe plantains are nutritious , although sweet tooths find it unpleasant unless they are made into chips . But there are various ways to make this food palatable and a must -have.
Puerto Rican Tostones are unripe fried plantains that are prepared in a different way than chips. It takes care and patience to prepare and is really tasty and can be nibbled alone or combined with other food .
Ingredients
2 unripe plantains
Salt
Vegetable oil

Method
1 . In a pan , preheat the vegetable oil .
2 . Peel the plantains and cut them into one and a half inch pieces , sprinkle a pinch or two of salt .
3 . Fry the pieces and turn while frying until they are soft .
4 . Remove from the oil and press each of the pieces using a flat plate .
5 . Put the flattened pieces back into the pan and fry until they are crispy . Remember to turn each side to avoid burning.
6 . Serve immediately . It can be served with vegetables , tomato sauce or baked beans.

https://www.nigerialog.com/food/fry-your-plantains-the-puerto-rican-way/new/#new

Prepared with the same methods as Egusi Soup so if you cannot prepare Egusi, try Groundnut soup!
You can apply the two methods of preparing Egusi Soup to Groundnut Soup and come out with the same great results.

Ingredients
500g raw peeled groundnuts (peanuts)
Assorted meat and fish.
Beef: Saki, dry fish, stock fish
Palm Oil
A small bunch of Nigerian Pumpkin leaves/spinach/Bitterleaf
2 tablespoons ground crayfish
2 big stock cubes
Salt & ground dry pepper (to taste)

Preparation
1. Wash and soak the dry and stock fish in water for them to become soft. Clean and separate into pieces.

2. Roast the groundnuts in a pan, stirring constantly. Set aside to cool down completely then grind into powder with a dry mill.

3. Place the Saki in a pot and put enough water to be the same level as the contents of the pot and top it up as you cook. When the saki starts to curl, add the dry fish and stockfish.

4. When the shaki is almost done, add beef and stock cubes and cook till all the meat and fish are well done.

5. Add the crayfish, salt and pepper, cover and cook till it boils.

6. Transfer the meat and fish to another pot/container leaving the stock in the pot.

7. Add the ground groundnuts and stir very well till there are no lumps. Reduce the heat to very low and start cooking.

8. Stir every 5 minutes and top up the water if necessary. This mixture burns easily so watch it closely and stir as often as necessary.

9. Cook till a thin film of clear oil appears on the surface. This should take about 15 minutes. Add palm oil and stir very well.

10. Add the beef and fish, stir and cook on low heat till it boils. Add the washed and chopped vegetables, stir and leave to simmer. Stir again and it is done.
Your Groundnut soup is ready! Serve with any swallow of choice.

https://www.nigerialog.com/food/if-you-cannot-prepare-egusi-try-groundnut-soup/new/#new

School’s out , and millions of students around the world wonder what they will do with all their free time .
There are games to play , movies to watch and friends to hang out with . But there are also plenty of productive things to do this summer holiday .
Here are some options to consider if you don’t have summer activities lined up already :

Learn a skill
Learning a skill has been undervalued in more ways than you can think of . But the truth is learning a skill is very necessary . It adds more value to you. You could learn skills like public speaking, cooking , drawing, self - defence or negotiation . You never know when you might use it.

Volunteer
Finding a practical way to serve and contribute to society is a productive and fun way to spend your summer . You could volunteer to clean up the environment , help out at a nursing home or work at an orphanage .

Learn a new language
You don ’t have to worry about learning a language perfectly ; the basics are just enough . That way , you can never get missing in a foreign country . You can learn a new language using Duolingo , Babbel or BBC Languages .

Get a job
Your priority shouldn ’t be what the pay will be . As the saying goes , “Take a job for what you will learn , not for what you will earn.” This is especially true when it comes to school holiday jobs . The best learning experience might just come in the form of an unpaid job or internship.

Improve your writing skills
Writing skills are important for academic and career success . So work on your writing skills this school holiday. Writing , to a large extent, also increases your vocabulary . It’s a win -win!

https://www.nigerialog.com/metro/five-productive-ways-to-spend-the-summer-break/new/#new

It is quite normal to be influenced by your partner but when you find that your sense of self-worth and identity is diminishing in the process, what can you do about it?

