Tambari by Daily Trust Tambari

A PUBLICATION OFF

SUNDAY, JANUARY 14th, 2018

a r t x E

Inna Maryam Ciroma A zeal for gender parity

Hi there!

In this week’s edition, we’re sharing how you can prevent hair breakage this harmattan season on the beauty page. Everyone dreams this season when it comes to their hair. All the natural remedies you ought to know about depression is lined up on the healthy page.

Our cover personality this week is Hajiya Inna Maryam Ciroma, a well accomplished woman who has held many positions in the course of her career. She shares a lot in her very insightful interview. Read all she had to say inside. Have a great week ahead. – Amina Alhassan Call: 0818 7703733 or Email us at: tambari@dailytrust.com

CULINARY

Stir fry chicken spaghetti by HAFSAH ABUBAKAR MATAZU

re you on a diet and looking for that simple, fast, yet healthy meal? Look no further as Stir fry chicken spaghetti is the meal to go. Stir fry chicken spaghetti is the perfect blend of carbs, lean protein and veggies. It is perfect for those trying to watch their diet and still enjoy a delicious meal. It is simple and cost friendly. It’s a meal everyone will enjoy without having to slave away in the kitchen. Ingredients 2 chicken breasts, cut in strips 1 teaspoon of black pepper 4 teaspoons of soy sauce 3 tablespoons of oil 1 medium onion, chopped 1 teaspoon of minced garlic 1 teaspoon of ginger, crushed 2 teaspoons of scotch bonnet pepper 1/2 cups of carrot, diced 1/2 packet of spaghetti, cooked 2 spring onions, chopped Handful of broccoli Seasoning cubes to taste Directions Mix the chicken, black pepper, two teaspoons of soy sauce and two tablespoons of oil in a bowl, then marinate. In a large frying pan, heat the remaining oil and cook the chicken with the onion and garlic. Add the scotch bonnet pepper, carrots, broccoli and remaining soy sauce and then stir in the spaghetti. Add the spring onions right before you turn off the heat. Serve while hot.

With additional information from the internet

LU X U RY L I V I N G

Give your kitchen that tech 2018 look

by HALIMA ABDULRAZAK

Pineapple and tamarind drink Ingredients ½ cup of tamarind pulp ½ cup of pineapple pieces 2 cups of water 2 tablespoons of lemon juice 1 teaspoon of crushed fresh ginger Sugar to taste Directions Combine all the ingredients in a blender and pulse until smooth. Run through a sieve and serve with ice.

he kitchen is not just a place where food is cooked, served and where dirty dishes are washed: it has gone beyond that now. Technology has taken over and new inventions are coming up to aid and assist in the kitchen and make work there less stressful and fun to carry out. Today, the kitchen is the focal point of the home, the place that brings everyone together at the start of the day or after a long day. Now, the kitchen is paraded in all its beauty and warmth at the very centre of the house. Technology has become brainer, easy to use and also has made it interactive while carrying out our chores in the kitchen. Technology and changing social dynamics have contributed greatly to the rise of the modern kitchen: example-latest measuring spoons and cups. The fridge is the most impressive, it features an instant view which shows you at a glance what is inside the fridge without letting the air out and also alerts you when a fruit is getting spoilt when you connect it to your phone. Renovate, refresh and redecorate your kitchen to give it a modern and chick look.

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INNA MAR MARYAM CIROMA

// CO V E R

A zeal for gender parity Interview by HAFSAH ABUBAKAR MATAZU

ajiya Inna Maryam Ciroma is a former Minster of Women Affairs and Social Development, and also a former National Women Leader of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). She is from Borno State and is married to a former CBN Governor, Malam Adamu Ciroma. In this interview, she speaks about her days in the public service, how she used her office to influence and empower women in power.

