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Contact: 08187703733 Email: tambari@dailytrust.com
a r t x E Baheejah Mahmood Prioritizing the less privilege
Hi there!
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t’s Christmas eve and the festive spirit is in the air. In this week’s edition, it’s all about celebrating the holidays in grand style. We have tips and tricks to stay radiant all through the holidays, creating a new year’s resolution for a healthier 2018 and something to cook for the family to enjoy. On the cover we have Hajiya Baheeja Mahmoud, a politician and philanthropist. In her interview, she discusses her experience with orphans and vulnerable children, her political career and a lot more. Read all she had to say inside. Merry Christmas and have a splendid new year! – Amina Alhassan
CULINARY
LU X U RY L I V I N G
Pilaf rice with roasted chicken gravy Give your home Xmas by HALIMA ABDULRAZAK
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he Christmas season is already here, therefore, pilaf rice and chicken gravy is a perfect side dish to prepare for the family. This dish requires little effort and has a great taste with loads of nutritional values. Ingredients 3 tablespoons of avocado oil 3 chicken stocks 1/3 cup of chopped carrots 1 celery stalk 2 green onions 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds 2 chicken thighs 2 cups of organic long grain jasmine rice 4 cups of water 2 teaspoons of Himalayan pink salt 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon of chili flakes 2 cardamom pods 1 sprig of fresh rosemary 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder or three garlic cloves 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
1 lemon, zested 1/2 lemon juice 1/2 bunch of parsley 1/2 bunch of cilantro Procedure • Preheat oven to 350oF (175oC) • Melt butter and olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until onion is lightly browned, seven to eight minutes. Remove from heat. • Combine rice and onion mixture in a 9x13-inch casserole dish placed on a baking sheet. Stir thoroughly to coat the rice. • Combine chicken stock, salt, saffron and cayenne pepper in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for five minutes. • Pour chicken stock mixture over rice in the casserole dish and stir to combine. Spread mixture evenly along the bottom of the pan, add all the ingredients and allow cook. Cover tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil. • Bake in the pre-heated oven for 35 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove foil and fluff with a fork to separate the grains of rice. • Grill your chicken gravy and serve with your pilaf rice • Your pilaf rice and chicken gravy is ready to eat and enjoy.
touch with decorative ornaments
by HAFSAH ABUBAKAR MATAZU
W T i l fruit Tropical f i cocktail
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ropical fruits cocktail is a healthy drink to start the morning with. It is thick, creamy and rich in vitamins with a tropical flavour. It is easy to prepare and saves time. Ingredients Pineapple, diced Strawberries, diced Kiwis, diced I banana, chopped Blue berries Raw honey Procedure • In a blender, add your diced pineapple, strawberries, chopped banana, coconut milk, kiwi and a spoon of raw honey and blend together. • Pour into a clean glass cup and serve chilled.
With additional information from the internet
ith Christmas around the corner, the festive spirit is in the air. Therefore, decorating to complement the season is only right. Going all out with decorative ornaments ought to do the trick to give it the touch it needs. From shiny bits and bulbs, ribbons, candles and tinsel, there are many ornaments you can use to decorate your home this season. Whether you drape them over windows and doors, centre tables, shelves, plants and more, or anyhow you wish to do it, they will not go unnoticed by your guests. You can even make it a fun activity by getting your kids to join in. After all, the Christmas spirit is all about sharing and giving a lending hand. Give your home that touch it needs for a majestic, fresh and glamorous revamp for the attention it deserves. Ornaments are your best friend this season to keep the festive spirit alive. So have some fun and show off your taste for style and love for Christmas with beautiful and attractive ornaments dotted all y over your home.
photo: Internet photo
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BAHEEJAH MAHMOOD
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Interview by HALIMA ABDULRAZAK
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ajiya Baheejah Mahmood, fondly called Baya Goya Marayun Jihar Bauchi, was born in Azare to Alhaji Bappah Mahmood Abdullahi and Hajiya Khadija Mahmood. Hajiya Baheejah is mostly known and respected for her positive contribution in the lives of the downtrodden in Bauchi State. She is a politician per excellence, an icon to be revered, especially in rendition of selfless service to humanity. She worked tirelessly to establish the first ever government agency for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) in Bauchi State which benefitted millions of the less privileged during her tenure as the executive chairperson of the agency. Here, she gives some insight into her political career, life as a social development worker and public servant.