1. Wake up
I believe every corrective course of action should begin from within before one launches out. In that vein, you have to understand what manipulation is and its various signs. Then, you must resolve to take action and quit letting him take advantage of you.

2. Understand how you are being manipulated
It is best you understand the unique strategy your partner employs. At times, manipulation may take the form of making you feel guilty or appealing to your insecurities, or it may be in the form of outright domination. Assess how you are being manipulated so you can determine the best course of action. This means taking a step back to look at your relationship thoroughly and objectively, without letting your feelings cloud your judgment.

3. Weigh it
There are forms of manipulation that are not necessarily deliberate but if you are dating a narcissist then you can be sure that it is all a ploy to be in control. So the best way to weigh the manipulative acts is to figure out the effects it has on you. Does it isolate you? Erode your self-esteem? Or is he just scared of losing you? Are you willing to be with someone who acts this way?

4. Talk to him
This goes hand-in-hand with point (3). You may not be able to tell for sure what his motives are if you don’t communicate. Tell him how he is hurting you and hear him out. If you identify willingness to change or genuine ignorance of his actions then through proper communication and consistent teamwork, you can work out your challenges. On the other hand, if nothing changes, I strongly recommend that you leave the relationship.

https://www.nigerialog.com/romance/how-to-deal-with-a-manipulative-partner/new/#new

Seasons are synonymous with humans. Asides determining agricultural produces, they determine fashion choices, lifestyle changes and types of enjoyment.
However, due to geographical locations, weather differs. Thus, seasons do. Europe, The Americas, Oceania and Asia have more complex seasons and weather than most parts of Africa.
Due to America and Europe being the ideal concept of "good" to the average African-Nigerian, and their status as the bar for most of the world, their livelihoods inspire the rest of us.
If you are in your 20s, you must have heard your parents refer to July - September classes as "Summer lesson". The problem, it's far too unrelatable to average Nigerians.

What is Summer?
Typically, a summer is usually a long, heated season of low natural, cooling moist and filled with a need to sleep in ice block.
Asides the Southern Hemisphere, most of Europe and America - Africa- Nigeria's biggest influences, both enjoy summer between June and September.
To the West, it is a time to relax, go on holidays to exotic locations, sweat wild oats, party, engage in random hookups, eat through Rome, party till 6am, purchase footballers for exorbitant prices and so forth, depending on what affects you.
The idea of summer as a period of enjoyment and chill is the little to no moist. Rain can sometimes be an inhibiting factor to certain outdoor activities and even constrain movement.

The Problem
‘Cool’ Nigerians might refer to June to September as "Summer" due to an adoption of foreign lifestyle. However, June- September is known as the rainy season in Nigeria while dry season is from October to April. So where does this craze for summer come from?
Colonialists were used to the idea of summer, and since they brought contemporary literacy and education to Nigeria, learning and information passed must have made cultures overlap.
Summer must have been attributed to our own June - September when in fact, it is usually our wettest season. The problem was, we accepted it without due evaluation.
However, we cannot be blamed.
What we can be blamed for is how we strengthened the hold of this phenomenon even in our literacy and through contemporary media - music, movies and the Internet - imprinting our psyche.
Without due evaluation, some of us picked the idea of Nigeria July - September for shows. Why is beyond me because it usually ends in disastrous manner.

The Correction
If we claim Westerners appropriate African culture, we should equally not appropriate western culture because we do not even have a summer.

https://www.nigerialog.com/random-thoughts/dear-nigerians-we-do-not-have-a-summer-season/new/#new

There is an app for nearly everything, whether you are planning your next dream trip or need somewhere safe to pee . We ’ve rounded up some of the best tools for the digital -savvy traveller. These handy helpers are available on both Android and iOS and — the best part — they’re free .

AccuWeather
No one likes getting caught in a sudden downpour or finding that the weather has suddenly changed . Available in over 100 languages , AccuWeather provides real- time weather forecasts.

XE Currency
This is the go- to site for live exchange rates for currency and precious metals around the world . XE can store the most recent rates for you to access if your device is offline.

