Tambari by Daily Trust Tambari

SUNDAY TRUST

Tambari For the woman of style

April 26, 2015

Toyin

Saraki

Watching my kids thrive, For the love of GOLD best feeling in the world P. 03

TAMBARI APRIL 26, 2015

C.o.n.t.e.n.t.s

3 Fashionista:

For the love of Gold 10

Men’s Fashion:

Trendy Loafers Shoes

Healthy Living:

Moringa and its rich benefits

ON THE COVER:

Toyin Saraki

Watching my kids thrive, best feeling in the world

>>> PAGES 4, 5, 6

The

Hello Readers,

Team Editor AISHA UMAR-HALILU Deputy Editor VICTORIA ONEHI Writers MULIKATU MUKAILA PUPWAYA TIMOTHY DIBAL IPADEOLA BUKOLA Designer BALLIE KAFRAN

A Email: tambari@dailytrust.com Telephone: 0803 701 3302

quick mental stock-taking will probably give you an idea about what you have already acquired for many seasons and how they have transformed your entire wardrobe. It is not always about piling up so many things, it is how you wear them that matters. That is why it is very important to invest in things that can stand the test of time. And this question just pops into one’s head: What do you really look for when buying shoes? Comfort should be the key, no matter your taste. If you compromise this, you have got it wrong. Because the whole of our body weight rests on our legs, the legs must be balanced and comfortable. So if you get that done, you must look out for quality because that is what you are paying for. If you don’t invest in

quality, then you are wasting your hard earned money. I was also wondering about the young man who just walked into fame. Hashim trekked from Lagos to Abuja, changing into five pairs of shoes before his arrival. Some shoe manufacturers should be looking out for him, if you get what I mean. A clever one might tell us he only needed one durable pair with nice soles. Ever since women started the love affair with gold jewellery, it has been many decades of seasonless styles and unforgettable glamour. To own and wear gold has a lot of prestige, so why do you wait for a nod to keep updated? Have fun while it lasts. Our featured personality is Toyin Saraki, former First Lady of Kwara State and founder, Wellbeing Foundation. Have a great read

TAMBARI APRIL 26, 2015

For the love of Gold G

FASHIONISTA

BY Mulikatu Mukaila

old jewellery has a symbolic way of bringing out the bold side of your personality as its appearance is more pronounced than any other kind of jewellery. Especially on brides, gold jewellery compliments an outfit as it adds some sparkles to your whole beauty. However, gold can be categorised into different designs, ranging from Dubai, Indian, English, Saudi, Romanian, Brazilian and Italian. Each design fits its purpose in fashion terms.

Hadiza

Salima

Muneerah

3 03

COVER INTER VIE W

‘Watching my kids thrive, best feeling in the world’

TAMBARI APRIL 26, 2015

INTERVIEW BY Adie Vanessa Offiong

oyin Saraki is a former First Lady of Kwara State. She is also the founder of Wellbeing Foundation Africa. Among other issues, she opened up on how she got married to Senator Bukola Saraki, why she promotes maternal health facilities.

COVER INTER VIE W

TAMBARI APRIL 26, 2015

“

I am privileged to have a platform to make a difference in the lives of people and I firmly believe it is my responsibility to use the tools at my disposal – my education, my experience”

Source of grace, courage and strength to carry on The essence of African women who put their children first is my greatest inspiration. It is this essence, combined with inspiration that gives me the strength and courage to carry on my fight for every mother and child across the world. In Africa, we have an ancient tradition of carrying our children on our backs until they are strong enough to walk. We give our children everything we have so that they can thrive. This essence of unconditional love, sacrifice, and nurturing, is my driving force and the moral foundation upon which my philanthropic work is based.

Most exciting part of doing what I do In my role as Global Goodwill Ambassador for the International Confederation of Midwives and the White Ribbon Alliance, I have been fortunate to visit many countries to work with midwives and mothers to ensure that childbirth is made

safer and more respectful and that babies are nurtured to adulthood. In visiting these countries and meeting these inspiring women, I have heard the most amazing stories – these are stories of sorrow, joy and perseverance in the face of adversity. Meeting the women of the world and hearing their stories is the most exciting part of what I do in my role as a philanthropist.