Prioritizing the less privilege Educational background I did my basic between Gamawa, Zaria, Azare, Misau and Gombe. My secondary School between Azare and Bauchi and my tertiary education in Bauchi. Career background I picked interest in social work since I was young. Anywhere I went, including homes of relations; I enjoyed taking care of children and the sick. I would take care of the needy or vulnerable anywhere I met them. As I became older, it became a passion taking care of people’s needs. Then in 2008 I co-founded an NGO for vulnerable women and children. Women and Children are the most vulnerable segment of any society the world over. Experience working with women and children It has been very rewarding and fulfilling. It gives me joy when I work for children. Children are innocent with no voice of their own. Therefore, it requires a person with tolerance, empathy and gentleness to work with them. Sometimes too, it requires someone with commitment and strong will to stand up for the cause of children, women and even youths, to be their voice. Even if it means making legal representation, we do so on behalf of women and children. Women are also very vulnerable. They also lack a voice to speak for them. In the northern part of Nigeria, due to religious and cultural norms, albeit misunderstood or misrepresented, women
are relegated to the background in decision making processes relating to the economy and even their social wellbeing. Women are not consulted even on issues concerning their lives. They suffer all forms of abuse and neglect and require someone to support and assist them in realising their potentials. Why I established an NGO It is for the same reasons expressed above I co-founded an NGO, the Support Initiative for Vulnerable Women and Children (SIVWC), to serve as a channel for reaching and positively impacting on the lives of the vulnerable in the society. It is due to this realisation that NGOs play a very vital role in the implementation of social programmes that benefit the society. It is also because of this that we registered a second NGO, the Bauchi Grassroots Development Initiative (BGDI), which focus is mitigating issues relating to women, youths and community selfhelp programmes. BGDI is a rallying point for more than 400 women and youth groups and associations. International NGOs, donor organisations and our local CSOs and NGOs must be applauded. They are doing their best in impacting on the lives of our people in all social and development areas. Whenever there is a natural or man-made disaster, they run to the rescue of victims with food, shelter, clothing or other intervention materials. On the flip side though, government does not do as much as expected. When there is a disaster, it is the primary responsibility of government to intervene,
WOMEN ARE ALSO VERY VULNERABLE. THEY ALSO LACK A VOICE TO SPEAK FOR THEM. IN THE NORTHERN PART OF NIGERIA, DUE TO RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL NORMS, ALBEIT MISUNDERSTOOD OR MISREPRESENTED
but what we see is government relegating itself to the background, leaving NGOs to lead, and often without even giving the appropriate support to achieve the desired reach and impact. My political career Every human being is a political animal. I ventured into politics because of the desire I had to serve. I started politics from the grassroots-interacting with people from my community on issues that concerned us and spearheading the struggle to get some of the issues resolved. During the Obasanjo administration, I held the position of party ex-officio (North East) of the PDP at the national level. After this, I felt the need to return to my home state to continue the political strides closer to the grassroots. With a humble appointment as Personal Assistant on Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) to the then Governor, Isa Yuguda, of Bauchi State, in 2007, I rose through the ladder of political office in the state. From PA, I became a Special Assistant (SA), Senior Special Assistant (SSA) and later Director General (DG) of OVC. After expending enormous effort articulating the proposal for establishing an agency for the OVC, working with the executive and legislative arms of government in the state, the law establishing the Bauchi State Agency for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (BASOVC) was passed and assented to in 2012 by the governor. He appointed me as the executive chairperson of the agency, a position I held until the coming of the next administration in 2015. Currently, due to unsolicited pressure on me from individuals and groups, especially women, who are
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BAHEEJAH MAHMOOD urging me to contest the next Bauchi State gubernatorial election come 2019, we are gearing up for the challenge. Fond childhood memories I miss the adventures with my sisters and cousins. It was so much fun. How I met my husband I met him in a bank. Most cherished attribute of his His caring nature. Favourite music on replay Old School Funk. Favourite fashion item(s) Veils. Flats or heels? Heels. Most expensive fashion accessory Elegant but not too expensive, mostly wrist watches. What I wouldn’t be caught wearing Anything that will expose my body. Favourite travel destination Locally or abroad, my home town Azare, just the sense of belonging means everything. How I relax By taking a long hot bath. I also think critically, spent time with the children and write. Favourite quote There’s nothing love cannot face, there is no limit to its hopes, its faith and endurances. Favourite food I enjoy eating Tuwo with miyan kuka. Definition of style Simple, decent but elegant surely. Favourite designer I dress Nigerian, but I’d say Armani. Favourite perfume, designer bag and shoes Perfume Acqua Di Gioia by Giorgio Armani, but I’m not particular when it comes to shoes and bags. Favourite colour and car It’s difficult to say but green, orange and coffee brown. For cars - Volvo, well safety with style. Favourite day of the week Saturday because I get to spend time with my family with my family.