App in the Air
Consider this your personal flying assistant . The smart , straightforward, flight tracking app will keep you updated about your flight status , help you manage your time at the airport ( check - in, boarding , takeoff and landing time ) , track delays , help you navigate airports and keep track of your mileage routes .

Citymapper
Available in 30 major cities , this detailed app takes your digital map a step further when trying to get around a city . It makes finding and using public transportation easier . It connects with ride - sharing services like Uber , includes real- time departures and even alerts you when you need to get off the bus.

Google Translate
This is like having a personal interpreter. Speak or type anything in any of the app’s 103 supported languages , and it’ll translate it to your preferred language . You can also hold your camera up to the text on signs , menus or books , and Google will translate it for you instantly .

LiveTrekker
This app creates a digital journal of your travels so you can look back on your trips on an interactive map . It tracks your movement , and you can add pictures , video , audio and text along the way , creating a multimedia travel diary you can share.
https://www.nigerialog.com/travel/free-apps-that-will-make-your-travel-more-fun/new/#new

A photograph is an experience. You can almost smell a newly- ploughed field, taste the salty air , hear the leaves rustle and feel the tingling breeze. Most places we long for abroad have close substitutes in Nigeria .
If you want an adventurous vacation without having to break the bank , these photos will make you long to explore Nigeria ! Here are beautiful places in Nigeria you can visit :

Badlands
Badlands are a type of dry terrain where softer sedimentary rocks and clay -rich soil have been excessively eroded by wind and water or sometimes man - made activities . Along the Gazawa- Minijibir road in Kano State is a look- alike of the popular Cheltenham Badlands in Canada . Like an ancient Greek city , this place leaves you with much to wonder.

Waterfalls
Imagine a picture of you standing close to these seven tributaries flowing from a river in Cross River . Now , stop imagining and plan a trip ! The Argentines and Brazilians have the Iguazu Falls . We can also boast of our Agbokim.

Castle
The beautiful wedding of Meghan and Prince Harry brought much light to the beautiful Castle of Windsor . In Kaduna is a similar medieval castle that has become quite popular in the last few years . Need a fairytale wedding? Why not head to Kaduna?

Canyons
Slot Canyon Arizona is one of the very popular destinations in America , attracting numerous visitors each year. Awhum Cave , the well-sculpted uneven brown limestone walls in Enugu State , is also a must -visit . And it doesn ’t just end there ; it also has a waterfall.

Mountains
Magic ! That ’s the word for Obudu . No amount of planning can prepare you for its scenic beauty . Mau Son Mountains in Vietnam holds an important position in the Vietnam economy as regards tourism with its many mountains . But why travel to Vietnam when we have Obudu?

Tea plantations and plateaus
The Cameron Highland Tea Plantation in Malaysia , apart from being a major source for tea , is also a tourist destination . But did you know we also grow tea too in Nigeria ? Mambilla Plateau in Gembu , Taraba State is your destination.

Limestone Rocks and Cliffs
Like the cliffs of Ko Khao Phing Kan , also known as James Bond Island , the Juju Rock Formations in the Jebba border of Kwara and Niger State in Nigeria consists of two dramatic limestone rocks rising from the waters . A paddle tour around it is picturesque.

https://www.nigerialog.com/travel/these-places-in-nigeria-will-take-your-breath-away/new/#new

Hearing loss is imminent for most people in the future because of their present lifestyle. The environment is filled with noise that is harmful to the ear through short-term and long-term exposure. In the future, some people will only hear if the sounds are slightly loud.

The sound is measured in decibels and studies have shown that any sound above 85 decibels is harmful to the ear. It is tragic because the society does not take all these into cognizance as individuals pollute the environment where people especially children live with sounds even higher than 85dB. Millenials are most likely to be affected as they do not see anything wrong with loud noises rather they revel in it.

Common sounds that do not affect the ear are; normal whispers which produce 30 dB, normal breathing which produces 10 dB, air conditioner and normal conversation which produce 60 dB, refrigerator hum which produces about 40 dB.

