MANCRUSH MONDAY

 

Today we will be crushing on a Nigerian professor, politician and also one of the best governors of the year. He is non other than H.E Babagana Umara Zulum, who is the current governor of Borno state.

Despite how the insurgency must have obstructed some of his plans for the development and progress of Borno state, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum supported the protection of lives and properties of the citizens with the introduction of recruitment of over 3000 CJTF and vigilante hunters and improved monthly allowances of N 30,000 per month.

His efforts did not stop there, because that was followed by a unique inauguration of the first of its kind which was the Agro Rangers Scheme. It is a special security outfit comprising of the civil defense trained special squad, mobile police squad, CJTF and vigilante hunters group consisting of thousands of personnel, which he provided with about 100 brand new patrol four wheel drive vehicles to facilitate their mobility within and outside the Sambisa Forest. The forest was occupied by the boko haram insurgents before the Nigerian army recovered it from them.

The governor further embarked on rehabilitation and reconstruction of health and educational facilities and amenities across the state by renovating dilapidated schools, hospitals, clinics, upgrading health centers and constructing new schools and hospitals in some communities, including Monguno Resident Medical Doctors' house.  He also upgraded the Monguno hospital and constructed a new LGC secretariat in Biu town of Biu LGC.

His government also offered scholarships to indigenous students at the universities studying sciences and medicine. Those are expected to handle the various hospitals and clinics across the state.

Babagana is seen as a role model to many people because of his hard work which made him the hardest working governor to some people and also he is always there for his people through thick and thin.

Above are some of the reasons why we choose him as our Man Crush Monday. So, let us get to know who professor Babagana umara zulum is.

Babagana was born on the 26th of August, 1969 in Mafa local government area of Borno state.

He attended Mafa primary school from 1975 to 1980 and Government secondary school Monguno from 1985. He obtained a degree in Agricultural Engineering from university of Maiduguri and he served as a corp member in katsina state polytechnic, afterwards he proceeded to the University of Ibadan for his master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from 1997 to 1998. In 2005 he started his PhD in soil and water engineering at the University of Maiduguri, which he completed 2009.

Zulum was first appointed as an assistant technical officer in states ministry of agriculture with borno state civil service. He moved into Borno state unified local government service as senior field overseer and later principal water engineer in 1990. In 2000 he was given an appointment as an assistant lecturer in university of Maiduguri where he rose to the rank of a professor. Babagana was deputy dean and acting dean, faculty of engineering in 2010 and 2011. In 2015 he was made commissioner of reconstruction, rehabilitation and resettlement.

Professor Babagana Zulum has achieved so much in his service to his state and has continued to do that, for on March 9th 2019 he was elected to the office of governor of Borno state.

By: Firdausi Musa Dantsoho

 

 

 

 

 

HONEY, A PERFECT FACE AND SKIN GLOW LIQUID

 

We've all been there—you're rushing to get ready for a date or a big work meeting, and suddenly you notice your complexion is dry and dull. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to fake a gorgeous glow in a hurry. In addition, try incorporating a few healthy lifestyle tips to take your glow to the next level!

 

We know the pantry is filled with hidden skin-care gems and  so honey is yet another shouldn’t be surprising. You probably already know that the sweet substance is great at combating colds and hydrating your hair, but there are several more benefits of putting honey on your face that will have you sticking around.

The five benefits of using honey on your face:

1. It’s the perfect daily cleanser

It might be time to ditch your daily face wash. Honey’s antioxidants, antiseptic and antibacterial properties make this ingredient a go-to for fighting acne. It’ll open your pores and get rid of those pesky blackheads while keeping your skin hydrated all day long. 

Just wet your face with warm water, use about a 1/2 teaspoon of honey and massage it onto your face in a circular motion. Work in your DIY cleanser for 30 seconds before rinsing it off and continuing your skin-care routine. 

