5 WRONG WAYS TO APOLOGISE TO YOUR PARTNER

Nobody is perfect for we are all humans. Therefore, we are bound to make mistakes and it’s totally OK to slip or offend our partners.

It’s very essential as humans to acknowledge our faults, feel bad about our bad actions and of course, apologize for our mistakes.

Now, how you apologize and the manner in which you tender your apology matters a great deal. Most of us tend to apologize in a way that rubs off even worse on our partners and at the end of the day, further ruin our chances of being forgiven.

Below are the wrong ways to apologize to your partner:

1. Point out they had wronged you the same way: It doesn’t really matter if your partner did the same thing to you previously, what matters is your ability to apologize calmly and peacefully and when apologizing, refraining from mentioning or bringing up what has happened in the past. 

2. Remind them of how good you’ve been: That you have been good for so long does not excuse you from apologizing and doing it right when you have messed up. Never remind your partner how good you’ve been until he/she pushed you to the wall to react. 

3. Use of nasty tone: An apology doesn’t mean anything if you say it with attitude. People notice it if your words say “I’m sorry” but your tone say “go to hell.” The words aren’t enough. Tone is everything while tendering an apology to your partner. Make sure you use the coolest and most respectful tone while apologizing and let your expression show how remorseful you are. 

4. Laying blame on something else: Accept responsibility instead of blaming it on the stressful day you had at work – people have terrible days every time and never take it out on their partners. Don’t blame it on alcohol or mood or other things either. Just take responsibility for your actions. 

5. Making it out to be a smaller deal than it is: Don’t try to downplay what you did. All the talking in the world won’t minimize the pain you caused the other person. You can’t get someone to rationalize away their feelings.



BY MAIMUNA BAGUDU

Champions League Final Not Just About Me And Cristiano Ronaldo – Mohammed Salah

Egyptian superstar, Mohamed Salah, believes the UEFA Champions League between Real Madrid and Liverpool will not be a battle between himself and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Premier League campaigners reached their first UCL final for the first time since 2007 following their 7-6 aggregate win over AS Roma at the semifinal stage of the competition.
Both players will face off in Kiev later this month as the Reds will be hoping to stop Los Blancos from winning their third straight European Cup this term.
The 25-year-old joined Liverpool from AS Roma last summer and he has scored 43 goals so far in all competitions.
Salah claims their progress to the final of the competition was the hard work of the entire team, saying it wasn’t his individual effort. The former Chelsea star has scored 11 goals in 14 UCL matches this season, four less than Ronaldo’s tally in the same championship.
“It is not going to be a final between Mohamed Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo,” he said “I am playing for a great club and we have great players, so qualifying to the final came with great team work, that I could not do alone. “I know all of the Arab people wish the best for me, and they are happy every time I win, but now at the moment, I am only thinking about the final and to bring the trophy to Anfield.”
Meanwhile, Ronaldo has 42 goals in all appearances this season – the same as his Barcelona arch rival, Lionel Messi.
Salah inspired Egypt to qualify for their 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia for the first time since 1990, while also helping them to finish as runners up in the 2017 African Cup of Nations – losing narrowly to Cameroon.
He is the reigning African footballer of the year, PFA player of the year and has also won several awards in his first year with the Reds.

Arsenal Defender Suffers Serious Injury, May Miss 2018 FIFA World Cup Against Atletico

Arsenal defender, Laurent Koscielny, has suffered a career threatening injury against Spanish side, Atletico Madrid, and the Frenchman is now set to be out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Koscielny collapsed in agony during the Europa League semi-final to end his World Cup dreams and he now faces at least six months on the sidelines.
The Arsenal captain was in tears as he was being stretchered off the field, leaving his teammates and Gunners fans sad on Thursday night, May 3.
Arsenal was however unable to cope with Laurent Koscielny's exit on the pitch as they went on to lose 0-1 against Atletico Madrid and crashed out of the 2017/18 Europa League.
The consequence of that defeat is that Arsenal will not have the chance to campaign next season in the Champions League because they won't be able to finish among the top four this term.
Laurent Koscielny has been at Arsenal since 2010, making 324 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners. The Spaniard scored his side's lone goal in the 45th minute after receiving a clean pass from Antoine Griezmann before clinically putting the ball behind Ospina just before the end of the first half.
Both sides played 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture at the Emirates Stadium a week ago and needed at least a goalless draw to pull through, but they got more than a draw to seal their qualification.