Sources of loud noise above 85dB

Noise from speakers in religious buildings.
Music blasting from commercial record stores.
Noise from traffic prone areas including train tracks.
Shouting in the ear.
Noise from aircraft.
Sirens and firecrackers.
The sound from earphones which are set close to the maximum.

Control measure for avoiding long-term exposure to hearing loss
In these parts, noise above 85dB can be almost impossible to avoid unless you reside in the countryside or in a quiet village. It is important to limit the length of exposure to 15 minutes.
To determine the loudness of a sound, there are phone apps that can be installed to determine and give warning alarms about this.
If earpiece must be used to listen to music and other favourite programs, endeavour to set the sound to a level akin to a whisper or normal conversation which is about 30 to 60 dB.

https://www.nigerialog.com/health/hearing-loss-the-dilemma-of-millenials/

The university campus is a melting pot for cultures and people from all over the country and even beyond. The friends you make in the university will influence your career, help you through academically, help you to navigate the social scene on campus, and even influence who you become as an adult.
Choosing friends is a serious undertaking, that could mean a network of highly connected, successful individuals helping each other, or one of the aimless young people that is adrift.
Here a few ways to meet the right people on campus.
1. Be yourself:
Being genuine will only attract likeminded people to you. Do not try to change who you are just to attract friends. Be nice, open, and interesting and people will gravitate towards you.

2. Do not force it:
Do not be so desperate to belong to a group that you go against your own conviction. Avoid friends who only seek to put you down.

3. Get involved in extracurricular activities:
The campus is filled with different societies and clubs for students with varied interests, and you should avail yourself of that opportunity Your classmates will be your partners throughout your university career and even beyond, Bond with them.

https://www.nigerialog.com/nysc/how-to-have-the-right-squad-on-campus/new/#new

Contrary to the belief that leadership in Africa has patriarchal roots, Queen Amina of Zaria negates the belief. Amina Mohamud was born in 1533 and died in 1610. She was the daughter of a ruler, Barkwa Turuntu. Her brother took over the throne after the demise of her father but he reigned for only 10years before he died.

During the reign of her brother, she trained to be a warrior and gained great respect because of her skills and because of this she became the queen at the demise of her brother. Queen Amina of Zazzau was a somewhat controversial woman who did not get married rather took slave husbands from villages she conquered but executed them afterwards.

She has become a legend and a symbol of strength, a great warrior and great leader who through her conquests, rule and power made other regions pay homage to her.

Recently the BBC made a video to tell her story. View the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhVdqwMPtKs

https://www.nigerialog.com/culture/queen-amina-the-real-strength-in-a-woman/msg47349/#msg47349

Anxiety happens to the most well -grounded people . All the traumatic news going around in the world recently is enough to make one curl up and weep all day long .
A lot of Nigerians go through this emotion every day with the uncertainty of the economy , the unending drama of politics and the incessant murder of citizens every day . It is all enough to give anyone panic attacks.
Sometimes anxiety comes with shortness of breath , rapid heartbeat, uneasiness , a feeling of dread and a flood of negative thoughts . If not remedied , it could sometimes lead to depression .
There are things that make one more susceptible to anxiety although they do not cause it. They are alcohol , caffeine, lack of sleep and dehydration .
Before it gets to the point where a psychologist and drugs are recommended, you can try some simple remedies to control it.
Here are natural remedies that can ease that feeling of anxiety :

Exercise and meditation
Set out 30 minutes a day to exercise . Burning all that sweat fills the body with relief. It is difficult to think , negatively or positively, while working out . Also , take a few minutes of this time to meditate and let the mind exist in a vacuum . Taking up yoga is also a good idea.

Take deep breaths
No matter what tragedy happens it is important to keep breathing. Take a deep, long breath and exhale. Do this continuously for two to three minutes. Set a three - hour interval timer to repeat this exercise.