Cover photos: ABDUL MUSA

Educational background I went to primary school in a village called Miringa in Borno State, from Class 1 to 4, but graduated from a primary school in Biu. I then got admission into Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS) Maiduguri, which is now Government Girls College (GGC), and graduated in 1972. I got admission in Bayero University Kano (BUK), which used to be part of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, for preliminary studies and finished in 1975. I then got admission at ABU in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and got a BSc in Political Science. I graduated in 1978. Career background I started with my NYSC where I worked with the Kaduna State Civil Service Commission. After finishing my service year in 1979, I worked briefly with NTA Kaduna as cadet editor. From there I joined the Federal Civil Service where I worked with the Federal Civil Service Commission in Lagos from 1979 to 1985. In between, I went to ASCON where I did a postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration. I also ventured into business for a while. At a point I was the President of Nigerian Women in Business before going into politics. When I resigned from the civil service as Senior Administrative Officer GL 12, I contested for a senatorial seat in my state in 2002. Although I didn’t get it, I got a lot of experience on what it means for a woman to venture into politics. I was later appointed Minister of Women Affairs by former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, from 2005 to 2007, and then I contested for the position of National Women Leader of the PDP and won and was in that seat for four years. In between, I was also appointed Chairperson of a government parastatal, National Insurance Commission (NIC). After my tenure, I was appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan as Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). How I have used my positions to uplift and empower women When I was appointed Minister of Women

Affairs, the first thing we noticed was the problem of what our job was as a ministry. We had to come up with a policy that would conform with best international practices. Therefore, we had to work with international NGOs, UN Women and a lot of other agencies which helped us develop what we call the National Gender Policy, which is still in use. It was basically for government to ensure that women were adequately carried along in government activities. Before then, when the Ministry of Women Affairs was mentioned, what came to mind was women’s health issues and the girl child. Women were not seen as part of the society in terms of political participation. Even before independence, women played a very crucial role in its attainment. It started by what is called the Aba Women’s Riot

I LOVED THE WIG AND HOW THEY ARGUED IN COURT, BUT ON REALISING THAT AFTER GETTING ADMISSION, MY FATHER WOULD BE THE ONE LECTURING ME AND WHEN I COME HOME, HE WOULD ALSO BE THERE TO HARASS ME, I DECIDED TO CHANGE COURSE. I KNOW I WOULD HAVE MADE A GREAT LAWYER

where women in Aba rioted as a result of increase in taxation which in turn triggered the independence movement. However, since then, up till now, we are not given the chance to participate as we should. We don’t have many women in the Senate, House of Representatives or in political positions at all levels. Therefore, during my tenure, I was able to convince the president to open zonal centres to train women that wanted to participate in politics but didn’t know how to go about it: the centres are still operational. Challenges There were many: one would be the Child’s Right Act when I came on board as minister. It is a UN act that governments are meant to enact and implement. It is supposed to take care of every child, education wise, medical wise and everything else. It was a huge challenge to convince the state governments to pass it into law, which would as well prohibit child trafficking and hawking and then get a grip on the almajiri situation. It would have helped a lot if state governments had implemented the policy. Secondly, discrimination against women: women are made to go through a lot of bad experiences such as circumcision and abuse of the female child. These are things we fought against fiercely. How can women enjoy equal and fair opportunities as men in politics and other leadership positions We can achieve that in several ways. First of all, we must all change our mindset: both men and women. The mentality that women are not meant to be in governance, politics and positions of leadership needs to go. There are even Islamic countries where women have excelled, so what’s our own excuse? We should take a look at how the rest of the world is changing in terms of female participation in politics without bias. Women should not be zoned out. 35 per cent inclusion should be signed into law for each party. If it is not followed, go to court and fight for it as it’s your right. The country belongs to us all and we are all part of it. Present endeavours I’m into business now, including a hotel. I like keeping busy. I’m a person who dislikes being idle. My children are grown, and even though my husband is aged, I divide time between taking care of him and doing my business. As long as I am still alive and have no challenges, and since all human beings are political animals, I can’t say I don’t have any ambition. At the moment I’m observing the political climate. I recently contested for the position of deputy national chairman of my party, and although I didn’t get it, it has not deterred me. Life lessons Life has taught me that you should always be