By Mercy Kukah

Gombe State - Nigeria’s Jewel In the Savannah

Gombe state is located in the North-east geopolitical zone of Nigeria and was created out of Bauchi state in 1996 by late General Sani Abacha.
The state has an area kilometer of 20,265 with a population of about 2.4 million. It shares boundary with Borno, Taraba, Adamawa and Bauchi states.
Gombe state has eleven (11) local government areas and also comprise of many tribal and ethnic groups.
If you are adventurous and love touring places or exploring uncharted hills and rock climbing where crowds will not be a menace to you, then Gombe state is the right place for you.
Aside from tourism, there are a number of investment opportunities in agriculture, water supply, power generation, solid minerals, industries and housing for the business minded.
So, when next you visit Gombe state, make sure you pay visits to one or more of its numerous centres of attraction some of which have been highlighted below.

Emirs Palace: The palace was built by the 10th Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Shehu Usman Abubakar. The palace is a blend of architectural designs with a touch of royalty. The palace serves as a venue for annual durbars. Activities are always going on at the palace, especially during Sallah, which usually attract thousands of people.
Tangale Hill and Peak: This is a tertiary, enchanting and beautiful volcanic hill south of Gombe while the peak is one of the highest peak in Nigeria and it is conical in shape. It is located in Tangale, 45 minutes' journey from Gombe.

Kilang Hill: The Kilang hill is about 1000ft above sea level and an outstanding feature in north eastern Nigeria. 2km away from Yamaltu/Deba local government, the hill is the first feature that captures the attention of travelers approaching Kaltungo local government area of Gombe state.
Kilang hill and its surroundings are of great economic importance to the people of Popandi in terms of farming and economic trees. The hill is no easy place to hike with the terrains being rough, rugged with sharp stones and unidentified flora scattered around.
The kilang hill remains an unexplored sight with most evident activities around and atop the hills being farming, hunting, cattle rearing and sacrificial activities.
Tula Battle Field: It is a place where the British under the Kaltungo local government area command of Calyle first attacked and fought the Tula people. It is a historic place to visit. Students also visit on excursion in order to get a feel of colonialism.

Bima Rock Dadin Kowa: It is a wide and gigantic rock formed in a way that expresses beauty and elegance. The Dadin Kowa Hydro Electric dam situated in Deba local government area of Gombe State, 45 kilometers from the metropolis, is home to both Hydro Electric Dam, water supply and dry season irrigation.
The dam is the second largest dam in the country, carrying a capacity of 2.8 billion cubic liters of water and generating 39mw of electricity energy, changing the narrative of the people in the north east.
The Federal government has assured the government and people of Gombe State that the abandoned 39 MW Dadin Kowa Hydro Electric Dam will be completed and ready for commissioning by October this year.

Tomb of Buba Yero: Buba Yero is the founder of Gombe sukku Local Government area emirate. The tomb has been registered as a national monument. He was very influential and powerful that his tomb has been registered in Nigeria as a national monument.
Bormi Battle Site: Bormi is a place where a decisive 3km east of battle was fought between Sultan Bajoga in Attahiru and Major F.C Marsh, both in Funakaye local government area. Both men were killed during the war.

Gombe State Roundabouts: Yes! You got that right, Gombe state roundabouts are usually decorated by the present government His Exc. Alh. Hassan Ibrahim Dankwambo during Christmas and Sallah celebrations. People usually gather round them to snap pictures and feel the serenity and beauty of the environment. The roundabout is more beautiful to behold at nighttime. 