Set out stress sessions
Set out five to 10 minutes every day to stress about problems . When anxiety plagues , keep it till your stress sessions. This time might help you have a different perspective on certain issues.

https://www.nigerialog.com/health/quick-and-easy-fix-for-your-anxiety/new/#new

It is time for the big summer holiday ! If you are flying with kids , you might be worried about arriving in one piece. What if they act up or spend the whole flight screaming ? What if they never stop yelling or crying ? We could say ignore the people who will sigh and complain about whatever mischief they are up to, but we know it is not easy .
Here are our top four tips for travelling with toddlers :

Always pack extra
It is always important to pack some spare clothes for them and for you. That way , if there are delays or you are in a plane that is stuck on the runway for a long time , you will not be panicking or spending a whole flight smelling less than fresh . You almost certainly will not need it but it will make you feel much more relaxed. That will , in turn , make flights a more exciting adventure and not a potential nightmare scenario.

Be prepared for UFOs
Unidentifiable filthy objects may find their way onto a toddler or a kid . It is important to guard against probes and germs by always having sanitising wipes within easy reach.

Make regular toilet stops
Make sure your kids go to the toilet immediately before getting on the plane, boat or train . Do not give them too many fluids either or they will be up and down to the toilet all the way to your destination.

Arm yourself with snacks
A hungry child will definitely let you know when they are hungry and will not want any excuses . For the ones on solid or grownup food , make sure you pack plenty of snacks . So , until the in- flight meal is served , fend them off with snacks rather than have them disturb you the entire time you are on the journey.

https://www.nigerialog.com/travel/four-tips-for-travelling-with-the-kids/new/#new

Oyo State is known for many ͚firsts͛ in Nigeria and Africa . It is home to the first University in Nigeria , the first skyscraper in Africa ( Cocoa House ) . It also has one of the only two suspended lakes in the world ; Oyo State is a must - visit for everyone .
These are five alternative things to do when in Oyo :
Visit Oke Ado Mountain and Iyake Lake in Ado -Awaye
Ado- Awaye town is surrounded by mountains and is home to one of the two suspended lakes in the world . A suspended lake is a lake at the top of a mountain .Hike up the Oke Ado Mountain to experience the spectacular wonder that the Iyake Lake is . You would also uncover many attractions along the way.

Have a picnic at Agodi Parks
This is a nice spot to have a picnic in Ibadan . You can engage in a variety of activities like the water park , horse riding, mini zoo and more .

UI Zoological Garden
This is one of the best well -kept zoos in Nigeria . It is located in the University of Ibadan , the first university in Nigeria. They have a lot of animals that you can see. Do not forget to visit the giraffe.

Grab lunch at Amala Skye
You can͛t say you visited the University of Ibadan or its environs without trying the local restaurant beside Skye Bank .
Popularly known as Amala Skye , it is the number one spot to indulge in the local food in Ibadan. Sweating as you eat is also a part of the appeal of this space.

Experience a nice view at Mapo Hall
This is a colonial style city hall at the top of Mapo hill. The hall was commissioned during the colonial era by Captain Ross in 1929 and designed and constructed by Engineer Robert Jones.
It is the best spot to get a panoramic view of Ibadan ’s brown roofs.

https://www.nigerialog.com/travel/top-five-places-to-visit-in-oyo-state/new/#new

Although various online shopping platforms now exist, most people still prefer to go out to shop for their clothing. This gives them the chance to choose from a whole range of varieties, haggle and reduce the high risk of being scammed on the internet. It’s safer to go out shopping by yourself .
Here are places you can shop for trendy and affordable clothing in Lagos Nigeria :

Balogun Market
Mostly referred to as Eko Market , Balogun is the go- to place for textile and fabrics in Lagos . There , you can easily get almost every piece of clothing you need . With its varieties and a wide range of colourful , ready -made clothes, laces , wrappers and even fairly -used clothes at good deals, most people dedicate a whole day just to go and shop in this market .

Tejuosho Market
Now an ultra -modern market , the famous Tejuosho used to be a rowdy and disorganised market but has undergone a great transformation . This market offers a great deal of fashionable and trendy clothes for the corporate and casual workers at a fair price.

Yaba Market
Yaba market , which is very close to Tejuosho market , offers items at lesser prices than you will find in Tejousho market although they both offer great varieties of items on display . You’ll easily find trendy clothing at affordable prices here because it is very close to the University of Lagos and most of its students come there to shop for items.