What making a difference in the lives of the people I come in touch with means to me I am privileged to have a platform to make a difference in the lives of people and I firmly believe it is my responsibility to use the tools at my disposal – my education, my experience and my voice – to lift those I can to new heights. There is a quote by Hilary Clinton that I admire – ‘Too many women in too many countries speak the same language – of silence.’ I was lucky to have been raised in a loving environment where I was encouraged to speak freely. This emphasis on

using my voice is one of the core principles I hold very close to my heart. As a barrister, I spoke and fought on behalf of my clients every day. I’m still using my voice now, but I’m using it on behalf of the countless women and newborn children in our community. The loss of one of my children during childbirth left an indelible mark on my life. It is a pain that no mother should have to go through. If I can prevent other mothers from suffering this pain through my work in WBFA, I will know that I’ve made a difference. If I can prevent some children from growing up without the care and love of their mothers, I will know that I’ve made a difference.

Favourite time of the year and what I like to do I like August as I keep it free for my husband and I like to spend time with our children without interruptions. Then I love September during the United Nations General Assembly as that is when we learn from our peers around the world, pass on our own insights and formulate our work plans for the coming year. The WBFA has attended the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) every year since 2011.

Who I am, away from being Kwara’s former First Lady, fashion icon and entrepreneur as people relate with me I am a mother, wife and daughter, first and foremost. Family is actually at the heart of who I am, what I do and why I do it. My four children are a gift from God through my husband, and I am truly grateful for the joy they bring every day. Indeed, my service to communities as a philanthropist is intrinsically linked to my identity as a

mother and wife, above all else.

Aspirations growing up A good work ethic was instilled in me from a very young age. My parents – Otunba Ade Kunle Ojora and Erelu Ojuolape Ojora – were amazing role models. Their entrepreneurial spirit and respect for their fellow man inspired me as a child and informed my aspirations growing up. Being raised in an environment with strong role models who encouraged me to speak my mind was part of why I chose to become a barrister. I aspired to follow in their footsteps by working hard, speaking up for what is right and ensuring respect and human dignity for all mankind.

How I met my husband We met as students and were introduced several times by mutual friends. I was reading Law while he was reading Medicine. I used to like reading his textbooks, especially one series called ‘Ten Teachers’. At the time, I was struck by his maturity and intelligence. “Buki was very diligent, honest and hardworking from the day I met him, and was like a father to his contemporaries and juniors. I knew from that moment that he would be my husband”.

Reasons my husband and I still share a close bond That’s a hard question as nobody’s life is truly a fairytale. But I think we share a mutual commitment to human dignity and development. So, whilst we may have quite different approaches to many things - even different faiths - the sum total of the whole, as a couple, complements our individual mindsets, and the love and respect we have for each other, and for our children and our families, cements our union. I have to say that the sight of his often serious countenance makes me smile and laugh, and when he’s being too stern, I just wink at him

TAMBARI APRIL 26, 2015

COVER INTER VIE W

and roll my eyes and he starts to laugh.

Best part of being a mother and a wife The best part of being a mother and a wife is watching my children grow up into strong, intelligent and inspiring individuals. They have an inherent sense of service and respect – qualities that I believe they have learnt from my husband, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki and myself. Watching them thrive is the best feeling in the world. Further to this, having a partner who inspires me is one of the best parts of being a wife. The love and vision he has for the people of Kwara State and Nigeria inspires me every day. And I have always sought to complement this through my work too.

Fondest memories I have so many fond memories that stand out as key moments in my life’s experience. One very early memory I have from the age of six is of my eldest and much loved departed brother,

Gbegi, sending me by airmail, a letter from his boarding prep school, with his entire term’s pocket money of 27 pence stuck to it. He wrote that he knew I was missing him, so I should buy myself some sweets at the then Bhojson’s Store in Lagos to cheer myself up. Gbegi was always my best friend as well as my eldest brother. We were extremely close, agreeing on most things. It was only when I became older that I could fully appreciate his kind, compassionate and selfless gesture, to generously give up something one needed, to bring comfort to another; a valuable early lesson in giving, which I have allowed to guide me ever since. May his uncommonly kind and generous soul rest in heaven! I have fond memories of the births of my children. Childbirth being for me, as for countless women, a time when one feels the true power of God and faith, as well as experiences a new opportunity to re-commit one’s self to building a better world for all people.