By Mercy Kukah

Spice up Your Home with New Curtains

A curtain is a hanging piece of fabric used to shut out light from a window, door, or a room in order to increase privacy. 
Curtains can be used in blocking out light and sound, heat and cold. They are also decorative and add personality to a room.
Now the question is, how can curtains beautify your home? Curtains create special effects in the home. They do this by adding colour, light or making the room look spacious.
Depending on the length, they create a casual, relaxed, and informal mood or a more dignified, dressy, and formal mood.
We think of everything ranging from colour, to style, décor and accessories when dreaming up our image of a perfect home. Yet we often tend to ignore some of the little things that ultimately make the biggest difference. Window curtains definitely fall into this category and do not generally get the attention they deserve. One of the easiest ways to change a room’s look is by adding new curtains to a window.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when choosing, hanging and decorating your home with curtains;

Hanging your curtains: Dress up a boring curtain rod with decorative filials that fits in with the rest of your room, or choose wooden rods that reflect the rest of your furniture. Before you purchase, make sure you measure your windows properly, so your curtains are hanging to the right height on them.
Materials are important: There are many different materials and fiber combinations that you can use for your curtain but you should choose materials that are fade resistant, especially if the room gets a lot of light, which is common in rooms facing the south.
Tie in the design: While you may not realize it, it is very important to tie the curtain in with the theme. This does not mean that you have to play it safe and make the curtains match perfectly but they should not clash with the decor. Make sure that the materials reflect the materials in the room, the colour works with your colour palette and the thickness of the material works with the feel of the decor. The last thing you will want is a heavy drape in a light and airy design space.

Don’t be afraid of playing around with colours when it comes to beautifying your home. When you use dull colours, the atmosphere will not be nice and friendly, because the way we decorate our surroundings affect our mood.
Remember to always sketch out the window area and draw in the drapes before you go out and purchase them lest you purchase the wrong curtains.

By Mercy Kukah

TIPS FOR DRESSING FOR SUCCESS

Honing in on your job’s dress code will not only help you appropriately dress for your office, but a powerful professional wardrobe can also lead you down the path to success. What you wear can have just as much of an effect as what you do for success. it may seem daunting but it can be conquered with these few simple tips:

Get Inspired

Seasonal change is the perfect time to hit the pause button and get inspired! Make the time to flip through magazines, head downtown, surf the web, and get inspired by the natural style reset that presents itself.


Pick Your Path

Get clear on the season’s style cues that emotionally resonate with you. Not all trends are for all people and that’s OK. Find what works for you. 

Claim Your Color Crushes

Color is one of the easiest ways to update one’s wardrobe and yet it’s so easy to get stuck in a rut. Two rules of thumb:

1. Know your neutral. Rooting your wardrobe in the neutral that best suits you will help to optimize versatility. Black not for you? Maybe you are more of a grey, brown or navy blue person. Whatever it is, - claim it!

2. Same goes for seasonal colors. Commit to a tight palette of newness. Adding just one or two new colors goes a long way. 

Make Room For The New

Before setting out to shop, take stock of what you have. Donate, sell or give away what you’ve not worn in the last year. A pared down closet will simplify getting dressed each morning and who wouldn’t want that?

Shop Strategically

After taking inventory of your existing wardrobe, identify the gaps and shop with clear intent. This approach will keep you from over shopping and also ensure that you can style a lot of different looks out of a collection of pieces.

Double Down

There are some things that are worth investigating, if you are able. Shoes and handbags are top of the list because they complete the look. Pair an awesome pair of shoes with less expensive apparel and the look is instantly elevated. Same goes for a great handbag.


Ignore the Rules

As the workplace evolves and dress codes relax, it’s more fun than ever to push your workplace style. Pair denim with denim. Wear black with navy or opt for a sequined top during the day. Above all, fashion is a creative outlet to express yourself. Have fun with it!


