Tambari by Daily Trust Tambari

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2017

A PUBLICATION OFF

tra EHixthere!

Maryam Abubakar Koko

This week’s edition promises even more interesting stuff so that you can sit back, read and relax. With harmattan in full swing, dealing with chapped lips is a must and we have all the tips and trick you need to keep up your sleeve to have in managing the situation on the beauty section. For healthy living, we’re sharing the perks of meditating so that you can enjoy a stress free life. On the cover we have Mrs. Maryam Abubakar Kolo, an accomplished academic, activist and Chairperson of the Association of Northern Women Entrepreneurs (ANWE). She gives us an insight on her many positions and her life at home as well. Read all she has to say inside. Have a great week ahead.

Shaping lives with a purpose

– Amina Alhassan

CULINARY

Golden skillet potatoes by HALIMA ABDULRAZAK

olden skillet potato is a delicious meal to eat for breakfast. It is easy to prepare, saves cost and tastes h great. It is a delicacy to enjoy with loved ones. Ingredients • 10 medium Irish potatoes, finely diced • 4 pieces of sausage, diced • 1 large red bell pepper, diced • 1 green bell pepper, diced • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1 seasoning cube • ¼ teaspoon of curry powder • 1/8 teaspoon of thyme • 1 large teaspoon of ground pepper • 4 tablespoons of olive oil • Salt to taste Directions Place diced Irish potatoes in a vegetable steamer and leave to steam for five minutes. Alternatively, you can put potatoes on a flat plate, place in a microwave on high heat and cook for five minutes. Meanwhile, in a skillet, heat up one table spoon of olive oil; add diced sausage and sauté on medium heat for two minutes. Transfer to a flat plate and set aside. Add remaining olive oil to the same skillet and heat on medium

heat. Next, transfer steamed potatoes to the skillet. Ensure that the potatoes do not overlap each other. Do not stir it around at this

time. Leave to cook for five minutes before turning it around with a spoon. Afterwards, add seasoning cube, c curry powder, thyme, pepper and salt t taste. Stir to combine. to Then add onions and garlic, stir to c combine. Leave to cook for another th minutes or until potatoes are three te tender but not too soft as you don’t w to end up with soggy potatoes. want Next, add bell peppers and stir to co combine. Finally, add sausage, stir again to combine and turn off heat im immediately. You can serve this dish with plain om omelette or on its own with a cup of te or fresh juice. tea

With additional information from the internet

Date almond shake

h e combination of almond butter and pitted dates creates a milkshake that is rich and creamy: it is tasty, nutricious and packed with the energy you need to start your day. Try this simple and yet healthy milkshake. Ingredients • 3 tablespoons of

almond butter • 1 cup of low fat plain yoghurt • 4 pitted dates • 1 cup of ice • 1 cup of apple cider or apple juice • A pinch of cinnamon Directions In a jug, pour the almond butter, pitted dates, yoghurt,

cider and ice, blend together till smooth. Pour in a clean glass cup and enjoy your refreshing date almond shake.

Telephone: 08187703733 Email: tambari@dailytrust.com

B E AU T Y

Dealing with chapped lips By HALIMA ABDULRAZAK

he harmattan weather is very harsh and unfriendly which can cause some damage to the skin, especially the lips. Some people don’t take proper care of their lips, and by so doing it can make the lips chapped and flaky. The festive season is around the corner, and it wouldn’t be nice to celebrate Christmas with unattractive lips. It is important to note that before washing off your makeup, you should apply a balm to the lips, and also put on a humidifier at night: it helps to keep your skin and lips nourished and moisturised. When your lips are dry and flaky, don’t pick them with your hands, instead soften them with some Shea butter which is a natural way to smoothen your lips, and give them a subtle shine. Also, drinking more water helps to hydrate your body from the inside and keeps your lips from becoming dry. Use a toothpaste that does not contain synthetic flavours because they can cause allergic reactions, making your lips dry and look pale and unattractive. Applying aloe vera to the lips aids in relieving and healing small cuts that may occur when the lips are chapped or burned from eating too much spicy food. Chapped lips can get infected because bacteria can easily enter through the cracks. Using good balm and ointment keeps your lips protected by reapplying them frequently especially at night and early in the morning. It is better to choose a lip balm with sun screen. Consider wearing a scarf or a mask that covers the mouth when going out during cold weather or staying out long in the sun. This way, you won’t have to worry about chapped lips right until the season ends.