When we left Kwara at the end of my husband’s tenure as governor, the outpouring of emotion was unprecedented. I could feel it and hear it and touch it - in the expressions, embraces and prayers of the hundreds of thousands, if not millions of Kwarans - from all walks of life. I remain grateful for the mutual loyalty, through thick and thin, in good times and in hard times, and hope I have kept my vow, not to forget or abandon that cherished and respected bond as I continue to bring impactful global innovation back home to Kwara residents through the efforts of my Foundation Africa frontline programmes.

Turning 50 and maintaining my good looks I am lucky to have great genes, so I can still eat everything I like. However, I gave up soft drinks over 15 years ago. And I try to eat lots of vegetables for overall health and fitness. Exercising regularly is a struggle with a busy schedule, but if I wake up and see that my husband is walking out, I am immediately motivated to take a run on the treadmill so that he won’t think I am slacking off.

My personal style My mother is a true fashion icon and was very prominent in the fashion industry. So I love fashion and she has influenced my style to an extent. With a busy public schedule, I tend to dress

according to my environment. So my personal style can vary from ultra conservative to fashion forward. In general, I do lean more towards simpler designs as they suit my frame better.

Combining the home-front and my profession with other things I do Time management and task juggling are key to this. It is important to strike a balance and prioritise the right responsibilities at the right time. My children, husband and family are paramount; as is the work I do for the women and children in Africa. Having a strong network of friends and family for support and guidance during the challenging times has also helped me to combine the many responsibilities I hold.

Spending alone time I do. I meditate, pray, love to read and sleep.

Three things I always have on me My prayer beads, my phones and a tiny packet of green tea.

TAMBARI APRIL 26, 2015

FASHION NE WS

Deva Petals steps up

he need to use natural beauty products has been emphasised by experts again and again. And one of the brands making this happen is Deva Petals. Specialist in making traditionally liquid perfumes like Turanhre huta, traditional spa treatments and other beauty products for smooth skins/long hair, the brand has taken beauty treatments to another level. The brains behind Deva Petals - Rahama Babangida and Mimi Marwa - have not left any stone unturned to make sure they promote wellness and quality through their beauty products and services. Their love for fashion industry also led to the establishment of a fashion cafe in the nation’s capital, an accessory and clothing shop.

Model for Meena Collection

Miss Tourism models for Meena’s collection

igerian fashion label, Meena, has released its latest collection into the market. Titled “Muted Ways’’, the collection featured structured lines which are the favourite of the fashion brand. Created by designer Uju Offiah, the collection

has a strong architectonic undertone, with multiple paneling, sophisticated cuts and layering. It also depicts elegance and confidence, which showcase the new dimension for the Meena brand. Nigeria’s Miss Tourism, 2014, Chinyere Adogu, modelled for the brand.

COMPILED BY Victoria Onehi Rahama Babangida

Photos by: MacJohn Akande

Mimi Marwa

Wed Expo holds in May

buja residents will witness another wedding exhibition soon. Tagged Wed Expo, the event is aimed at meeting the wedding needs of would-be brides and grooms. The three-day event, is slated to hold from May 8 to 10. Wed Expo is a shopping extravaganza where different wares/items are showcased for various clienteles.

An exhibitor showcases her cakes during the last wed expo An anchor at Wed expo

TAMBARI APRIL 26, 2015

FASHIONISTA

Handbag: A Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Must-Have

Chika Ike

BY Pupwaya Timothy Dibal

andbags have become an indispensable fashion item for the modern woman. A lady can never be seen without a handbag because it is one of the most valuable fashion accessories to her. No outfit is complete for a woman without a handbag because it adds glamour to her appearance. Handbags vary in styles, sizes and designs, and as well, serve different purposes. A womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s handbag can be her signature piece and statement. Just as various clothes are worn for different occasions, bags are also selected to suit different occasions. Always be in tune with the society and add a fashionable handbag to your collections.