By Maimuna Bagudu

Popular Nollywood Actress Returns Bride Price After 14 Years of Marriage

The Nzelu family of Ozubulu in Anambra state have returned the bride price of #70,000 (Seventy Thousand Naira) paid for their daughter, Rita Nzelu after about 14 years of marriage to Simeon Okoro from Imo state to officially end the marriage between both as culture demands.
According to an eye witness who witnessed the dissolution, both families decided to take the action after efforts to reconcile the couple failed both in London and Nigeria.
The family of Okoro have confirmed the payment which was said to have been made since February 2018.
A source disclosed that the marriage started having issues as a result of infidelity coupled with the fact that the actress insisted on not shelving her acting career.

When the actress got married, she decided to build her home first and then return to movie making but that plan lasted for only 10 years during which Nzelu temporarily left the industry to attend to family life but has since returned some years back.
Sources say that the couple have struggled to stay together as a result while their differences lingered and failed to be reconciled until both families decided to dissolve the marriage by performing all necessary traditional rites and leaving the couple to move on with their divorce legally.

By Mercy Kukah

Truth About Fungal Infection

Fungal infection is a common skin infection that is caused by a type of fungus called Tinea. The fungus thrives in warm, moist areas of the body and as a result, infection can affect the genitals, inner thighs and buttocks. In other words, fungal infections occur when an invading fungus takes over an area of the body and is too much for the immune system to handle.
Fungi can live in the air, soil, water and plants. There are also fungi that live naturally in the human body like many microbes. There are helpful fungi and harmful fungi. When harmful fungi invade the body, they can be difficult to kill, as they can survive in the environment and re-infect the person trying to get rid of it.
Fungi infections are classified into four, which include, athlete’s foot, yeast infection, jock itch and ringworm. Most fungal skin infections can be treated with over the counter medication, while severe infections may require additional methods.
Fungal infection symptoms may include itching, swelling around the affected area and burning sensation during urination or sex, and for vaginal yeast infection; soreness, redness in the affected areas, rash and vaginal discharge.

Usually, the length of time fungal infection is left untreated has a direct impact on how severe your symptoms may become.

However, vaginal yeast infection can be treated with natural remedies which may include; coconut oil, tea tree oil cream, garlic, plain yogurt taken orally or inserted into the vaginal cavity. Always make sure your hands are clean before applying creams or oils to the affected area. You may also want to talk to a doctor before trying natural remedies.

A number of factors can contribute towards causing a fungal infection. Although these variables can change depending on the type of fungal infection that you are suffering from, there are some overall issues that are responsible for fungal reproduction which are; weak immune system, poor nutrition, stress, obesity, physical contact with contagions, medication and too much intake of antibiotics, which make the immune system weak and unable to fight and prevent the body from being infected.

Fungal infections are generally treated using antifungal medicines, which may come in the form of creams, sprays, solutions, tablets, shampoos, oral medications or injections. Serious fungal infections may require several months of treatment.

Fungal infections can be prevented by eating a well-balanced diet or taking supplements.

It is always best to notify a doctor at the first sign of infection to avoid possible serious complications.


By Mercy Kukah

WHICH GENDER IS CRAZIER IN LOVE?

You know that tingling feeling you get when you like someone so much?

It's often said that that is common sense creeping out of your body, leaving you exposed and open to doing all sorts of ‘crazy’ and ‘illogical’ things because love is said to be blind and clouds all reason.

You're not alone if you feel this way.

Everyone who has been in love, at least once, can relate with that feeling. When love is so strong that you can hardly function right, people begin to wonder what’s wrong with you and why you’re doing all the 'crazy' stuff. Guys fall in love and before you know it, they’re doing all the loved-up stuff they swore to never do. Babes fall in love and they’re doing all the things they swore to never do for a guy.

Even more so that it becomes an endless circle, like a merry-go-round, which involves single people doing the things they have listed and vowed never to do for a partner, with the perfect picture of how they want their relationships to be. But then, as soon as they fall in love and all those good romantic feelings descend on them, they lose sight of those plans they had logically laid in their hearts.

People just go with the ‘love flow’, which sometimes tosses them towards doing the most unbelievable things – all in the name of love. Love surely is not crazy, but it makes you do crazy things.