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

Meditation as stress reliever by HAFSAH ABUBAKAR MATAZU

tress and anxiety are usually associated with intense pressure and nervousness that come with our day to day activities. In turn, serious issues such as depression and insomnia can befall you if proper measures aren’t taken. But apart from medication, other natural ways like meditation can help a lot in with dealing with stress related problems. Meditation gives you the medium to sort out your thoughts. It gives you the space to declutter your mind, rid yourself of toxic thoughts and prioritise. This will aid in reducing the elements that contribute to stress for a calmer and rested mind.

Also, training your mind with meditation can aid brain power and mental control which we all need when we are overwhelmed with problems we face in our day to day lives. Being conscious of your mental health is as important as your physical health. Overall, meditating can be your permanent solution for a stress free and happier life. With meditation, your mind can become more focused, clearer, and enable it to handle more demanding situations that you may face in the future. It is definitely one of the most ideal stress management strategies for your peace of mind.

MARYAM ABUBAKAR KOLO //

CO V E R

Shaping lives with a purpose Interview by AMINA ALHASSAN Maryam Abubakar Koko was born to the family of Alhaji Abubakar Garba Koko (OFR) Sarkin Yakin Gwandu and Hajiya Habiba Abubakar Koko on August 15, 1975. She is the 10th out of 18 siblings, the last girl and only daughter to her mum.

Academy of Management Nigeria (AMN). I Educational background am also a student member of the Institute of I attended Koko Salihu Model Primary Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN). School in Koko town and then proceeded to Growing up Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Gusau, from 1989 to 1994. I then went to the Fulfilling and engaging: we were brought up on UsmanuDanfodiyo University Sokoto (UDU) Islamic injunctions. We start the day at 05:00am for a BSc in Management Studies and graduated with the Subh prayer, shower; then go to school. in 1998, then a Masters (MBA) in 2001, and a Nobody used to take us to school. We would trek Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Management to school and trek back after school closed at Studies (Women Entrepreneurship) in 2015. I’m 02:00pm, then proceed to Islamiyya at 02:00pm, a Certified Entrepreneur Educator (2014) and a then at 04:00pm we go back to school for evening Certified HP LIFE UNIDO Trainer (2017). prep. Career After Magrib and Isha, we would play time outside the house with friends which included I took up appointment with the Usmanu rough play, running after each other, and this Danfodiyo University in 2002 as an auditor and was followed with bed time. No video, no TV, no later converted to an academic staff in 2004 as an handsets. assistant lecturer. I held several administrative positions and membership of several committees. How have you been able to achieve I am now the Examination Officer of the all these being a woman; especially Faculty of Management Sciences and a member from the North? of the university’s senate, a Alhmadulillah: it’s God’s senior lecturer, a researcher, WE WERE BROUGHT doing and it all began with my a women activist and a upbringing. We were brought Business Development Service UP IN ADHERENCE up in adherence to Islamic Provider (BDSP) with 13 TO ISLAMIC principles and with the spirit years experience in teaching, of hard work, competition and PRINCIPLES AND research, community service, respect for cultural values. consultancy and business WITH THE SPIRIT Malam, my dad, is a very development services. serious personality with zeal OF HARD WORK, I have several publications for success. I learnt that from to my credit and I have COMPETITION him. Then my mum is the most participated in over 30 tolerant person I have ever AND RESPECT FOR successfully executed projects, come to know in my life. She seminars and workshops both CULTURAL VALUES is not in a hurry at all to get as an individual consultant anything in life and I think that and in affiliation with others. I am currently shaped my life too. one of the accredited consultants to the Bank of To my first husband, my brother, my friend Industry (BOI) as a BDSP covering the North and a partner, Muhammad Idris Koko, may West, Nigeria. his gentle soul rest in peace, he nurtured me, I am also the Chairperson of the Association he made me realise who I am by putting me to of Northern Women Entrepreneurs (ANWE), a tasks I felt were above my capability. He would Fellow of the Association of Business Specialist always say, “Emu, you can do it. Just try.” His and Entrepreneurs (ABSE), a member of the death made me stronger and bold. My present