TAMBARI SUNDAY, JANUARY 14TH, 2018

INNA MARYAM CIROMA // CO V E R upright, honest, fair, do things right and don’t do things for your own sake but for the sake of your community. My husband always tells me what you don’t want exposed, don’t do it behind closed doors because one day it will come out when you least expect, and also not to expect any reward or praise from anybody. You may make unpopular decisions but if you know what you’re doing is right, then go ahead and do it. Most rewarding part of my career I enjoy public service: it brings the best out of me. I love seeing the job getting done and doing all that I say I will do. Growing up I was a happy kid. I was brought up by my grandmother who was so loving, a disciplinarian and a really social woman in the community, so we learnt a lot from her, but of course, most parents don’t approve growing up with grandparents because of how you are spoilt, so my father took me away I was about to start secondary school and relocated me to Zaria where he was a lecturer in ABU. It was overall a very pleasant childhood. Fond childhood memories I miss being a young girl in the university where you go and enjoy yourself without any inhibition. Aspirations growing up I wanted to be lawyer because my father was lecturing in the Faculty of Law and I loved the wig and how they argued in court, but on realising that after getting admission, my father would be the one lecturing me and when I come home, he would also be there to harass me, I decided to change course. I know I would have made a great lawyer. Also, after I graduated, I wanted to be in the foreign service and become an ambassador, travelling all over the place, but that didn’t happen because I got married, and in those days, if you’re married, it becomes difficult for the government to post you out. Joys of motherhood I have two fantastic daughters who are good, hardworking and well behaved. One of them is working here and the other is a medical doctor. She studied in the UK, did her NYSC and is married to a diplomat, so they’ve been posted to New York. I have grandchildren too. They turned out exactly how I wanted them to and I am so proud. How I met my husband I met him 40 years ago. This January we’ll be celebrating our 41st anniversary. He came to my village, Biu, to see an old friend and colleague. That’s how we met. Most cherished attribute of his If I were to marry in the next world, I would marry him again. He is so simple, loving, caring and supportive. He has no problems with anyone and that is why he has succeeded in his public service in Nigeria. I can say without doubt that when they are counting those who have contributed to Nigeria, his name always pops up and I am so proud of him. He has taught us a lot of things that one needs to do in life. Even though he is aged, people still come to him for advice. Top things on my wish list

To die a Muslim and go to paradise: that’s it. God has done so much for me so there’s nothing more I can ask for. Favourite music always on replay The old 70’s and 80’s music: I have them on my phone and I play them all the time. I’m an old school person. First app I check in the morning and at bedtime My emails: to see if I have anything important, then my WhatsApp to check chats. Favourite fashion items I’m old fashioned, but I love custom jewelries a lot because they go with our traditional attires. Flats or heels I prefer flats. Most expensive fashion accessory My Louis Vuitton bags: I love them. What I wouldn’t be caught wearing Anything indecent. Favourite travel destination I love going to Saudi Arabia for its spirituality. Once you leave there you feel like a newborn. I also like going to Dubai because they have a lot of tourist destinations. How I relax I watch TV a lot. I like Hausa channels and sometimes Zee World. Favourite quote “What you cannot defend in public, don’t do it privately.” Favourite food Amala and ewedu soup. Definition of style Anything simple and comfortable. Favourite designer Louis Vuitton. Favourite perfume, bag and shoes I have so many. There’s Paloma Picasso and Red Door by Elizabeth Arden. I love my LV bags as I mentioned and I’m not really particular about shoes: anything comfortable. Mum’s advice that has stuck with me over the years My mum always insists on visiting relatives and friends and not to end the relationship bond. Favourite colour, car, sport and weather Purple. I love any car. I do a lot of walking: I can do up to 10 kilometres a day when I’m abroad, and for weather, I enjoy it cool. Favourite day of the week Weekends: because I can sleep and I don’t have to go anywhere. Role model(s) My grandmother, Habibatu Inti: my hotel is named after her. Looking back, what I would tell a younger me Not to lose hope, not to despair and work hard. “Be focused and if you have an ambition, don’t be discouraged, keep working on it. If you don’t get it today you’ll get it tomorrow, so never give up.”