Below are some experiences of both gender whom have been in love and have done some crazy things in the name of love. They were sent in by our viewers. It will be nice to have your opinion on who is most love struck - the males or the females?

According to Halilu Shehu, he scammed his parents for money during his university days and bought his girlfriend a 43,000 Naira wrist watch, adding that he never regretted it.

Sharon said she and her boyfriend had an agreement that if any of their parents said no to their plans to get married, they will elope and get married and have a child before returning. They made this agreement because she is a Christian and he is a Muslim and they were madly in love.

According to Aisha Nuhu, who said that during her High school days, she helped her crush get his crush by writing poems for him to give her in other for her to accept him. She said she was doing this just because she loved him and didn’t want him to leave her.

Stella said she spent her allowance on calls. She said that her daily allowance during her university days was 3000 Naira per day, which she spent mostly on calling her boyfriend who was abroad at that time. She said she couldn’t afford most of the stuff she needed for school and as a result, the relationship never ended up in marriage.

Yusra, on the other hand, said she borrowed nearly half a million for her boyfriend to rent an apartment because he got a new job in a new city. The dude moved into the new apartment with his baby mama without her knowledge.

In your opinion, who does the craziest things for love? Leave your comments in the box below.

#WomanCrushWednesday

It’s another beautiful Wednesday morning in the city of Abuja, thanking The Almighty for the gift of life.

As usual with our Wednesday routine, we crush on a beautiful, amazing and prosperous woman in the person of Fatima Abba Gwadabe.

Fatima Abba Gwadabe is the youngest first Muslim female commercial pilot in Kano State. She hails from Dambatta Local Government area of Kano. She is just 22 years old. Fatima lives with her parents in Kano. Fatima reached her goal and became a top ranking pilot.


Fatima has completed piloting programs at Mid East Aviation Academy, Jordan. She was among hundreds of students who were sponsored by the Kwankwasiyya government of Kano state to study piloting at the Academy.

Fatima has not only got a unique profession, but has managed to break the cultural barrier by acquiring a higher education which is quite unusual for girls from her area.

Fatima is a degree holder in Computer Science. She graduated with a first class degree in 2012.

Fatima was recently recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) by her inclusion in the prestigious FAA Airmen Certification Database, after successfully completing her program.

With her being the youngest Hausa Fulani female commercial pilot, she has created a name for herself and her family at a very young age.


By Maimuna Bagudu

Celebrity of the Week

Our celebrity for the week is the beautiful talented and petite Nigerian singer and song writer Simisola Bolatito Ogunleye professionally known and referred to as Simi. Born on April 19 1988, Simi started her career as a gospel singer. She released her debut studio album in 2008 titled ‘’ogaju’’. Her career came into spotlight in 2014 after she released ‘’Tiff’’ a song which was nominated in two categories at the Headies 2015 and further brought her to mainstream recognition.

 Simi is currently signed to X3M Music under which she released her second studio album ‘’Simisola’’. Simi is a graduate of Covenant University where she studied Mass Communication. Simi has a subtle voice which usually lingers in the head of listeners long after the sound has ended. Her very tiny but clear voice is so easy to distinguish unlike Beyonce and some other singers, whose soft singing voice is actually deeper when they talk. Simi’s singing voice is the same as her talking voice. Her child-like textured voice makes her even more adorable and interesting to have a conversation with. 

For Simi’s body size, well they say big things usually come in small packs and that goes for Simi. Her petite stature, height, and the matching voice make her an object to fall in love with. Her age, which is not reflected on her physic, does not really matter, as she looks and sounds like a child which is very cute for a music star who appeals more to the younger generation. Her fashion sense is good to go, for Simi understands her size. She loves wearing above the knee apparel gowns, bums, etc. 

Simi was decorated a few days ago at the US Consulate, by the US Consul General, as one of the Human Rights Ambassadors from Nigeria, in conjunction with CRALI. She has been nominated for 17 awards, and won 8.

By Maimuna Bagudu