#WomancrushWednesday

Yippe!!! Its Wednesday and our woman crush is H.E Hajiya Salamatu Al Makura. Hajiya Salamatu Al Makura is the wife of H.E Alhaji Umaru Tanko Al Makura Governor of Nasarawa state. Hajia Salamatu Almakura is the founder of Mother and Child Care Enhancement Foundation (MCCEF). 

Her beauty transcends beyond the surface her passion for helping widows, orphans and also the less privileged enhances it. She is a woman who encourages young girls to live a life of morals and integrity to enable them secure a better life in the future. 

Hajiya Salamatu Al Makura was given an “Award of Excellence” by “TOZALI Magazine” when she was recognized by the Magazine as the best pet project that had direct impact on the lives and people in Nassarawa State. No doubt our Woman Crush is indeed a woman with a heart of gold.

By Maimuna Bagudu

Amazing Natural Wonders in Nigeria

Nigeria is a beautiful country endowed with many natural attractions. These natural attraction sites found in Nigeria will leave you breathless with suspense and excitement. The eyes of our fore fathers have feasted upon them and now our own eyes are now gazing on them. Yet, after all these centuries, the beauty of these natural wonders have not diminished in any way.

These natural jewels are spread across the length and breadth of Nigeria.

Let’s read through to see Nigeria’s most amazing natural wonders;

Ikogosi Warm and Cold Springs: The Ikogosi warm and cold springs is located in Ekiti West Local Government area of Ekiti State. This natural wonder is sited in a valley where the warm spring rises from a valley while the cold spring flows down from another source separate from the warm spring. They connect in a pool but each spring maintains its thermal identity. The warm spring has a temperature of about 700c at the source and 370c after joining the cold spring. The spring water is believed to have healing properties and is used to treat diseases like guinea-worm and rheumatism. The traditional belief of the people about the origin of the springs and the undulating hills is another interesting aspect of visit to this sight. The Ikogosi Warm and Cold Springs has many recreational facilities like the warm water swimming pool, chalets, beautifully manicured garden, reception building and a 1000 capacity Amphitheatre, arts and crafts centre.

Owu Falls: Owu Falls situated in Ifelodun Local Government area of Kwara State is the most amazing natural water fall in Nigeria. The water fall is about 120 metre above water level and flow 330 feets down to a pool of ice cold water below. The water falls is encircled by hills, natural vegetation and a beautiful natural ambience that makes it an amazing sightseeing destination. Imagine a place with a water fall of ice cold water and spectacular rock path enveloped in evergreen vegetation; it’s simply put so beautiful.

Confluence of the River Niger and Benue: River Niger and Benue are the two largest rivers in West Africa. The two great Rivers meet at Lokoja forming a Y-shaped structure which flows into the Atlantic. River Benue has a greenish color while River Niger has a brownish colour. Ferry and boat services and other cruising facilities are available within the view of the confluence to enable tourists explore this spectacular wonder; two giant arms of water spread-eagled on an expanse of land dotted with green vegetation. The array of settlements around the confluence which they sprout from have probably made aerial approach to this nature’s wonder more enrapturing. A view of this confluence from an aircraft or choppers is a sheer bliss.

Okomu Wildlife Sanctuary: The Okomu Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest forest reserves in Nigeria and an amazing natural wonder.  The sanctuary is home to many wildlife animals such as the buffalo, monkey, chimpanzees, horn bills and the popular white throated monkey which has been said to be in danger of extinction.

Olumo Rock: Olumo Rock is an ancient formation of granite rocks located in Abeokuta Ogun state. The rock is a monument of traditional religion of the Egba people which they believe offers them protection. The peak of the rock is 137m above sea level and the rock has some natural caves, some of which are up to 20 feet long and 25 feet wide. Olumo Rock is one of the favourite tourist attractions in Ogun State.