09 I started Madame Coquette out of my love for handbags

TAMBARI APRIL 26, 2015

SHOR T INTER VIE W

– Haowa Bello

Haowa Bello had an interesting childhood surrounded by incredible women - from her mother, to sisters and cousins - who taught her many valuable lessons that shaped her personality. “I am doing exactly what I am destined to do,” she said. This is to make an impact on the economy with her business initiative. She spoke to Tambari about what she loves to do the most. BY Aisha Umar-Halilu

hy I started Madame Coquette Madame Coquette (MC) is a line of luxury handbags made in Nigeria with recorded sales in New York, Berlin and London. For over seven years, our artisans have produced upwards of 600 handbags. We offer a variety of clutch purses that transit from day to night, shoulder bags and work bags for the working woman. From calf and lambskin to ostrich skin, MC bags offer customers a wide range of textures and colours. MC is working with local tanneries to produce customised leather to boost the leather industry in the country. This initiative gave birth to Fula Farms. Fula Farms is a commercial goat farm in Lagos. Its aim is not only to provide a healthy source of goat meat but to supply tanneries a superior source of goat skin which will be processed into high quality leather. I started Madame Coquette out of my love for handbags. I speak for many women when I say a handbag is one of the most important accessories in a woman’s closet. Our target customer is one that doesn’t always follow the trend but rather opt for timeless elegance. Passion Passion for your work is something a lot of people don’t get to experience.

customers. Taking the business to the next level I plan to take the business to the next level by customising our leather and accessories and by increasing production and distribution. These are key steps in building brand identity and recognition. We plan to set up an online platform where our customers abroad can buy our products directly from us. Our source We source some of our leather locally and we

import all our hardware. Due to the difficulty in accessing low interest loans, MC has been self- funded from inception. We started out as a small business, and growth has been steady. We are ready for expansion and are considering applying to the Bank of Industry and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Our goal Our goal at the MC is to develop the brand further and have it compete with international brands on the same platform.

I consider myself extremely lucky because I wake up every day looking forward to work. The greatest reward is seeing how your work makes other people feel. The look on a customer’s face when they fall in love with our product is priceless. Managing the business As with every business, the challenges are endless. A major challenge we faced in the beginning of the business is trying to convince people that an indigenous label can be just as good as a foreign label. We live in a brand- driven and brandconscious society. Most women would rather carry a known brand. The only way to get around the challenge was to let the product speak for itself. We kept the quality high and offered free after-sale- services and continue to do so. By doing this, we were able to build a list of loyal

Haowa Bello

MENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FASHION

TAMBARI APRIL 26, 2015

shoes Trendy loafers

BY Ipadeola Bukola

en pay much attention when it comes to their footwear. And we cannot go without a pair of footwear. In this vast world, shoes have become a trending fashion item for men. The colour, quality, design and material should be the most important thing a man should focus on. Never be afraid to play with colours as you can wear it with any outfit. Just add a simple but classy pair of shoes to your collection and set a fashion statement.

Jim Iyke

Ifeanyi

Alex Ekubo

TAMBARI APRIL 26, 2015

WOMEN’S HEALTH SHOULD MY CHILD TAKE THE IMMUNISATION AGAIN? My child has taken immunisation about three times now, yet the health care workers still come intermittently to repeat the same immunisation in the house. Is it not too much? Will it not harm the child? Aisha, Gombe. It will not harm the child. The immunisation programme, as you know, is developed to immunise all children against childhood killer diseases. Some of the diseases like polio leave children to become physically challenged. So the importance of the National Programme on Immunisation (NPI) cannot be overemphasised. Let the mothers, parents and community be reassured that repeating the immunisation cannot harm the child. It is done to catch those that might have been missed. To reduce childhood deaths and morbidity, all hands must be on deck to ensure that all children in towns and villages, cities and rural areas, creeks and hills, are immunised.

Dr. Nathaniel Adewole

Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada - FCT. MOBILE: 0803 803 9182 EMAIL: nadewole2013@gmail.com

APPRECIATION

oday’s edition marks the 200th of this column. About four years ago, when the idea of anchoring the Women Health Column was birthed by the editor, Hajiya Aisha Umar- Halilu, I was reluctant because of the challenge of writing every week. But the need to educate Nigerians about their health and the burden of reducing maternal mortality (MDG 5) made me take up the challenge. And I thank God for this platform to play a role. It is worthy of note that picking a topic and writing on it was my initial opinion, but the editorial team of Tambari proposed the idea of a question and answer. I am grateful to them for their wisdom. This has helped to respond to people’s questions directly and

practically, which others have learnt from. Choosing a variety of topics over four years may have been a little difficult and may be too academic. Once again, well done to the editorial team. I want to thank everyone who has encouraged us through telephone conversations and text messages. This has helped us to work harder, even when we get tired. To those who read and send questions, we hope we have been able to answer them partly. To those who criticise us objectively, we also say, thank you. We must apologise to those whose questions were not answered due to the fact that we may have to select from many. We will try to serve you better. To those who call directly and we cannot discuss extensively, it is due to the pressure of time. Also, we want to plead that what we request is a text message. Thank you all.