2. It’s a natural exfoliator

Say goodbye to irritated and itchy skin by using a honey face mask to gently exfoliate. You can also combine other remedies like avocado, lemon or apple cider vinegar to upgrade the routine.

To try it yourself, start by cleaning your face before applying whatever you choose to do (combo or not). Spread a thin layer of honey over your skin and leave it on for 8 to 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water and patting your face dry. Use once or twice a week for results.

3. It’s great for treating acne

If the cleanser and exfoliator are any indication, honey is all-around good for battling acne. Its anti-inflammatory benefits help remove excess oil from the surface, and if applied every day, it’ll balance the bacteria on your skin. Use it as a spot treatment to calm stubborn breakouts, and even to provide relief from autoimmune skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. The healing properties in honey help skin repair damage faster.

4. It’s a hydrating moisturizer

If you’re prone to dry or itchy skin, applying honey can have soothing effects. Honey fights free radical damage and pollution with its antioxidant properties, and it is really great for giving hydration to the skin, which will smooth and soften your complexion.

5. It’s great for anti-aging

The probiotics, antioxidants, nutrients and enzymes in honey work together to nourish and plump the skin. It retains and rebuilds moisture without making it oily or creating any irritation. While it doesn’t completely eliminate wrinkles, it does reduce their appearance. And the antioxidants help reverse any damage, which is what can lead to visible signs of aging.

BY STEPHANIE E. HEMEN

virgin mojito

 

Virgin mojito is a refreshing drink made from mint leaves, lime juice, sugar syrup, soda or sparkling water and lots of ice.

Virgin mojito is one of the most popular non- alcoholic drinks that has a refreshing flavour and taste.

This drink is so easy to make, and can be made within 5minute or less.   

INGREDIENT FOR MAKING VIRGIN MOJITO

*fresh mint leaves

*sugar syrup

*lime juice

*soda or sparkling water

*ice

*lemon wedges for decoration

STEPS ON HOW TO MAKE VIRGIN MOJITO YOU HAVE TO FOLLOW THE FOLLOWING STEPS

   1. Pour your sugar and water in a pot and cook until the sugar is dissolved and bubbles are form.

   2. Put your mint leaves and sugar in a bowl and crush them together to extract  the mint flavours.

  3. Add in lime juice, sugar syrup, soda, water to the crushed mint leave and mix them all together.

  4. Put in a lot of ice in a cup and add in your virgin mojito then decorate it with your lemon wedges.  Your virgin mojito is ready. Enjoy.

 

BY: FIRDAUSI MUSA DANTSOHO

FASHION ICON OF THE WEEK

 

Fashion is a prevailing style in clothing, accessories, and even furniture. Fashion is a source of looking gorgeous and attractive. Nigeria is known as a fashion powerhouse not only on the African continent, but globally. Many  Nigerian fashion designers have won accolades for their outstanding works and roles in showcasing the Nigerian culture in the world fashion Industry. Hence we are going to talk about our fashion icon of the week in person of Rukkayah who is also known as Rukkayahsdiary or Reedas.

Rukkayah Mohammed Sulaiman is a woman in her early 40s and she is  a mother 3 children. She is one of the Nigerian’s top fashion designer and a trendsetter, putting Nigeria and Africa at large on International fashion Map. She is a recipient of African leading women for creative fashion visionary award .

 

Rukkayah Mohammed is the creative director at Reedas, a fashion House located at the very heart of Abuja. Reedas booming fashion brand established 12years ago. The brand specializes in bespoke, ready to wear and bridal as well as fashion consultancy. Before venturing into the fashion industry, Rukaiya made sure she gained 8years working experience in the banking industry where she gained knowledge of finance and corporate management. She  has participated in several fashion shows and exhibitions on different part of the world- couture fashion week New York , Dubai  fashion fiesta, Nigerian fashion week and Lifestyle sales events to name a few. To further develop her knowledge in fashion, she acquired certifications from prestigious institutions such as London College of Fashion, Fashion and Design Summer School in Central Saint Mainrts London and Fashion Academy Abuja. 