Sukur Kingdom:  The sukur Kingdom is located in Adamawa state. It is the first Nigerian site to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1999. The breathtaking unspoilt landscape of the Sukur Kingdom is a magnificent scenery, stunning array of rare wildlife, rich variety of birdlife, fascinating botany and majestic location atop one of the highest plains on the Mandara Mountains in North-East Nigeria, close to the Cameroonian border. Characterized by its grand palace, terraced fields and historic villages unchanged for many centuries, the Sukur Kingdom offers a treasure trove of archaeological discoveries as one of Africa’s most resplendent cultural landscapes. Set 1,000 metres above sea level, the cherished realm of the Sukur community is a fine example of a critical stage in human settlement and its relationship with the local and natural environment.

By Mercy Kukah

Say No to Nappy Rash

There is no mistaking a nappy rash. Nappy rash appears where the skin has been in close contact with the nappy and it appears red and inflamed. Areas that are most commonly affected by nappy rash are the genitals, the bum and the folds of the thighs. In some babies the affected skin is dry, in others it appears moist. Some babies don’t appear to be bothered by their nappy rash at all, while others appear upset or distressed. Remember all babies are different, as are their reactions to these common problems. Nappy rash is very common especially in infants between nine and 12 months old.

When babies have nappy rash, their bums becomes red, raw, spotted and possibly even bleed. And if they happen to pee in their diaper, judging from their cries, it is as equivalent to pouring salt into an open wound.

Nappy rash occurs due to the moisture on the baby’s delicate skin which is mostly cause by the nappy. It is a well-known fact that newborn babies wee a lot and they also pass runny stools. This and other factors contribute to the moist around the baby’s genitals which also results to nappy rash. It is important to know that the more sensitive a baby’s skin is, the more likely it is to become irritated.

Babies crawling around in diapers may be cute but not if they get hit by nappy rash. Understanding the causes and treatment of nappy rash can help keep your child comfortable and happy.

Causes of Diaper Rash:

• The wetness in the diaper may contain ammonia especially if your baby tends to pooh frequently. Ammonia can be rough on the tender skin
• When diapers rub against the skin, the friction can cause a rash and there could also be an allergic reaction to the material or any baby products that you use  
• You may also notice nappy rash if you get your baby started on new foods or antibiotics
• Yeast infections thrive in damp diapers

You can help avoid nappy rash by following these tips:

• Change diapers regularly and don’t fasten them too tight.
• When changing diapers, clean the area with wet cotton balls or baby wipes
• Avoid rubbing the skin. Always pat it dry. A dry bum is a healthy bum.
• Use only high quality diapers like Pampers Baby Dry Pants
• It is okay to go diaper-free when your baby has a rash as long as the area is clean
• You can also apply an ointment recommended by your doctor
• Pay attention to the products you use and the food you are feeding your baby. If it is an allergic reaction, you can catch it quickly and replace the product or food
• If you leave your child at a daycare, make sure the staff there are aware of this and explain the steps they need to take to keep the rash in check.

Homemade remedies that you can use to heal nappy rash include;

To balance the alkaline present in urine which can hurt the baby’s skin, vinegar is ideal. It will help balance the pH levels. Diapers can be washed in water to which some vinegar is added. You could dilute vinegar with water and use it to wipe the diaper area clean.

You can create a barrier between the baby’s skin and the diaper by applying petroleum jelly (Vaseline) over the diaper area each time you change the diaper, and after you clean the area.

Coconut oil is another alternative. You can massage the diaper area with coconut oil a few times a day as it is both antimicrobial and anti fungal. It can also be added to the bath water to keep infections at bay.

Ideally, nappy rash should heal within a week. If it doesn’t heal and is accompanied by other health issues, see your doctor immediately. 

By Mercy Kukah

All you should know about menstruation Cup

Periods are a phenomenon that every lady suffers through and wished never existed. There are many things that help us during these trying times; even though the market has sanitary napkins and tampons available, but new products and alternatives keep being invented by the day. The menstrual cup is an unconventional new menstrual product in the market and is the only feminine hygiene product that can be reused.

A menstrual cup is a small, flexible cup made of latex rubber or silicone which is inserted in the vagina to collect the menstrual blood instead of absorbing it. The cup for menstrual periods springs open inside your vagina, making the blood drip into the cup and preventing leaks and stains. Most of the menstruation cups are reusable. All you need do is just to empty the blood, wash it and insert it again. It’s that simple, and totally painless.