WHAT DO I TAKE? I am 18 years old. I have an infection that itches me and brings out mucus. When I go to pee, it hurts. I went to the hospital and the doctor prescribed Augmentin for me. I took it but the itching is still there. It brings out mucus and it smells. Anytime I see my period, it smells badly. Please, what do I take? You have pelvic inflammatory disease. You need to do both endocervical and high vaginal swabs for microscopy, culture and sensitivity. Your partner needs to be treated too. In addition to any antibiotic based on sensitivity, you will need antifungal and a tetracycline group because of possibility of chlamdia, which is difficult to culture. Aggressive treatment is important because you are in your early reproductive age to avoid tubal problems. Please try and see a gynaecologist.

“To reduce childhood deaths and morbidity, all hands must be on deck to ensure that all children in towns and villages, cities and rural areas, creeks and hills, are immunised.”

Please, always include name and address when sending your health enquiries to us. Thank you

TAMBARI APRIL 26, 2015

KANNY WOOD

Suspended Rahma Sadau wins AMMA award BY Ibrahim Musa Giginyu

espite being suspended from the Kannywood movie industry, Rahama Sadau, actress, has won the Best Upcoming Actress award at the just concluded Arewa Music and Movie Awards (AMMA) 2015. The Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN) had suspended the Kannywood actress, Rahama Sadau for character defamation and false accusation against Adam Zango, actor and director. Known as a big fan of Priyanka, the Kaduna-born actress has starred in several movies that made her popular within and outside the industry. Rahama, who holds a diploma in Business Administration, is said to have secured lead roles in more than 10 yet-to-be-produced movies. The screen diva is one of the few successful female faces in the industry. The AMMA is an annual event that usually honours professionals in the music and movie industry in northern Nigeria, with the sole aim of motivating the practitioners to the next level. This year’s edition of the award was the second. Similarly, during the event, the Kaduna State governor,

Ramalan Yero, was declared the Icon of Peace and Youth Role Model. Receiving the award on behalf of the governor, Ahmed Maiyaki said, “The government of Ramalan Yero is youthfriendly. And since Kannywood is largely youth-oriented, we shall encourage it to grow, as well as provide any support the industry will require to compete with its counterparts within and outside Nigeria. Furthermore, the young Salahuddeen Auwal Hallai, popularly known in the music industry as MIC Flamer, bagged the Best Hip-Hop Revelation Artist award. Flamer, who thrilled the audience during the award night, proved that he deserved the award. In other categories, Adam Zango was named the Best Actor of the Year while Nafisa Abdullahi won the Best Actress award. Those who won awards in other categories include Aisha Dan Kano, Nuhu Abdullahi, Jamila Nagudu, Tahir I. Tahir, Aminu Saira and Ibrahim Birniwa. Ali Nuhu won the Pride of Kannywood award. Some of the actors and actresses present at the event were Ladidi Fage, Fati Washa, Rabiu Rikadawa and AbdulAziz Dan Small.

“The AMMA is an annual event that usually honours professionals in the music and movie industry in northern Nigeria, with the sole aim of motivating the practitioners to the next level.”

Photos by: Sani Maikatanga

TAMBARI APRIL 26, 2015

CULTURE

The Ofala festival

BY Pupwaya Timothy Dibal

he Ofala festival is an annual event celebrated in several communities in Anambra State. During the festival, which highlights the importance of living in peace and harmony, natives of the community often sing, dance and unite with old friends, just as they make new ones. Dressed in traditional attire, tens of thousands of men and women dance to traditional drummers and make merry. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the traditional ruler of the community in question. The festival always takes place at the king’s palace, which is considered a sacred ground. Various cleansing and blessings are carried out at the king’s palace before the actual preparation for the big occasion. According to Chimezie Ubah, the festival starts with the entrance of the king and his royal regalia, including the highly decorated crown, which is called okpu ododo. The trumpeters announce his entrance. After the entrance of the king, the red-cap chiefs, known as Ndi ichie, in their own traditional attires, arrive independently, each accompanied by his own village music. They proceed to the king’s throne in the order of seniority. There, they pay homage to the king by kneeling on the floor and bowing down before him. Ubah further said the celebration continues as they dance, according to seniority, to the tune of the sacred royal music/