husband is a professional to the core, an academician and my critic. He is a perfectionist, so he made me to be more confident of myself and achieve my PhD with little stress. My children made me realise I am a mother and a father to them. Some of my friends that supported me keep telling me that I am doing great, and not forgetting my students who have passion for what I do. Without the support of these important people in my life it wouldn’t have been possible. I believe being a Muslim northerner is not a limitation; but rather it’s a source of strength to me: it all revolves around how you conduct yourself. You have an entrepreneurial programme, tell us about it. How did the passion for it start? Right from childhood I started business like kids’ play or rather as a hobby. I began the women entrepreneurship advocacy with my PhD research. My thesis: Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs and Accessibility to Growth Capital in Nigeria: A Study of Selected Women Entrepreneurs in Sokoto State, gave birth to entrepreneurship cluster development initiative, now one of ANWE’s programmes. ANWE is an NGO that focuses on women and youth economic empowerment and advocates participation in business for sustainable business growth. We identify women and youth business clusters, look at their challenges and proffer solutions that will translate to sustainable growth and development. We tailor our trainings to suit the needs of each cluster and develop their products by value addition, innovation and standardisation as we link them to market and finance. We also give mentorship to women and youths on business and leadership skills. This initiative is geared towards developing the innovative skills of individuals/groups within a cluster or community to enhance their business growth and achieve sustainable development goals. How long have you been doing this? I have been in business fully since 1998 as a youth corper. I started Excellence Business Centre and since then I have been nursing the idea of researching into finance because I identified financing as a major hindrance to business growth. The idea of ANWE began in 2015. How do you manage your various careers and your home front? Alhamdulilah, all the credit goes to my mum, Hajiya Habiba. Without her by my side, it wouldn’t have been smooth. Right from my first degree years to the present, I drop my children with her in her house early in the morning and then pick them up after I return in the evening. When travelling, the same thing. All I can say is may the Almighty Allah reward her abundantly.

Cont’d on Page 30 TAMBARI SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2017

TAMBARI SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2017

MARYAM ABUBAKAR KOLO // Challenges Losing my first husband at a young age; leaving me with five little children, when the eldest was just 10 wasn’t easy at all. But with prayers and support of my mum and the rest of the family members I was able to bounce back: it made me stronger. Life lessons Not everyone can be trusted. Before now I trusted easily. Most rewarding part of my career My reputation: as a lecturer I see my students in almost every sector and almost everywhere. They will greet me with passion and sign of gratitude. So I began to wonder what I had done to deserve this kind of reception. Thanks to all of my students that always show me love, care and concern. I love you all. Aspirations growing up To be a teacher as I always played the role of a teacher. Fond childhood memories Gardening with Malam, my dad: we usually did gardening in the back yard in our home town in Koko and we also went to his farm in the evenings. Joys of motherhood As a mother of seven you can imagine what it will look like. You’re never bored, helping hands everywhere and entertaining, and at times you are a mediator. Surrounded with beautiful, loving, caring and motivating children you never have a dull moment with them. Kids that appreciate the little you do to them and show appreciation to a mother’s effort. How I met my husband Through entrepreneurship; I met him when I started marketing poultry feed in early 2009. He was then the Director, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and a poultry farmer. One of the strategies to capture the market was to reach out to major stakeholders in the poultry sector and he happened to be one. I went to market my product anyway. Most cherished attribute of his Honesty: Professor Abdulkadir Usman Junaidu is a very honest gentleman that keeps to truth no matter the situation. He is also caring and loving. Top five things on my wish list • To help humanity so as to gain reward in the hereafter; ANWE is working towards achieving that; helping the weaker ones: women and children. • To become a professor. • To grow my businesses (Excellence Productions Limited, a consultancy firm) and Tasty Treat Fast Food. • To see my children achieve the best things in life that will benefit them here and hereafter. • To make my mum happier. Favourite kind of music on replay A throwback: “Can We Talk For A Minute” by Telvin Campbell. First app I check in the morning/bedtime Muslim Pro. Favourite fashion item(s) Wristwatches and bracelets. Flats or heels Balanced heel (wedges). Most expensive fashion accessory

