Tambari

A PUBLICATION OFF

SUNDAY, JULY 29, 2018

Extra

Abimbola Adebakin Reaching across Africa through pharmacy Hi there!

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ambari Extra this week brings you the best exciting and informative content to keep you glued to the very end. On the beauty segment, we’re revealing easy and affordable ways for you to pamper your feet within the comfort of your home in preparation for sallah. Also, we’re sharing with you

the facts you need to know about food poisoning and how to prevent nt it on the health segment.

On the cover this week, we have Mrs. Abimbola Adebakin, she is the CEO of Advantage Health Africa and the former Chief Operating Officer of the Tony Elumelu Foundation. The pharmacist shares her story with us inside. Happy Sunday.

– Amina Alhassan

0818 7703733 or Email us at: t: tambari@dailytrust.com

CULINARY

by HAFSAH ABUBAKAR MATAZU

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nails serve as the perfect choice of protein and with a meaty and delectable taste.

This spicy delicacy paired with plantain will please your taste buds and give you the balance that you need in a dish. Here’s how to make it and enjoy.

Ingredients • 20 bite sized snails (cleaned and washed with alum) • 4 plantains (not overripe) • ¼ cup of oil • 1 seasoning cube • 1 teaspoon of thyme • 1 teaspoon of curry powder • 1 tomato • 3 chili peppers • 1 onion • 2 green peppers • Salt to taste

Peppered snail served with plantain Directions In a pot, put the clean snails with a cup of water and salt and steam for 10 to 15 minutes. Drain the snails and set aside.

In a frying pan, heat oil and fry half of the onion, tomato and chili peppers for two to three minutes.

Add the seasoning cube, thyme and curry powder.

Add the snails to the pan and stir until well coated. Close the pan and allow to cook thoroughly for about five minutes until tender.

For the plantain, simply wash it and cut it with the skin on. Place in a pot with water and boil with salt for 10 to 15 mins until tender. Serve the plantain alongside your peppered snail and garnish with green peppers. Enjoy!

Tamarind and ginger drink

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n order to satisfy everyone, this tamarind and ginger drink is perfect to quench thirst and serve as a tangy treat.

Ingredients • 1 block of tamarind pulp • ½ cup of ginger • 1 cup of sugar • 1 litre of sparkling water Directions Boil four cups of water in a pot and add the tamarind.

Reduce the heat and simmer

for about 15 minutes, then sieve the mixture over a large bowl to strain the tamarind pulp; then discard.

In another small pot, add the ginger and sugar with a cup of water and boil. Simmer until the ginger is soft and fragrant. Discard of the ginger and allow the syrup to cool completely.

Mix the tamarind juice and ginger syrup and add the sparkling water. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve or serve immediately with ice cubes.

We would like to correct a mistake made in last week’s edition of Tambari Extra. Mrs. Funmi ParaMallam is a Research Professor and Directing staff at NIPSS, not the Director of Research.

Thank you.

LU X U RY L I V I N G

Must-have unisex bathroom items

by HAFSAH ABUBAKAR MATAZU

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he bathroom is a space that we use every day and even though it is often ignored, nothing beats a well-stocked bathroom. We have rounded up a few accessories and essentials that every modern male and female bathroom should have.

Good lighting: This is vital for shaving or applying make-up. We all will agree that there is nothing worse than not having good lighting.

Vanity mirrors: A bathroom is no longer complete without a vanity mirror. Its uses are limitless and it is a statement maker. Once you get one, you won’t be able to do without it.

Luxurious bathrobe: These can serve as great addition to your bathroom. Bathrobes have several advantages, but perhaps the most important thing is keeping you warm after a shower. You’re bound to feel luxurious in it.

Shower curtain: Shower curtains aren’t what they used to be. With so many different varieties and textures to choose from, there’s one that will sync perfectly with your bathroom.

Side table and stool: Bathrooms have come a long way in such a short span in terms of functionality.

Not only will this step-up the look of your bathroom up a notch, you can use it to keep the latest magazine within reach as you take a nice long bath after a hectic day.

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ABIMBOLA ADEBAKIN // CO V E R

‘Reaching across Africa through pharmacy’ Interview by HAFSAH ABUBAKAR MATAZU

Abimbola Adebakin, nee Abass, is from both Ogun and Ondo states, but grew up in Lagos. She is happily married to Oluwajimi Adebakin and they are blessed with a 10-year-old son, Ifeoluwa.

Mrs. Adebakin is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Advantage Health Africa (AHA), a performance improvement company operating in the health sector across the continent, and a former Chief Operations Officer (COO) of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF). She shares her story with Tambari.