The benefits of menstrual cup go beyond just its practicality. Because it’s mostly a one-time purchase, it also reduces the immense waste created by pads and tampons and it is also environment friendly.

It also saves you money every month and you won’t have to worry about running out to buy a pad when your date arrives.

10 Benefits of Using Menstrual Cups include;  

Economic Benefits: Because a menstrual cup will last you forever, you’ll save a lot of money. Imagine the things you could buy if you saved up the hundreds of naira’s you spent on pads.

Save Time: You won’t need to change your cup after every few hours like a pad or tampon. You can use the cup for up to 12 hours.

 For All Types of Flows: A menstrual cup holds almost five times the amount of liquid than a tampon, so it’s helpful for women with a heavy flow.

Hygienic and Healthy: Menstrual cups do not contain additives unlike tampons and sanitary pads.

Prevents Staining: As soon as you insert the cup in your vagina, it opens up to create a kind of suction. This leads to the blood dripping directly into the cup and nowhere outside it!

Decreased Rate of TSS: Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a disease caused by bacteria. The cotton in pads and tampons may cause tiny cuts, which can easily become a playground for bacteria.

End to Rashes: Sanitary napkins and tampons may cause itchiness and rashes in some women. With the use of a menstrual cup, the problem is solved!

For All Stages: Menstrual cups are designed to hold a large amount of liquid. So whether you’re experiencing a light day or a heavy flow day, you’ll be prepared for it.

Peaceful Sleep: Every period consists of those stressful nights where staining the bed sheet is a big concern. You won’t have to change a menstrual cup in the middle of the night.

Be Yourself: Swim, jump, dive, and play. Do whatever the hell you want without worrying about the cup slipping out or unwanted leaks.

Cups are safe to use; however, for psychological peace, you can definitely wear a very non-invasive sanitary napkin to prevent staining of clothes and surroundings. And even if you are using a menstrual cup, it is advice you carry sanitary napkin just in case of emergencies.

By Mercy Kukah

Neymar may miss Champions League against Real Madrid

Paris Saint Germain (PSG) have been dealt a huge blow after star player Neymar was stretched off with a sprained ankle in the 3-0 victory over Marseille. The Brazilian international was writhing in pain after running for a loose ball when he rolled his ankle and immediately fell off the turf in agony.

Emery suggested that Neymar’s injury is not as bad as first feared and he may in fact be ready for the tie in nine days time. ‘The first tests we have done show it is a sprain, we will do more medical examinations to be totally sure,’ he said in his post-match press conference. ‘Neymar is going to do some new tests. We’re going to stay optimistic. ‘If today I had to say yes or no to be fit against Real, I would say yes. I want to be optimistic.’ 

Neymar has been impressive in his debut season for the Parisians scoring 26 goals in all competitions.

Ex Arsenal star Samir Nasri banned from football for 6 months

Former Arsenal and Manchester City winger Samir Nasri has been banned from football for six months following the investigation into the intravenous drip treatment he received in America last year. The incident was said to have occurred in a Los Angeles clinic as the Frenchman was attended to by a private medical company, Drip Doctors, in his hotel room while on holiday. Nasri was said to have complained of fever and vomiting before calling a doctor, his Maryland-based former girlfriend Dr Sarabjit Anand who provided an initial diagnosis. He then received 500 milliliters of hydration in the form of sterile water containing micronutrient components on December 26, 2016 during his loan time at Sevilla from Manchester City. Nasri's legal representative Juan de Dias Crespo Perez confirmed to the Press Association his client has now been handed a six-month suspension. Meanwhile, the 30-year-old is currently club-less after leaving Turkish club Antalyaspor in January just after spending six months. The Frenchman played for Arsenal from 2008 to 2011 before moving to City for £25 million and winning two Premier League titles. During his loan spell at Sevilla last season he made 30 appearances and scored three goals.