She holds an MBA from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and a first degree in Business Administration from the University of Abuja. She is a scholar of the Women X Business Course of the Entrepreneurship Development Centre of the Lagos Business School, an award sponsored by the World Bank. 

Rukkayah continues to expand her business into diverse markets such as tea service, home and lifestyle items, which are geared towards emerging as a global brand with multiple extensions. Her focus on product quality and service excellence is a driving force upon which the extensions are formed.

Rukkayah  Mohammed is a woman with many layers and this is reflected in her multilayered designs. Her signature designs, Attitude and Elegance draw their inspiration from fabrics with Nigerian touch and western aesthetics.

 

FATEN TSAKI (CORN GRITS PORRIDGE

Faten tsaki known as corn grits porridge is a northern Nigeria traditional food made from corn grit.

Faten tsaki is a very delicious delicacy that has a lot of nutritional values. Corn has high content of B vitamin constituents such as niacin and thiamin.

 Thiamin is required to maintain proper nerve health as well as cognitive function. Niacin helps to promote good cholesterol and lowers the chances of cardiovascular problems. 

Insufficient niacin causes Pellagra which is a disease indicated by dementia, diarrhea, insomnia, dermatitis and inability to sleep.

 

INGREDIENTS FOR MAKING FATEN TSAKI

*soft goat bones

* Dry fish

* Crayfish

* seasoning

* Black pepper

* Tomatoes

* pepper (attarugu)

* Spinach

* curry

* Salt

* Vegetable oil or red palm oil

* Onion

*garlic.

* crushed groundnut

* cooked beans

STEP BY STEP ON HOW TO MAKE FATEN TSAKI

1. Roughly blend your tomatoes and pepper. Chop your spinach and wash it, chop your onion and garlic then keep aside.

2. In a hot pot add your choice of oil either vegetable oil or palm oil you can also mix both.

3. Then add your onion garlic and stir.

4. At this stage you can add your roughly blended tomatoes and pepper and stir well.

5. Add your seasoning, salt, black pepper, curry, cooked soft bones, well washed dry fish, crayfish and water then cover to cook a little bit.

6. Your corn grits goes in next, you then stir and add water to the top of the corn grit then stir well and allow it to simmer for some minutes.

7. You then add your crush groundnut stir and add your cooked white beans stir and allow to cook

8. Lastly you add your spinach and spring onion and stir.

9.Your faten tsaki is ready enjoy.

 

BY: FIRDAUSI MUSA DANTSOHO

 

 

MIYAN KUKA THE WAY TO AN AREWA MAN’S HEART

 

Although not all arewa men love miyan kuka, but it is one of the well-known and most sumptuous northern Nigeria soup loved by so many people, including people from other part of the country.

Miyan kuka also known as baobab soup, is a soup made from dry baobab leaves that has been grounded into powder.

Although it may seems simple to make but to make it testy and appealing you may need to apply some art of cooking. Be careful in selecting your ingredients as too much wrong ingredients can mess the test of the soup. Many ingredients can be added to miyan kuka but the perfect combination for great outcome is what we would teach you how to do today in this food small Conner.

So below are what we need and step by step on how to make miyan kuka.

       INGRDIENTS FOR MAKING MIYAN KUKA                                                                                                                                                                                                              3 tablespoons kuka powder (dry baobab leaves powder)

1kg cow ribs (cut into pieces)

2 dry fish

2 cooking spoons red palm oil

2 tablespoons ground crayfish

2 flat round dawa dawa (locust beans)

Habanero pepper (attarugu)

1 onion

2 big seasoning cubes                                                                                                                                                              

Salt (to your taste)

Ginger paste

Garlic paste

Ground clove

Kanwa (potash)

 

METHOD FOR MAKING MIYAN KUKA                                                                                                                                                                                                           

1. Add your red palm oil in a pot and allow it to heat up.

2. Then add in your onions, roughly blended pepper, crayfish, dawa dawa, ginger, cloves. Stir it very well and let it fry a little

 3. Add the cow ribs, dry fish with the seasoning cubes and crayfish. Stir for a while then add water.

4. When the meat is done, take out the meat from the beef stock.

Put a little potash into your stock to make it free from lumps.