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THERE IS NOTHING THAT GIVES ME JOY LIKE KNOWING THAT ANY OF MY ACTIONS POSITIVELY IMPACTED ON THE LIVES OF OTHERS AND PUT SMILES ON THEIR FACES Mum’s advice that stuck with me over the years. Utmost belief in predestination: “Whatever you do be generous in your heart, show gratitude and be steadfast.” Role models • My father: for moulding me into who I have become. • Maryam Abacha: for her vision, generosity, humility and doggedness in supporting the vulnerable in the society. • Hajiya Naja’atu Muhammad: for her perceived honesty, courage in dealing with issues irrespective of whose ox is gored. She is resilient and tough in dealing with issues. • Hajiya Rafi’ah Mahmood: for her perseverance, love for unity and peaceful coexistence among all people, and also, for her uprightness and honestly in dealing with everyone irrespective of creed. Legacy My prayer is to be remembered for my selfless service to humanity. There is nothing that gives me joy like knowing that any of my actions positively impacted on the lives of others and put smiles on their faces. I have authored some books, hand bills and conducted studies during the course of my short public service that are meant to be reference materials for government officials, youths, adolescent girls and other relevant stakeholders.
SOCIETY NEWS Compiled by HAFSAH ABUBAKAR MATAZU
Jamila Marafa becomes first female Northern Nigerian Commodore
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damawa state indigene, Jamila Marafa has become the first female from the north to be decorated with a rank of Commodore from her former position of Navy Captain in the Navy. The Commodore position is equivalent to the position of Brigadier General in the army. Malafa has taken a lot of courses and training through her career and has become a beacon of hope for women to show that there is nothing that can’t be achieved. She has promised to exhibit loyalty and dedication in the course of her duties.
Footballer Thierry Henry crowned “Igwe of Football”
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ormer Arsenal player and French footballer Thierry Henry was recently crowned the “Igwe of Football” title in Lagos. Henry was in Lagos for the Guinness Made of Black programme. The international football star retired from football back in 2014. During his trip he also watched the West Bromley vs Manchester United match with other football fans. The retired footballer was caught speaking Yoruba to artiste Simi when she asked him to sing a line in her song translating to ‘I am blessed.’
Dele Momodu & Mobolaji celebrate 25th wedding anniversary
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vation boss Dele Momodu and his wife, Mobolaji Momodu celerated their 25th wedding anniversary in Lagos. Momodu posted a number of throwback pictures on his Instagram including some on of his wedding day beside the late Chief MKO Abiola. He captioned one of the photos saying, “Exactly 25 years ago, I married this beautiful daughter of God Mobolaji Adaramaja in Ijebu Igbo at a star-studded wedding which climaxed in Ijebu-Ode with Sir Shina Peters on bandstand.”
TAMBARI SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2017 JULY 7, 2015 TAMBARI
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TRENDS STYLE FASHION
By HALIMA ABDULRAZAK
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he holiday season is here; therefore, we need to give proper attention to our skin to keep that radiant and shiny look all through the holiday. It takes a lot of energy to keep oneself healthy enough to enjoy the holiday because often times we get too busy with our daily activities and give less attention to our skin. We should not forget to pamper our body despite the workload. Here are few tips to adhere to in achieving a radiant look this holiday: Eat more fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals to give you a radiant look, which also boost your immune system and keep you energised, healthy and hydrated. Instead of eating processed food, change your meal sequence and get excellent results for a radiant look this holiday. Work less and rest more: Don’t get yourself worked up in preparation for the festive season. Get maximum rest and sleep more. Sleepless nights can cause dark cycles and bags under your eyes which give you a dull complexion. Lack of sleep and enough rest also speed up ageing. This is not good for you this holiday.