drums (egwu ota) at intervals of three, along the palace grounds. The beating also changes in accordance with their respective titles and positions. The royal music sets the rhythm for Obi’s dancing during his three outings. These royal drums, like most traditional ones, are made by stretching animal hides over a frame. Sometimes, these are tied together with raw hides. Other drums are also used, depending on the occasion. During the festival, different dances and music are performed by those wearing colourful traditional attires, which sometimes include traditional war dances. The Ofala festival is of great value to the people, and the indigenes are expected to show respect to the community and the

“The Ofala festival is of great value to the people, and the indigenes are expected to show respect to the community and the state, in line with keeping their heritage alive.”

state, in line with keeping their heritage alive. People from far and near come to witness the festival, even as the king tries as much as possible to invite other kings from other villages and states to come and celebrate with the people. After the festival, which attracts different performances by the people, foods and drinks are distributed while people continue to dance to different tunes of music.

TAMBARI APRIL 26, 2015

HEALTHY LIVING

RECIPE:

AFANG SOUP INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • • • •

Moringa and its rich benefits BY Victoria Onehi

ike many other herbs, moringa is known to offer many benefits to the body. It has many anti-oxidants that are helpful to the body. It contains Vitamins A, C, B complex and other nutrients that keep the body from damages. The leaves Moringa leaves are a storehouse of nutrients. Health experts say they contain seven times more potassium than bananas and twice the amount of protein as that contained in milk. Milk is considered to be an important source of calcium, but moringa leaves contain four times more calcium than milk. They contain four times more Vitamin A or beta carotene than carrots. Moringa powder, which is prepared by grinding the dried leaves, contain seven times more Vitamin C than oranges, 25 times the amount of iron in spinach, 36 times the amount of magnesium in eggs, and 50 times more Vitamin B2 than banana. Hajiya Zainab Sheriff, a pharmacist and expert in alternative medicine spoke about the benefits of moringa: “The leaves are very good for hypertensive patients. We use them as supportive therapy, not that it is a total cure for hypertension. It contains potassium which helps to decrease salt in the body. The potassium in certain amount of the leaves can be equivalent

to one banana. But again, the fresh pods, when eaten, also help hypertensive patients. The pods are nutritionally healthy for them.” How to use moringa leaves Moringa leaves powder can be added to any food or beverage, and it will increase the vitamin, mineral and protein content. For healthy individuals, a few spoonfuls of moringa leaf powder can be added to any meal to make it more nutritious. Since the nutritional content of moringa leaf powder decreases if exposed to heat, add the powder after the food or drink has been prepared, just before serving. Described by scientists as one of the most nutrient-packed plant ever discovered, moringa leaves can be consumed fresh, cooked, or as powder. There are endless ways to incorporate moringa into the diet. The list of ways to apply moringa powder depends only on you. It can be used in tea, added to beverages, sprinkled in salad or soup etc. Moringa leaves can be pounded in a mortar or milled with a kitchen blender. For now, moringa leaves and powder have no proven bad side effects. The seed The seed extract of moringa herb is popular in the cosmetic industry due to its therapeutic skincare benefits and skin purifying properties. It possesses

the ability to filter out impurities that are deeply rooted within the skin and has an amazing detoxifying and rejuvenating properties. Sherrif also agrees with this. “The oil from the seed is used in some drugs and cosmetics as well. The oil from the seed is very good for the skin cells.” Moringa seeds are used in the manufacture of perfumes and aromatherapy oils. Daily consumption of moringa as part of the diet improves body’s natural defense mechanism. It is an immune stimulant. Moringa oil Moringa oil is highly absorbable and helps in delivering these powerful antioxidants to the body. Oil from moringa seeds is used in foods. Sherrif agrees with this too. “The oil from the seeds is very good because of the unsaturated fat found in them. The oil from the seeds contains essential fatty oil. The oil from the seed is used in some drugs and cosmetics as well. Generally, the moringa seed are full of antioxidants.” The most amazing thing about moringa is that all parts of this plant, including its bark, roots, leaves, flowers, seeds, sap and pods are a storehouse of nutrients and antioxidants. Thus, this plant possesses innumerable health benefits and has the capacity to cure several diseases.