5. Add the kuka powder, spreading over the meat stock as you add. Then stir very well to ensure that you get a smooth mix without lumps.

6. put back your meat and dry fish.

Cover and cook for 5 minutes on medium heat, stirring it from time to time. 

7. Serve with semovita,tuwon shinkafa, tuwon masara,tuwon dawa enjoy.

 

BY: FIRDAUSI MUSA DANTSOHO

WOMAN CRUSH WEDNESDAY

Our woman crush Wednesday is none other but our beautiful and quintessential Amina J Mohammed.

 Amina J Mohammed is a woman worthy of emulation. She has inspired a lot of women, both young and old to push boundaries and translate their dreams to reality. 

She serves as a role model to the upcoming generations. She is an advocate for peace and she serves humanity wholeheartedly. 

Below is her brief biography and achievements. 

Amina Mohammed was born in Liverpool, UK, in 1961 to a Nigerian veterinarian officer and a British nurse. She is the eldest of five daughters.

Amina attended primary school in Kaduna and Maiduguri, and Buchan School in Isle of Man. She further attended Henley Management Collage in 1989.

 After she finished her studies, her father demanded she return to Nigeria. Between 1981 and 1991, Mohammed worked with Archcon Nigeria, an architectural design firm in association with Norman and Dawbarn United Kingdom. In 1991, she founded Afri-Projects Consortium, and from 1991 to 2001 she became the project Executive Director.

From 2002 until 2005, Amina Mohammed coordinated the Task Force on Gender and Education for the United Nation Millennium project.  

Amina Mohammed later acted as the Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In 2005. She was charged with the coordination of Nigeria's debt relief funds toward the achievement of the MDGs.

 Her mandate included designing a Virtual Poverty Fund with innovative approach to poverty reduction, budget coordination and monitoring, as well as providing advice on pertinent issues regarding poverty, public sector reform and sustainable development.

Amina Mohammed later became the Founder and CEO of the Centre for Development Policy Solutions and as an Adjunct Professor for the Master's in Development Practice program at Columbia University. 

During that time, she served on numerous international advisory boards and panels, including the UN Secretary-General's High-level Panel on Post-2015 Development Agenda and the Independent Expert Advisory Group on the Data Revolution for Sustainable Development.  

She also chaired the Advisory Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Global Monitoring Report on Education (GME).

From 2012, Amina Mohammed was a key player in the post 2015 Development Agenda process, serving as the Special Adviser to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki moon on Post-2015 development planning. 

In this role, she acted as the link between the Secretary-General, his High Level Panel of Eminent Persons (HLP), and the General Assembly’s Open Working Group (OWG), among other stakeholders. 

From 2014, she also served on the Secretary-General's Independent Expert Advisory Group on the Data Revolution for Sustainable Development.

Amina Mohammed served as Federal Minister of Environment in the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari from November 2015 to February 2017. During that time, she was Nigeria's representative in the African Union (AU) Reform Steering Committee, chaired by Paul Kagame. 

She inspires the upcoming generation of women leaders and she is an embodiment of knowledge.

By Hindatu Abdullahi

HOW TO MAKE PERFECT NIGERIAN VEGETABLE SOUP

INTRODUCTION:
Nigerian vegetable soup is quick and easy to cook, a very versatile soup which can be used for swallow, eaten with rice, yam, plantains, even potatoes.