My wristwatch. Favourite travel destination Dubai: it is a vacation city with lots of places to relax and the liberalisation of their entry and visa system make it a place of choice for me. How I relax By taking my children out to places like pool sides and parks. I sit and watch them play. I equally join them while they watch TV even if it is cartoon; just to make them happy. Favourite quote “Love for yourself what you love for your brother” – Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Favourite food Roasted potato, grilled fish and salad with sprinkle of queen’s spices. My definition of style Simple and elegant that will cover my physique. Favourite fashion designer My daughter’s Kokodot: she designs all my clothes now and accessorise them from abayas, veils to dresses. Favourite perfume, designer bag and shoes Anything good like Creed Royal Oud and for designer bag and shoes, Bruno Giordano. Mum’s advice that stuck with me over the years “Be patient, try to be honest and hold on to the truth.” Favourite colour, car, sport and weather Coffee and cream, Mercedes Benz, badminton and rainy season. Favourite day of the week Friday: I was born on a Friday and it is an Eid to all Muslims: it is a special day. Role models Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and my dad: Late Alhaji Abubakar Koko (OFR) Sarkin Yakin Gwandu. Looking back, what I would tell a younger me “Be bold and more confident.”

WE USUALLY DID GARDENING IN THE BACK YARD IN OUR HOME TOWN IN KOKO AND WE ALSO WENT TO OUR DAD’S FARM IN THE EVENINGS

TAMBARI SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2017

CO V E R S O C I E T Y N E W S compiled by HAFSAH ABUBAKAR MATAZU

Nigerian women make history by appearing on Ellen DeGeneres Show A trio of three Nigerian women, Seun Adigun, Ngozi Onwumere and Akuoma Omeoga also known as The Ice Blazers, caught the attention of American talk show host Ellen DeGeneres which led to her featuring them on her show. The Bobsled team shared their story of being the first African team to compete in the Winter Olympics due to take place in February 2018.

Wizkid to feature on Jeezy’s upcoming album by DORCAS DANIEL As part of its annual Yuletide celebration, the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja organised a Christmas tree lighting ceremony last Monday in its foyer. According to the hotel’s Public Relations Manager, Mr. Shola Adeyemo, the event was in keeping with an agelong festive tradition. The event which marks the beginning of festive activities in the hotel was witnessed by guests and members of the public. In his opening remarks, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, MD/ CEO Transcorp Hotels Plc wished the guests and their families a joyous festive season while advising them to take advantage of the hotel’s bumper festive package offer and experience the hospitality of Transcorp Hilton Abuja. Reverend Father John Oche of Holy Trinity Catholic Church delivered an exhortation on the significance of Christmas. The highlight of the evening was rendition of Christmas carols by the choir of Abuja Metropolitan Music Society (AMEMUSO) and the children of Oakbridge Foundation who treated the cheering audience to a Christmas play, carols and dance. The event climaxed with lighting of the giant Christmas tree by Valentine Ozigbo, MD/CEO Transcorp Hotels Plc, Etienne Gailliez, General Manager, Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Okiama Ohizua, Executive Director Transcorp Hotels Plc and Maria Cecilia Toledo, Founder/Artistic Director, AMEMUSO”

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie to receive 2018 Barnes & Noble Writers for Writers Award Celebrated Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie will be one of the awardees of the 2018 Barnes & Noble Writers for Writers Award. Amongst other honourees are writers Steve Cannon and Richard Russo. The award celebrates authors who have given back to other authors and writers alike.