By Mercy Kukah

#MancrushMonday

It’s another beautiful Monday and our man crush for this week is talented Kannywood actor Yakubu Mohammed. Yakubu Mohammed was born  in Bauchi State but raised in Jos Plateau state. He had the intention to study Geology and Mining but ended up studying Mass Communication first at diploma level at the University of Jos and later at the Bayero University Kano. Mohammed joined Kannywood in 1998 while still an undergraduate in the university.

 But before he joined Kannywood Mohammed has acted in various dramas, wrote a number of poems and short stories during his early days in the university. The actor and model has over a thousand songs to his credit looking forward to the day he will have the opportunity to have them either staged or produced as a flim. His initial stint in Kannywood was as a script writer working behind the scene. 

He trained on the job, rose through the ranks and in no time found himself calling the shots and signing works as a producer. But as he worked behind the scene, a few of his colleagues talked him into taking up roles as an actor.
Mohammed is also a co-founder of a production company known as “2ffect Empire; the company he owns jointly with Sani Danja. 

Yakubu won the best of the year Awards (Hausa) 2016 he also won the City People Best Actor of the Year and is married to the love of his life.

By Maimuna Bagudu

Ways to stay stylish during the rainy season

The rains come with a lot of 'messy' bits, it's usually not 

the normal season to play dress up but a stylish lady can do just about that (dress up!). When it pours especially in Abuja without access to one's personal car (horror) 

and in funny areas then dressing up can be a major task no matter how much of a stylish/fashion loving person you are, dressing up when it's pouring heavily is a task but it shouldn't have to be for the fashion loving during the rainy season.

Here are tips to still stay stylish during the rainy season:

•  Pick clothes with dark colours; black, brown and  nudes: When it rains, put away the whites, pinks and other fancy feminine colours! Instead opt for outfits in blacks, browns and nudes. This way even when water splashes around, outfits won't get stained or have funny mud splatters and the looks will 'continue just chic' throughout the day.
  

• Time to wear leather and rubber shoes

Thank God for leather and rubber, this is the season where they become so useful to us If you ever had leather skirts and rubber shoes hidden away in the wardrobe the rainy season is the best time to style them up. Those leather skirts, pants, and rubber shoes and more are best worn when it's raining. The great thing about wearing leather on a rainy day is it keeps the body cool as well as weather appropriate and of course any stain at all can be wiped off without sticking on them. But of course leather pieces should only be worn around these periods.

• Throw on the kimonos (NOT the floor sweeping ones!)

Kimonos work during raining season. They can come as stylish cover ups that can help keep warm or add that fab look to your outfit. It's best however to keep kimonos short or midi during the rains so the edges don't end up wet and dirty.

•  Choose the right fabrics:

During the rainy season it is advised to wear more cotton they dry fast, just in case the rains get heavy. Silk fabric retains water and stains and when the water dries off it leaves funny patches on the fabric. 

By Maimuna Bagudu

Nigeria Finish 20th at Bobsleigh 2018 Winter Olympics

Seun Adigun and Ngozi Onwumere who were Nigeria's representatives at the 2018 Winter Olympics on Wednesday, February 21, finished 20th in their Bobsleigh event in South Korea. The duo who campaigned in the 2018 Winter Olympics for the first time for Nigeria finished +7.15secs behind Germany’s Mariama Jamanka and Lisa Buckwitz who won the race. But despite not winning any medal at the event in South Korea, Seun Adigun was proud of her achievement to have represented Nigeria at the 2018 Winter Olympics. “It’s quite amazing, I’m overwhelmed with joy and overwhelmed with the idea of knowing that history was made and we gave everything we had to do it. “This was just one of those days that you can’t really describe, Full of all kinds of emotions, full of relief, full of history.” Adigun told reporters after the event.
It is on record that no African nation has won a medal at the Winter Olympics, and Seun Adigun believes Nigeria can start preparation for the 2022 Beijing Olympics. ''By God's grace, you will see Nigeria at the Beijing Olympics. We did everything we could and people are super stocked back in Nigeria and we pray for better days ahead,'' She said. This will be the first time that Nigeria participated in the winter Olympics as Seun Adigun, Akuoma Omeoga and Ngozi Onwumere competed in Bobsleigh, while Simi Adeagbo took part in the Skeleton competition. Seun Adigun the driver of the Bobsleigh team is currently a chiropractic student studying for a dual degree of a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Texas Chiropractic College and a Master's of Science in Exercise & Health Science University of Houston Clear Lake.