INGREDIENTS:

1) Oil

2) Red pepper

3) Tattashe

4) Onion

5) Pomo

6) Dry fish

7) Stockfish

8) Ugu

9) Spices

10) Garlic and ginger ( optional)

METHOD:

1) Wash pomo put in a pot with some water to just cover the pomo, season with salt and seasoning cube, boil till a fork can pass through.

2) To the cooked pomo with 2 or 3 cups of stock and dry fish, add vegetable oil or palm oil, onions,tattashe and pepper, cook for 5 minutes. You can put garlic and ginger but as optional.

3) Add seasoning cubes. Stir and taste, add salt.

4) Cook for 10 minutes until its raw taste.

5) Add ugu, stir and cover, cook for 3 minutes.

Take off the heat and serve.

By: ummu khulthum abdulkadir

Health benefits of lemon and ginger tea especially during this covid-19 season

INTRODUCTION:Do you know that Lemon and Ginger can boost your immunity? Lemon and ginger are very important for human health especially having the tea early in the morning, there are so many benefits of lemon and ginger tea especially during this era of covid-19 season, and it can be taken by

 elderly people, pregnant women and also children. Lemon and ginger tea can be used for weight loss, cold and sore throat etc. It is advisable that during this covid-19 era which symptoms are as like fever and cold for person to be taken lemon and ginger to enhance his/her immunity against

the virus .

You should also note that everything should be taken in moderation not too much . Its even good you consult your health care practitioner to advise you on how to administer it because consuming too much of it can lead to some side effects . Taking lemon and ginger tea can boost your immunity, and also stops you from vomiting, and also

for ladies that are experiencing too much cramps during their menstrual cycle ginger and lemon can reduce the pain. Lemon and ginger tea or drink can also work as a skin enhancer . When administered properly it can give you beautiful skin. It fights skin infection and make it shiny and clean because of the Anita oxidant properties of both ginger and lemon.

Here are small directions on how to make lemon and ginger tea

What you need is:

1) Lemon ( sliced)

2) Ginger ( sliced)

3) Sugar or honey

Methods

Mix all the ingredients in a pot and pour water, allow it to boil for about 20 minutes, then sieve in a cup or flask and add more honey.


BY: ummu khulthum Abdulkadir

HOW TO MAKE A PERFECT FRIED RICE THIS RAMADAN

In our today’s recipe we are going to teach you how to make mouth watering African fried rice .Fried Rice is a very simple yet delicious recipe. It is a colourful version of rice which relies on a ton of fresh vegetables, chicken or beef, Liver, and a little bit of Oil for crisping it up.during this Ramadan you can eat fried rice for sahur or iftar.

INGREDIENTS

4 Cups of rice

Vegetable oil

Chicken

Curry

Thyme

seasoning cubes

2 medium size green pepper

2 medium size onions

1 handful green peas

1 handful sweet corns

1 handful green beans

1 tablespoon of curry

1 table spoon of thyme

4 medium size carrots ,

Fried chopped liver

1 small size cabbage

Salt

Dry pepper

Water

METHOD

1.Chopped the following (carrots, onions, green pepper, sausages, liver) and set aside in a different plates. Parboil the rice, sieve out the water and set it aside

2.Boil the chicken and season it with curry, thyme, 1 seasoned cube, salt and onions.

3. Put the pot on fire, pour in about 15cl of vegetable oil. Allow to heat then add the sliced onions stir

for about 2 minutes then add the chopped carrot and green beans, Stir for another 2 minutes then add the curry powder and thyme, add the cabbage, add the chicken stock,  dry pepper,  the liver, sweet corn,  green pepper and 4 seasoning cubes concurrently. 

4.Pour the parboil rice and add a little water and cook for another 10 minutes , If the water has dried up and the rice is still hard. Add a little water till the rice is soft.

 

5.Pour some vegetable oil in a fry pan and fry the chicken drumsticks.

6. Serve your fried rice and top it with the chicken . 

Enjoy!!! 

BY: FIRDAUSI MUSA DANTSOHO