Oshodi Market
Once a very disorganised market, Oshodi Market has now become easy to navigate and find beautiful clothing materials , dresses on display , jeans and fabrics. The market is now very accessible from any part of Lagos and will cater for any of your clothing need.

https://www.nigerialog.com/metro/top-places-to-shop-for-affordable-corporate-wears-in-lagos/new/#new

Skin whitening or bleaching is a trend that undoubtedly will not stop. Some famous celebrities have been rumoured to lighten their skin a few shades to look more fabulous . Although some people are successful in their quest for fair skin , these are reasons to deter anyone from bleaching the skin .
Bleaching thins the skin and causes bruises, stretch marks and other skin problems . It also makes it more difficult for the skin to heal from cuts and abrasions .
Bleaching exposes the skin to dangerous ultraviolet rays of the sun .

Bleaching the skin increases the chances of mercury poisoning since some bleaching creams contain mercury . Long exposure to mercury can seep through the skin and damage the essential organs like the kidneys and the lungs .
It causes cancer because of the dangerous chemicals contained in them that produce free radical cells which in turn causes cancer .
It causes high blood sugar because of the steroids contained in them . The cream seeps through the skin and enters the bloodstream which causes the blood sugar to rise and this can cause diabetes.

https://www.nigerialog.com/beauty/why-you-should-not-bleach-the-skin/new/#new

Our habits ultimately determine the kind of lives we live. We all want to be rich. But more often than not, it depends on what we spend our time and money on.
Do you care to find out 7 things you should not do?
1. Impulse buying
As obvious as this is, it is still the reason too many of us are broke. It helps when you have a daily spending limit e.g, a thousand naira per day. Also, try not to carry too much cash around.

2. Unnecessary bank charges
A perfect example of this is 65 naira that is charged after multiple withdrawals using ATMs that is not your bank's. You may think it's not much but when you add it up, it's a lot. Instead, try to always use your bank's ATM and have a budget so you can withdraw in reasonable batches.

3. Saving too much
This looks ridiculous, right? Well, this is important because most of us just save money to spend it later. Thus, rather than leave your money for too long in the bank to accumulate peanuts as interest, invest in physical wealth instead e.g real estate or precious stones.

4. Not using a fixed deposit account
If you really want to save money in the bank, use a fixed deposit account instead because they have higher interest rates.

5. Betting
Betting on lotteries is too much of a gamble. It is an addictive habit and can easily cart away whatever money you have presently so avoid it and other get-rich-quick schemes. Rather, invest in schemes where there are visible underlying principles to help you replicate the results in case they turn out well.

6. Buying bug brands
Look neat and presentable. No one cares what the label says.

7. Lots of TV/Internet Time
It reduces your productivity and gobbles your finances, especially for data and cable. Be frugal.

https://www.nigerialog.com/business/habits-you-should-not-waste-your-time-or-money-on/new/#new

It is all good when you two can't get enough of each other but there should also be room to breathe, else you will snuff out the life of your relationship or become co-dependent.
If you are wondering whether you are lurking in the danger zone in your relationship or not, here are signs to help out.
1. You share personal belongings
That's just disgusting. I wouldn't advise even married couples to do that. Being close does not mean you throw personal hygiene out the window.

2. You're all touchy touchy
Holding hands when walking down the street is sweet but when you two can't help but grope each other in public, it is highly disturbing and inappropriate. We don't need to see all that.

3. You can't make a decision without him
It is fine to seek his opinion on matters but you should still be able to weigh them on your own. Being unable to make decisions without him borders on being emotionally dependent.

4. You tag along all the time
You should spend a lot of time together. After all, that is one of the signs of being in a relationship but don't act like Siamese twins. Also, it is absolutely wrong that you tag along on his all-boys' night out and he comes for your all girls' night out.

5. You don't have personal space
You should have 'me time' when you focus on yourself and are able to pursue your personal goals.

6. You agree on everything
It's good that you have like minds but even twins have differing opinions occasionally. If you find that your opinions on everything are same, one person is over-compromising.

7. You have no other friends
Your boyfriend can be your best friend but definitely not your only friend. It is healthy to have a community around you so don't just focus on each other. That's too close for comfort.

https://www.nigerialog.com/romance/are-you-too-close/new/#new