Educational background I studied primarily in Lagos State. My nursery and primary were at Tenderfoot Day Nursery and Sunnyfields Primary School, owned and run by a super committed educator, Mrs. Solaru. Then I was groomed at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Sagamu; what a boarding school experience! You grow up very fast in boarding, where you need to self-regulate. Glad I had that experience.

I then went to study Pharmacy at the University of Lagos (Unilag). Life at the tertiary level is so notable; it is such a “big small” world - you come in contact with the rich diversity of humans.

While at the university, I did holiday jobs with a notable community pharmacy, Tabade Pharmacy, and this gave me a good grounding. I also worked as an intern in the Testing Laboratory of Tabade, where we verified all batches of our imported products. It was also a good experience in Quality Assurance.

Career background I worked in Makurdi as a corper and wanted to stay back with the air force; I loved it there, but that quickly changed when I got back to Lagos. I then found work as a marketing executive in a pharmaceutical distribution company that was closely tied to community pharmacy. Then I felt the itch to learn more. So I started an MBA at Unilag and that opened my eyes to organisational behaviour. I loved it and aced my courses, but didn’t complete my project until many years later (story for another day). Then I was told about Accenture, I applied and got accepted. Working there changed my life and I had an itch; to take some of the learning there back to my sector, pharmacy. I conceived the idea to start a chain of 50 pharmacies across underserved communities. I got to the third one and gave up. The lessons stayed with me though, and I kept thinking that a successful pharmacy needs to be run within a healthy ecosystem.

I went back to management consulting with the thought of doing it for a short period to beef up my resources for my dream. Alas! I worked with FITC for the longest period at any one place, eight years, and then was invited to drive the operations of the largest entrepreneurship development programme in Africa, where I worked as the COO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF).

Now, I drive Advantage Health Africa (AHA), which is focused on adding value to operators in the healthcare space across Africa to promote access, affordability and quality healthcare to our populace.

At FITC, I led many projects for the public sector clients and became a better professional in the area of corporate governance and performance improvement. One big win for me was that I started and obtained my certification as a performance improvement professional.

CELEBRATING BOTH SALAH AND CHRISTMAS (SINCE MY DAD IS MUSLIM AND MY MUM IS CHRISTIAN) AND TAKING THE RAMS OUT FOR STREET FIGHTS Working at TEF was career-defining; it was glaring that operationalising ideas is a different kettle of fish from concept development. It helped me grow my operations muscles to a great extent and I gained an invaluable view of Africa.

Challenges faced in the course of my career, especially as a woman To be frank, I have not faced genderspecific challenges, or maybe I am so naïve, I did not “see” them as gender-

motivated. I am a simple person. Work is first, people second.

The challenge is to keep evolving, learning fast and furiously, and making sure you remain relevant.

Passion behind AHA I first started Advantage Health (AH) in 2010; where I conceived the idea of group purchasing as a way to address issues in the supply chain of medicines. I made some progress with getting buy-in of a number of progressive pharmacies, but didn’t quite pursue it to a logical conclusion. Findings from the primary research I did, however, stayed with me and didn’t let go. So, when I came back to the industry in January 2017, I kind of picked it up again, this time as Advantage Health Africa (AHA). My eyes had opened to the potential of reproducing this aggregation model across much of Africa.

So, we are performance improvement consultants focused on developing the health sector in a sustainable manner.

It’s great to get support from development agencies and government. However, there are certain fundamentals I understand in driving industry-wide growth.

One aspect of the story, however, is the people at AHA – staff, associates and our advisory board. I am tremendously blessed by the diverse talents who walked in to work with me on this journey. They are just awesome; selfless and determined to make this work.

So, if you ask, how is all this happening?

I cannot take the credit. I must recognise the priceless gifts that God brought to me in form of the AHA team. They know they are key to the modest successes we have so far recorded, and it’s my heart’s desire they live long to enjoy the reward of their contribution to AHA’s success.

Has AHA been able to meet the benchmark you set for it?

Oh yes, even though we are still at the infancy stage. We started AHA to build performance improvement into the practice of healthcare. I am able to connect the lines between provider wellness and people wellness. I can’t fathom how a healthcare provider can struggle with basic business challenges and serve the populace well. It is important to us at AHA that those who provide pharmaceutical care, medical care, diagnostic care, etc. are themselves thriving.

It’s a long journey of course, but we are working in a systematic fashion.

We recently emerged on the Top 50 African Innovations and this has boosted our resolve significantly. Other parties are keen to work with us to scale this further within and outside Nigeria.