SOCIETY NEWS Compiled by HALIMA ABDULRAZAK

Funke Akindele to star in Hollywood movie Avengers: Infinity War

ollywood actress, Funke Akindele popularly known as Jenifa in Jenifa’s Diary was listed to play as a member of the Black Panther’s guards, T’Challa. Dora Milaje are superior women recruited from every tribe of the fictional Wakanda who serve as the personal bodyguards of the Black Panther. Funke Akindele will feature alongside Hollywood A-List actors, Don Cheadle, Chris Pratt, Johansson and many others. It will be the first time a Nigerian born actor will appear in a Hollywood superhero movie. The Avengers: Infinity War was directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, has been set for May 4, 2018 for release.

Lizzy Anjorin recounts her journey to Islam Nollywood actress, Lizzy Anjorin has recounted her journey to converting to Islam on her Instagram page. She made four posts in which she recounted the events of how it happened starting with how she had lost her mother and how three churches refused to bury her due to the fact she wasn’t a member of any of the churches. Anjorin also shared how she has never regretted and is proud of being identified as a Muslim. Here is what she had to say on her Instagram handle. “I remember the day Mama fell down on her way to your Church. I don’t know how she sneaked into the church because she had stroke.” I was very mad. Someone took me to 3 Churches that night. They all said she can’t be buried in their cemetery because she is not a member of their church. We approached one God sent Pastor. He said, okay, he will help out but the coffin seller tripled his money. He brought the coffin around 2am. Mama was buried around 5am in the morning. But it was an Alfa that did the prayer for my mum. I got a call from someone that told me this shocking story. He said, madam, all these pastors were called to buy land to use as a cemetery, they all refused. Some of the big churches you see around here don’t have a suitable and good environment to bury their members and the few ones that have cemetery have vowed not to allow anybody except their church members. He told me many top secrets and I was shocked. My thought was how can we treat ourselves in such a cruel way. Then a guy said if Mama were to be a Muslim, they would have buried her before I arrive. It was that day I realisedthat if you have money with no good savings or lands, you are a joker. Where you are buried, is where you will rest forever. The so-called Muslims were all over me and they stood by me. The 8-day prayer was done by Muslims. Right there,one of the Alfa called me and said to me I heard you are the only child of Mama. Make sure you go to Hajj, talk to God and pray for your mother. Big thanks to Alhaji Dapo and Alhaji Ayegbami that arranged for my 1st trip to Hajj and Alfa Aremon that taught me some Arabic which I use to pray in Hajj and behold to God be the glory am a living witness. She also added that,” I never regret going to Hajj or being identified with Islam but I love my Christian brothers/sisters. Because, they opened their doors for me many times when the hustle was real even till tomorrow. Thanks to everybody that has helped me to be strong. We will all live long in good health to

TAMBARI SUNDAY, JANUARY 14TH, 2018 JULY 7, 2015 TAMBARI

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B E AU T Y

TRENDS STYLE FASHION

Preventing hair breakage this harmattan season By HALIMA ABDULRAZAK

ith harmattan comes dryness, cracking and problematic skin and hair. However, the most saddening is probably the breakage and shedding of hair. Thankfully, if you know how to get a grip of it, you won’t have to deal with it. Here are some pretty simple measures to prevent hair breakage. Drink more water: Inner health shows on the outside. Drink as much water as you can to keep your hair hydrated even if you can’t wash it as frequently as you may wish. It will go a long way. Moisturise and seal your hair: Because of the dry weather, your hair will become brittle and therefore break off more easily. Because of this, retaining moisture is important: once daily, if possible. Using spray bottles and oils such as shea butter as sealant should do it. Don’t play with your hair too much: Doing tiny braids or alternating styles often doesn’t do favours to your hair. Simpler hairstyles like normal braids, twits and weaves are better to prevent serious shedding.

Low sperm count

My husband’s sperm count is 18.3millon/ml, motility is 50 per cent, while the morphology is said to be normal. My confusion is that the first hospital said the result was normal while the second hospital said the result was low. He was given three types of drugs. Who do I believe? – Chinenye, Abuja When analysing seminal fluid, there are three major parametres: count, motility and morphology. The lowest limit normal sperm count used to be 20million/ml. However, based on new scientific evidences, the normal sperm count is now from 15million/ml. Of course motility of 50 per cent is normal. In this case it is not too necessary to take medication. By current standards, your husband has a normal sperm count. Provided all other things like tubal potency are established, you can go for ovulation induction.