By Mercy Kukah

Natural way to get rid of dark knuckles

Everyone desires a fairer complexion; and for this reason use several remedies and the products. However, the main issue is to get rid of dark knuckles as they are darker in color and therefore takes away the beauty of the hands. If you are facing this issue; I am going to share with you an amazing remedy to lighten your dark knuckles fast and naturally.
How to Lighten Your Knuckles fast and naturally.
The ingredients you will need are;
•       Baking Soda
•       Lemon Juice
•       Raw Cow’s Milk
Procedure:
Take half a lemon and squeeze out the juice.

After this, fill the lemon with one spoon of baking soda and squeeze lemon a little again.
How to Use:
Rub the lemon now on your dark knuckles clockwise and anticlockwise
for five to 10 minutes. After this, wash it off with cold water.

Use it three-four times in a week to lighten dark knuckles fast and naturally.
Now, take cold cow’s milk and dip a cotton ball in it. Apply the milk on the dark knuckles with the cotton ball and let the balls sit for 20-25 minutes. Continue applying the milk when you see the cotton ball is getting dry. Wash your hands with normal water.
Benefits:
•       To remove dark spots from joints, this remedy is very effective.
•       It is 100% natural and also, it is safe for your skin and does not have any side effects.
•       Lemon is a natural bleaching agent and it naturally lightens dark skin.
•       Baking soda also lightens the dark spots as it removes the dead skin cells and thus helps    you achieve a clean and clear knuckles.

•       Milk has lactic acid and thus makes skin light and bright look.
So, if you are facing these beauty issue, there is no need to look too far for a solution as this is the surest and safest way to lighten dark knuckles fast and naturally.  Simply follow this simple remedy and you will be sure to get surprising results.

By Mercy Kukah

Rice Pancake (Sinasir)

Rice pancakes known as Sinasir in the North is a delicious delicacy and it is prepared with the soft variety rice known as “Tuwo Shinkafa” in Hausa, it can be eaten as a snack with a cold drink, jam, mayonnaise or honey, it can also be served with stew or soup. 

Here are the ingredients and recipe for making rice pancake.

INGREDIENTS

½ cup soft rice (tuwo shinkafa)

½ cup boiled rice (foreign rice)

½ teaspoon yeast

1 onion

1 Egg

½ tin Peak Milk

Sugar (to taste)

2 pinches of salt

Vegetable oil: for frying

PREPARATION

· Add all the ingredients together from the soaked rice, cooked rice, diced onions, salt, sugar yeast, egg and peak milk into the blender. Then add enough water to help the blades of your blender move easily.

· Blend till its smooth, then pour into a bowl and cover it make sure to put the mixture in a warm place for about 30mins for it to rise.

· Set a frying pan on your gas of stove preferably a non stick fry pan; pour a small amount of vegetable oil into the pan once it gets hot scoop your batter into the hot frying pan making sure it is thin for easy frying. Then turn both side to ensure it get fried properly. Then serve as desired. 

By Maimuna Bagudu

#WomancrushWednesday

Our woman crush for today is Her Excellency Hajiya Adama Ibrahim Dankwambo.

Hajiya Adama Dankwambo is the first lady of Gombe state and a graduate of university of Maiduguri where she studied Business/ Managerial Economics. Mrs Dankwambo is a woman with a large heart who has passion helping the less privileged, aged women, and unemployed youths of the state. This calm woman of substance has right from the onset had the plight of the poor in mind. At the assumption of office of her husband as the Executive Governor of Gombe state which made her the first lady of the state, she initiated a pet project tagged “Hajiya Adama Women Empowerment” designed to assist women and unemployed youths in the state self-reliant and made life better for the aged and less privileged children which has helped reduced crime rate in the state. 

Hajiya Adama is married to Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo and they have children together.