We also now work with the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) to drive the Pharmacists Leadership Stimulant Programme (The PLSP) which combines employability, entrepreneurship, mentoring and peer learning in a unique way.

So, yes, AHA is ticking the right boxes for us and we see so much ahead of us. We collaborate as much as possible in achieving our goals.

Growing up It was a mixed childhood. I had many fun times with family and friends. I was cherished by my parents and siblings; spoilt somehow, but in a good way. But I guess, like many people, I also recall some periods of conflict and inner feelings of inadequacy. I can’t remember having my own inner circle of friends, it’s odd. But I almost always existed in different circles for different reasons.

Life lessons Impact and value addition; if these are your drivers, then you will keep looking for the best way to do things, find how to include people and processes to build sustainability and not a flash in the pan. I think impact drives me to seek solutions and systems over self-aggrandisement. I wish to build what will outlive me; whether in an organisation or in an industry.

Most rewarding part of my career Making impact in businesses and getting some feedback that simple methods or solutions that I introduce help someone to do better in business. Also, when I see I can make someone more confident in himself/ herself; that to me is worth all the work.

Aspirations growing up I always wanted to build a multifaceted business – manufacturing topped the list. I imagined manufacturing all sorts – food, soap, shoes, machines, plastic, etc. I imagined large bays with round-the-clock production, and exporting my products, etc. So, I guess it is work in progress. I have commenced my first manufacturing venture with two partners.

Fond childhood memories Funny enough, I recall different snippets of my childhood; some funny, some just plain, nostalgic and some sad. I recall my dog dying and my mum coming back early from work to break the news to me. I recall

TAMBARI SUNDAY, JULY 29, 2018

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ABIMBOLA ADEBAKIN // CO V E R my favourite ice cream; that I still taste at odd times.

Travelling for different summer holidays, struggling for a piece of chicken with my brother, celebrating both Salah and Christmas (since my dad is Muslim and my mum is Christian) and taking the rams out for street fights; it was a simple life, growing up in Surulere, Lagos.

Joys of motherhood I am a very grateful mum of a son, Ifeoluwa. I was already getting my mind around to adopting children, if push came to shove, since I didn’t seem to meet a man to marry; and I kept hearing about the biological clock going. So, when mine happened, it was a miracle and I am glad to be given this stewardship role. The boy is very mature and intriguing; seems to have been prepared by God himself.

Most cherished gift and from who?

That would be my son, Ifeoluwa. He is indeed a gift from God. How I met my husband We met at my brother’s bar/restaurant, during an Independence Day celebration and somehow we mingled and have stayed together since then.

Top five things on my wish list Making impact that saves lives and makes accessing healthcare easier for people across Africa.

A strong workforce that imbibes and demonstrates great work ethics and camaraderie.

A well-travelled life; me and my family love to travel.

To have loads of funds (mine and access to those of my friends) to sponsor sports, the arts, education and other life-changing causes.

Build a number of midway homes as shelter for those having challenges with shelter.

Favourite music on replay I am a rhythm and blues person; particularly oldies. But I can be eclectic, so, don’t be surprised to hear me humming rock, country, jazz or afrobeat. I just love music.

First app I check in the morning/bedtime WhatsApp for sure; can’t fathom what we did and how we worked prior to this messaging tool.

Favourite fashion item(s) Shoes, shoes and more shoes!

Flats or heels?

Heels definitely; but I have few due to my shoe size, so, I do a lot of flats ironically.

What I wouldn’t be caught wearing Bikini Best travel destination Rome and Athens have been two of my favourite places. The first I visited a couple of times when I was a child is Rome, and I like the feel of the modern sitting by the ancient. I liked their language and somehow enjoyed their weather. Athens, I visited as an adult and I loved it despite the downturn in their economy around the time I visited. Their food was a major plus, and the weather too; just fabulous. In my dreams, I would love a tour of European cities and suburbs.

How I relax Watching a movie at the cinema tends to relax me; my husband comes along sometimes when he is free, but I am good going alone. Reading also helps.

Favourite quote “Problems are usually opportunities in disguise.”

Favourite kind of food I am adventurous with food. I like Mediterranean meals, savoury meals and because I am thrilled by fine dining, I am open to different palettes; just as an excuse to eat out.

Definition of style Simple and practical; like when I cut my hair; it makes functional sense and not for fashion. But sometimes, I feel a whim for change and can dye my hair any colour for the fun of it; it’s red right now. So I can add a bit quirky to the

I CAN BE ECLECTIC, SO, DON’T BE SURPRISED TO HEAR ME HUMMING ROCK, COUNTRY, JAZZ OR AFROBEAT. I JUST LOVE MUSIC definition.