Pregnant at 46

Protective styles: Style your hair in ways that it can retain moisture and prevent it from drying out which causes breakage. Box braids, bantu knots and faux locks are all good options. Wearing a turban or head wrap also helps. Deep condition: Do this twice weekly if possible.

Intensive condition treatments can add lustre and bounce to dry and brittle hair and make it more prone to combing and easier to manage. Remember that healthy hair equals longer hair. With additional information from the internet

DO YOU KNOW... THAT EATING FOOD RICH IN PROTEIN CAN STRENGTHEN YOUR HAIR?

H E A LT H Y L I V I N G

Natural tips for depression by HALIMA ABDULRAZAK

epression is not something you plan, neither is it fun, it happens when we are stressed from work, unresolved emotional problems, hormonal imbalance or food allergies. Depression interferes with our daily life and it makes it difficult to get along with family or loved ones. When we feel depressed, it is advisable to plan out things that make us happy, like watching movies, hanging out with friends, attending outdoor events and carrying out some house chores we enjoy doing. Depression can make you knack and lose interest in life. Dr. Haruna Kaura of Sabon Wuse Hospital, Bwari said aside taking prescriptive drugs to help fight depression, there are some natural tips/ideas if stuck to that will help

Dr. Nathaniel Adewole, MOBILE: 0803 8039182 EMAIL: nadewole2013@gmail.com

manage depression. Here are a few Take on responsibilities: When you’re depressed you may want to pull back from life and give up your responsibilities at home and at work: don’t. Staying involved and having daily responsibilities can help you maintain a lifestyle that can help counter depression. They ground you and give you a sense of

TAMBARI SUNDAY SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 7, 2018

accomplishment. Challenge negative thoughts: In your fight against depression, a lot of the work is mental: changing how you think. When you’re depressed, you leap to the worst possible conclusions. The next time you’re feeling terrible about yourself, use logic as a natural remedy. You might feel like no one likes you, you might feel like the most worthless person on the planet, but is that really likely true? Please know that you can beat back those negative thoughts before they get out of control. Do something new: When you’re depressed, you’re in a rut. Push yourself to do something different. Go to a museum. Pick up a used book and read it on a park bench. Volunteer for community work. Take a language class. When we challenge ourselves to do something different, there are chemical changes in the brain. Therefore, change your daily routine and add a spice to it, think of a business idea and try it out with friends. With additional information from the internet

I am 46 years old with five children. I just discovered that I am five weeks pregnant. From what I have been reading, pregnancy at this age is associated accompanied by complications. Should I keep the pregnancy or terminate it. My doctor has refused to terminate it – Hauwa, Lokoja You have delivered five times: that makes you a multiparous woman at an elderly age. The risks include hypertension and diabetes. Also, during labour the risk of postpartum haemorrhage is high. Register for antenatal for regular checkup to rule out complications. The delivery should also be supervised, preferably by an obstetrician. Majority of patients will not have complications. Remember there are women who get pregnant after 50 years through assisted conception therapy: though they are usually delivered by caesarean section. Your doctor does not have any justifiable reason medically for terminating the pregnancy. In fact, by the law of the land, he will be criminally liable. After this delivery, ensure you do family planning please.

Funny sensations at 55

I am 55 years old and have been experiencing funny sensations all over my body. My sexual appetite has reduced. I went to a chemist and hospitals and there is no relief – Hafsatu, Kano It is most likely hot flushes, which is one of the commonest symptoms of menopause. At 53, most likely, you are having menopausal symptoms. The reduced libido can be accounted for by dry vagina and reduced level of oestrogen. Most times reassurance is key to management, but where it is unbearable, hormonal replacement therapy is the option.

Continuous discharge after vaginal stitch

I had cervical cerclage two months ago and since then have been discharging – Mariam, Abuja After cervical cerclage, there th is usually increased vaginal discharge. It does v not n necessarily connote iinfection. Depending oon the quantity of the discharge, if the discharge d iis minimal, conservative management will suffice. If it is much; especially with associated itching, local antifungal treatment may be necessary.