Sliced fresh water leaves (1kg) 1/2 cup of ground crayfish Ground fresh ukazi leaves (200g) 3 cubes of any seasoning of choice 1 stock fish head (medium size) 2 medium sized dried fish 1.5 cups of palm oil 1 cup of periwinkles (optional) Snails (optional) Salt and pepper to taste (red fresh pepper) Kpomo (Optional) 1-2KG of any meat of choice.

Assorted meat is the most suitable for the Afang soup, but you can use any meat of choice with kpomo. Wash the snails with lime or grape juice and be sure it is rid of its slimy fluid. The periwinkle (isam) are usually cleaned by the sellers, just wash it. The ground ukazi leaves act as thickener for this soup. Fresh leaves could be used for all soups, but if you can’t find fresh ones, go ahead and substitute with the dried alternative. Parboil the meat with all the necessary ingredients (any seasoning of choice, half cup of sliced onions, salt and other spices of choice) Wash and slice your waterleaves Soak the dried fish with warm water, remove the bones and wash thoroughly with water. Also, wash the stockfish head with warm water. Add them to the cooked meat and cook till they are soft and the pot is almost dry. Add the palm oil, crayfish and stir all together. Add the remaining seasoning, ground pepper, snails and salt to taste, allow cooking for 3 to 5 minutes. Add the waterleaves and allow to simmer for 3 minutes before adding the ground ukazi. Stir all together, cover the pot and allow another 2 minutes and you are done with the soup. The Afang soup can be served with wheat or any meal of choice.

Afang soup

HEALTH TIP OF THE WEEK Eat Seafood twice a week Seafood like fish and shellfish contains a range of nutrients including healthy omega-3 fats. Salmon, oysters and sardines are higher in omega-3s and lower in mercury, so eat them.

TAMBARI APRIL 26, 2015

BEAUT Y

Simple Skin Care Necessities BY Mulikatu Mukaila

our skin needs time and care for rejuvenation and regeneration. Without basic care, improving your skin condition and tone will be a difficult task. This is why you need to follow these skincare basics to ensure a youthful, glowing skin. A. Drink lots of water Make it a habit to drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water every day. This is not just a common advice; water is essential for proper functioning of the body. There is fluid loss from the body due to evaporation, sweating and urination. This loss needs to be compensated by drinking plenty of water and natural juices, but not soft drinks. B. Sleep well If you don’t sleep, it shows on your face because you will look irritated and tired. The solution is: don’t skip your beauty sleep and do not stay awake till late hours in the night. Lack of sleep causes the blood vessels to dilate, and this results in dark circles as the skin undergoes repairing, restoration and rebalancing while you are sleeping, so lack of sleep distracts the process. C. Exercise You must exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. If you have a skin problem like acne, psoriasis and rosacea, take ample

Orange

precautions before exercising, but don’t let skin problems hinder your active life because exercise helps to increase blood circulation boosts skin health. D. Exfoliate Follow a good skin care routine. Do not skip exfoliation, as without this you cannot get rid of dead and dry skin that accumulates and makes your complexion appear dull. You don’t always need to buy a scrub; homemade scrubs are just as effective. E. Remove makeup before going to bed It is important to let your skin breathe. Remove your makeup before you sleep every night. Always follow this step every night without fail, no matter how tired you are. F. Have vitamin-rich food Incorporate Vitamin A and Vitamin C-rich foods in your diet. This will bring a natural glow to your skin. Vitamin C tablets are also available. You can have one tablet every day on post-lunch for a clear skin tone.

A glass of water

Homemade Beauty Tips:

ats and lemon face pack: Oats is a natural exfoliator.

INGREDIENTS Small portion of oat Lemon juice If you have a sensitive skin, you can dilute the lemon juice with water. METHOD Mix both ingredients and apply on the face by massaging into the skin. Let it dry for 20 minutes. Wash and pat-dry. Look into more of these oatmeal face packs for a fairer face and glowing skin.