Favourite fashion designer That will be BPS (BukolaPelumiSadiku) – she’s great with my body shape and size and my impatience with the frivolous.

Favourite perfume, designer bag and shoes I am designer agnostic. I simply like real leather shoes and bags and can be eclectic with my perfumes, have a bottle or two at any given time.

Mum’s advice that has stuck with me “Remember whose child you are” (actually, she said it to my brother when he was going off to university; I caught it and owned it myself).

Favourite sport, colour, car and weather I like anything athletics – the motion and form of sprints, long and high jumps, throwing, etc. I am a functional person – so, while I like luxury cars, I tend to see the practical nature of a car first before other factors.

I am good with the kind of mild weather in Greece (when I once visited in September/ October). Oddly, I also love the rain (the smell, sound of water, the refreshing feeling after a lovely rain).

Favourite day of the week I don’t know why Wednesdays make me happy; maybe something about being halfway through the week.

Beauty routine Yet to have one that I can share.

Role model(s) My mum, Olori Olufunke Abass, for her astuteness and practical approach to life. My dad, Oba Haruna Olaoye Abass (Bejeroku of OkeAgbo) – he is generous to a fault, keeps giving you chances upon chances. My former boss at FITC, Dr. Lucy Surhyel Newman, - she is a reallife lioness and role model to me any day.

Looking back, what I would tell a younger me “Be less sensitive to people’s opinion of you.” I should have learnt that earlier in life, I eventually did and keep learning it.

Advice to women Aim for any height you can see. So long as it occurs to you, then it’s possible.

Aim – read about it, talk about it, test it, “see” it further with examples from other places or industries – just go for it.

My maternal greatgrandmother is famous (in my eyes) for asking the rhetorical question, “Do you need the male sex organ to drive a car?” It was put in a more crude manner, but in essence, your faculties are complete, so, don’t hold back.

In an era when only men can drive, she was one of the earliest riders of a motorcar in Ondo Town.

And I think I bear her innovative genes.

SOCIETY NEWS Compiled by HAFSAH ABUBAKAR MATAZU

Alaafin of Oyo gives out daughter in marriage

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rincess Rukayat Adeteju Adeyemi, one of the daughters of His Majesty, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III Iku Babaye, got married in an elaborate wedding ceremony in Oyo to her fiancé, Hakeem Adesina Folarin.

The wedding was well attended by guests from far and wide.

The Aganju Royal Forecourt in the Alaafin palace hosted the event with all five wives of the ruler present as well.

After the opening prayer by Alhaji Dauda Igiogun, the couple were pronounced married to the joy of all those present.

Congratulations to the princess and her new husband!

Jimmy Fallon hosts 24 year old Nigerian Author

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Children of Blood and Bone’ is arguably one of the most talked about books right now. Since the novel’s release, it has gained a lot of recognition and rave reviews for its arc, creativity and storyline.

Therefore, it was of little surprise when the author of the book, Nigerian-American Tomi Adeyemi was invited to the show which aired on Wednesday and was endorsed by Fallon as one of the five books to read this summer.

The book tells the story of Zelie Adebola, who tries to bring back magic to their world to fight the suppression and brutality exercised on their homeland alongside her brother Tzain and the princess Amari and was inspired by Yoruba mythology.

Jimmy Fallon helped further promote the reading culture amongst Americans and chose a book deeply steeped in Nigerian culture with a young Nigerian as the face of the cause.

Nnedi and Chimamanda bag nominations for Nobel Prize for Literature

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wo Nigerians, afro-futuristic writer, Nnedi Okorafor and author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie have been shortlisted for the alternative Nobel Prize for Literature.

This celebrated feat is a big deal because Nigerians are often snubbed by the Swedish Academy with the last and only winner of the prize being Wole Soyinka.

The winner will be announced in October with a grand event taking pace in December of this year. Nigerians continue to soar and bigger and greater heights internationally making the country proud.

TAMBARI SUNDAY, JULY 29, 2018 JULY 7, 2015 TAMBARI

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TRENDS STYLE FASHION

B E AU T Y

Affordable and easy ways to pamper your feet

by HAFSAH ABUBAKAR MATAZU

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our feet often suffer a lot of neglect due to the fact that they’re usually hidden in shoes. But once those shoes come off, you should be confident with the appearance of your feet.

With Sallah fast approaching, it is only right you begin pampering your feet in good time so as to ensure you can show off your well-groomed feet in those peep toes and sandals.