B E AU T Y Tips on staying radiant through the holiday
Serious constipation What is the drug for serious constipation? – Khadijat, Kano It is not about taking just any drug but knowing the cause of the constipation. Do you have any history of diarrhoea or diarrhoea alternating with constipation? If it is straight forward constipation, dietary manipulation like vegetables and fruits will solve the problem. Otherwise, where appropriate and under prescription, drugs like dulcolax and liquid paraffin will do. However, where a surgical problem like intestinal obstruction is the cause; surgical operation may be necessary.
Fibroid, appendix operations and fertility
Exfoliate often: Due to the nature of our jobs, we barely have time to exfoliate; which is not a good one. You need to get rid of dead cells by using scrubs to keep a glowing skin. Make sure to exfoliate twice a week and get a good result. You can consult your skin therapist for advice on the best scrub to use for a better look to avoid irritation. Make sure to exercise and mediate: This holiday season is the best time to relax your
body and mind, off worries. Have time for yourself and be calm, take a walk in the evening alone or with friends; it is a good way to boost your mood. You can try yoga in the morning to refresh your mental health. Do some breathing exercise and get back in touch with your body. Catch the morning sun; it does great wonders to our skin.
With additional information from the internet
DO YOU KNOW... THAT WHEN YOUR MIND IS AT PEACE, YOUR HEALTH AND SKIN START TO RADIATE NATURALLY?
H E A LT H Y L I V I N G
New Year resolution for healthier 2018 by HAFSAH ABUBAKAR MATAZU
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he New Year is right around the corner and most of us have started drafting up our lists of New Year resolutions. But this year, including a resolution that will improve your health and lifestyle, ensure you make the best of the year in tip top shape. Dr. Jamila Adam of General Hospital, Bwari tells us how we can achieve this in a reasonable and attainable manner. Get more sleep: A limited amount of sleep comes with so many negative effects such as insomnia and depression. Make sure that you get at least the
Dr. Nathaniel Adewole, MOBILE: 0803 8039182 EMAIL: nadewole2013@gmail.com
recommended six to eight hours of sleep; even if it means altering your bed time to an earlier time. Your body will thank you for it.
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De-stress: Cut down on your unneeded activities: prioritise your life and watch yourself become happier, relaxed and with better mental health too. Mental health is as important as physical health; therefore, make sure that your stress-free life begins with the commencement of 2018. Drink more water: Water is essential: it is the answer to a majority of problems. It boosts your immune system, metabolism and as soon as you increase your intake, it will show on your body. Water can only do you good, so pencil that into your resolutions too. Create exercise routine: Exercise doesn’t have to be a burden. You can do with while spending time with friends or even while watching TV. Point is that just make sure you do it. Keep it reasonable but stay consistent. Staying fit is key to maintaining a healthy life. No more binge eating: Plan your meal and snack time. Schedule out a food menu for each day of the week and keep it healthy. Late night snacking and impulse eating are a big NO. by doing these; you have already taken a huge step towards a healthier you. With additional information from the internet
My wife had fibroid and appendix operations. Is it possible for her to still get pregnant? – Sanusi It is very possible. Myomectomy or fibroid operation does not stop pregnancy. It is unfortunate that quite a lot of people still have the erroneous belief that after fibroid operation a woman cannot get pregnant. This is not true. Unless there are other underlying problems from the husband or the woman: like low sperm count, ovulatory problems or tubal blockage.
Pregnancy and stomach pains My sister who is newly pregnant suffers on-and-off stomach pains if she chews anything – Jane, Abuja What does she chew, is it gelusil? It is possible it is due to peptic ulcer or reflux oesophagitis. It is not uncommon in pregnancy. One of the reasons for abdominal cramps is the relaxation effects of high progesterone on stomach muscles.
Low blood pressure I am 22 years old and I have problem with my blood pressure. It was diagnosed to be low, and I was placed on drip severally but it has not normalised. I took astymin and other multivitamins but it is still 80/60 – Zaharaddeen Low blood pressure is called hypotension. Blood pressure of 80/60 or 90/60 is not unusual in women in our environment. This is more profound in pregnancy. Drip will not help the situation. It is when a patient is losing fluid, like through bleeding or severe diarrhoea that drip is administered to prevent the patient from going into shock. Consult a competent doctor quickly.
Inflamed bladder I have an inflamed bladder, what drug do I use to treat it? – Ahmadu Inflammation of the bladder is called cystitis. Infection of the bladder by bacteria is the main cause. Other causes of cystitis include reaction to certain drugs, radiation effects and long time use of urinary catheter. For you to have been treating it frequently, you will need a proper assessment by a urologist.