By Maimuna Bagudu

Fashionable Lace fabric styles

Lace; is a delicate fabric made of yarn and thread beautifully woven by machine or hand with open holes in the works. The lace fabric is an open cloth created by looping, twisting or knitting different threads and fibers in a specific pattern to produce a fine, delicate and woven material. Types of lace come in a long list some of which include tulle, cord, paper, guipure, sequined, beaded, jute, George, and French lace and
they come in different and combined colours. Many African women prefer lace fabric because of its durability and ability to maintain its colour and texture for a very long time. The lace is a fashion cloth worn on special social occasions like weddings, birthdays and other important events. These lace styles will definitely inspire you and transform your fabrics into beautiful art pieces.

By Maimuna Bagudu

Heat Rash – Ways to Soothe Baby’s Irritated Skin

The period is around the corner. Heat rash is child skin irritation caused by increased perspiration when sweat evaporation process is slow. It is also a red, flat or raised rash which appears on the neck especially around the neck folds. Neck rashes are most common among infants between four to five months. The reasons for infant neck rash range from prickly heat to skin infections like those caused by fungus. There are many factors responsible for causing a skin rash on the baby’s neck which comes with persistent itching on the skin accompanied with pain. These symptoms may cause babies to lose their appetite. A few types of rashes may only appear in the neck region whereas there are some other types that may also affect the folds of diaper area, armpit, etc. Most cases of skin rash disappear on their own within a few days without requiring any treatment. But they make the baby to be extremely uncomfortable during this period due to continuous burning and itching sensations.

You can calm your baby by following these simple yet effective steps to soothe their irritated skin.
•       Apply Skin Creams and Lotions to Your Baby’s Rash: Remember to consult the pediatrician before using any skin cream and lotion on your baby if they are younger than six months. It is always advisable to be careful before using any skin product on your child as they may be allergic to one of the ingredients present in these products.
•       Use Cornstarch: You can try sprinkling cornstarch on your baby’s neck before taking them outdoors or after a bath. This will keep the neck region dry and moist-free.

•       Use Oatmeal: You can try adding oats in your baby’s bath. Also, you can try oat extract to soothe your baby’s skin. Take a clean washcloth and wrap a cut of oatmeal in it. Seal the contents by twisting the end of the washcloth. Take a tub of warm water and soak the washcloth until both the oats and cloth are wet. Squeeze the oatmeal infused water on your baby’s rash. Once done, pat the area dry.
•       Use Cold Compress: You can also try using cold compress on the affected region to soothe the skin inflammation. Take a tub of ice-cold water and soak a clean washcloth. Apply this to the affected region for 5-10 minutes to soothe the inflamed skin. Once done, pat
the area dry. You can repeat the procedure as and when needed.
•       Maintain Good Skin Hygiene: If you follow a regular bathing and good hygiene practice for your baby, you may treat and prevent these skin
rashes.
•       Follow A Specified Bath Time: Remember to schedule the right bath time for your baby. Never bathe your baby immediately after feeding. Allow them to rest for a while after feeding to avoid vomiting or spewing.
•       Use Only Boiled or Distilled Water: Remember to use only boiled or distilled water to bathe your baby. This will ensure that the bathing water doesn’t contain any harmful microbes that may otherwise harm your baby. To soothe the skin inflammation, you can add two teaspoons of baking soda to the bath water a cup of oatmeal.
•       Massage with Coconut Oil: You can also try massaging your baby with coconut oil twice a day. This results in soft, clean skin. Also, the anti-microbial properties of this oil prevents skin infection. Preventive Measures to Avoid Baby Neck Rash from Occurring

•       Bathe your baby regularly and maintain a good hygiene practice.
•       Select the right fabrics for your baby. Avoid rough fabrics, woolen clothes, and blankets. These are not recommended for babies as their skins are sensitive.
•       Remember to dry the neck region (and other moisture-prone regions) after bathing your baby.
•       Keep your baby’s neck region open and moist-free most of the time. Dry skin prevents accumulation of moisture in the folds which helps in healing the rashes faster.
•       Try to keep your baby in a cool and well-aired room as excessive heat causes perspiration in the skin folds and leads to skin rashes.

If the rashes are accompanied by a fever, do not hesitate to see the Doctor.

By Mercy Kukah