Keep your toenails short and filed: First thing people

tend to notice are your toenails. Giving them a nice and proper trim with a pair of small scissors or a nail cutter will do the work for you. Afterwards, follow by filing your nails to a nice shape and voila.

Scrub and moisturise: Using a pumice stone, you can easily scrub off the hard, dry skin on your heels. Once your feet are wet, apply a generous amount of exfoliator and get busy with your stone. It will leave you with baby smooth feet and lasts quite a while as well.

Give your feet a massage: Massaging your feet gives you the chance to relax and increase blood flow. Use your thumbs to rub your heels in circular motions and use your entire hand to squeeze away the tension in your feet. The effect is instantaneous.

Dry your feet after a bath: The dampness in-between toes can lead to fungal infection. Therefore, it is essential you dry your feet with a clean towel after bathing, most especially in between your toes.

With additional information from the internet

DID YOU KNOW... THAT THE SOLE OF YOUR FEET DON’T HAVE SWEAT GLANDS, WHICH MAKES IT MORE PRONE TO BECOMING DRY?

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

Food poisoning and how to prevent it F

by HAFSAH ABUBAKAR MATAZU

ood poisoning is a disease that occurs as a result of a person eating or drinking fluids contaminated with certain bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemicals (toxins). Common signs of food poisoning are vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal pain.

Dr. Aysha Adama of Nisa Hospital, Abuja reveals that your reaction to the bacteria depends on which organ system the poison affects. Example, the neurological system may be altered by neurotoxins like pesticides and botulinum toxin. The length of the majority of food poisoning usually ranges from a few hours after exposure to contaminated food or fluid to several days. Your treatment solely depends on what gave you food poisoning and how sick you are.

Although we cannot completely prevent food poisoning, we can reduce the risk by washing hands always before cooking or cleaning. By not drinking water from streams or wells that are not treated.

Only drink water that has

TAMBARI SUNDAY, JULY 29, 2018

been treated or chlorinated. Avoid “use-by” (expiry dates) even if food looks and smells okay.

You can cut your risk of food-borne illnesses dramatically simply by eating less meals in the restaurant, but if you have to, you should check for signs that guarantee a clean restaurant; like the ambience. Also, observe the employees. There is nothing like being overly-cautious when it comes to your health.

With additional information from the internet

Dr. Nathaniel Adewole,

MOBILE: 0803 8039182 EMAIL: nadewole2013@gmail.com PROLONGED MENSES My period is supposed to be from 12th of this month and to last for some days but discovered it is still on presently. Please advise me on what to do?

I have to change the pad up to three times a day.

Ayomide, Kaduna By now it has been flowing for about thirteen days which can be regarded as menorrhagia. At this stage you have to see a Gynaecologist for proper examination and investigation. Progesterone tablets will help in regulating the bleeding. In most cases it is just an isolated hormonal imbalance which may resolve spontaneously . Pregnancy test should be done to rule out pregnancy related events. Pelvic scan to rule out incomplete miscarriage or symptomatic fibroids.

PROBLEM WITH STAPHYLOCOCClUS Dear Dr, I have a problem of staphylococcus. I have treated it several times and anytime I go for test It will still show staphylococcus. Also I noticed that whenever I have intercourse with my spouse I cannot go up to many rounds.

Please do advice me what steps to take? Abdulkareem, Bauchi Well we have discussed it several times that diagnosis of staphylococcus has been over diagnosed, over treated, its impact over exaggerated. Staphylococcus infection has been bastardized not only by alternative medicine group but also surprisingly by uniformed orthodox practitioner.

You need to see an Urologist for examination and investigations to know the problem.

Part of the investigations to be done include urine microscopy, culture and sensitivity, screening for diabetes among others.

In the case of not going many round psychotherapy will be of great benefit.

SCTATCHES ON MY BODY Doctor, my body itches especially the leg and thigh and sometimes I feel a sensation in my private part. Have done urine culture test but sees nothing . What type of examination should I go for to know what is my problem. Chuks You did not state how long and if there are associated rashes. It may be an allergic reaction. You need to see a dermatologist MARRIED FOR EIGHT AND HALF MONTHS We have been married for eight and half years yet no pregnancy, What do we do to for her to get pregnant? We are worried and lots of pressure from family. James, Kubwa Abuja It is too early to start worrying. You just married for eight months. Try and meet regularly with your wife.

The advise is for you to meet for about three to four days a week. We do not investigate couples until one year of marriage .

But If your wife is up to thirty five years old then you can go and see a Gynaecologist now otherwise wait until one year of trial.

I wish all family members will stop putting undue pressure on newlyweds. Undue pressure leads to anxiety which further reduces the chance of spontaneous conception.