Tambari

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A PUBLICATION OFF

SUNDAY, JUNE 2ND, 2019

a r t x E

Maryam Shehu Mohammed

‘I want to be a better leader’ Hi there!

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id Mubarak in advance! We wish all our loyal readers a swell sallah celebration with your loved ones.

This week’s edition of Tambari Extra is all geared up towards the festivities and helping you prepare for it with ease. Our sallah special brings you a special dish of

veggie chicken sauce served with white rice and accompanied with a tasty watermelon drink. While etiquette provides you with hosting tips for your guests.

The beauty segment is helping you prepare for your sallah trip, that’s for those who will be travelling and telling you all you need to gear up with to stay glam when you travel. Meanwhile the healthy living segment discuses avoiding overeating

during the upcoming festivities.

On the cover this week, we have Maryam Shehu Mohammed, the company secretary of the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Plc. She discusses her career, experience as a Mandela Washington Fellow, and her philanthropy. Read her inspiring story inside.

Happy Eid-el Fitr! – Amina Alhassan

Call: 0818 7703733 or tambari@dailytrust.com

SALLAH SPECIAL

by SAADATU USAMAAH

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ince Sallah is already around the corner, many people have started thinking of the type of special mouthwatering dishes to cook.

Veggie chicken gravy sauce is spicy and has a good and unique taste that goes very well when served with white rice. Here’s how to make it to wow your guests this Sallah.

Ingredients • Chicken • Carrots • Green beans • Red • Green pepper • Red pepper to taste • Curry powder • Garlic (powder) • Corn flour/corn starch • Seasoning cubes • Thyme • Onion • Oil • Ginger • Salt to taste Preparation 1. Dice or slice the vegetable, pieces of meat and wash thoroughly and set aside.

2. On the gas cooker, on a medium heat, place in a pot and add your chopped onions, garlic (powder), pepper and salt (to taste), Seasoning cubes, ginger, thyme,

Veggie chicken sauce with white rice and watermelon juice curry powder, then pour enough water to cover the content of the pot, cover and start cooking. Make sure you keep an eye on it so that it does not get too soft.

3. When the chicken is done, lower the heat.

4. Keep a frying pan on low heat and pour some oil, add onion and sauté till you get a fragrant smell, then pour into the chicken and put the heat on a moderate level.

5. Add the vegetables and leave to cook for few minutes.

6. In a separate bowl, pour the corn flour, pour little water and stir quickly, making sure it doesn’t form clumps. Then add the thickener gradually to the chicken stock while continually stirring to ensure it mixes properly and does not clump. Taste to see if additional ingredients will be needed to add to the sauce.

7. Stir well to mix, then leave it for few minutes till it thickens.

8. After cooking, remove from fire.

With additional information from the internet

How to make watermelon juice Ingredients • Seedless watermelon • Sugar or honey to taste • Liquid or power juice flavour • Cold water and ice cubes 1. Peel and cut the watermelon

into small pieces.

2. Place the watermelon in a blender, add sugar or honey, add ice cubes then blend well until the juice is smooth.

3. Pour the juice in a bowl and sieve.

4. Pour in a glass cup and enjoy your delicious delicacy of veggie chicken gravy sauce (curry sauce) served with white rice.

Happy Iftar!

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MARYAM SHEHU MOHAMMED // CO V E R

I want to be a better leader – Maryam Shehu Mohammed Interview by AMINA ALHASSAN & ABIOLA AMINAT ADEPOJU

Maryam Shehu Mohammed, a lawyer, is from Zaria in Kaduna State. She was one of the first 500 African fellows of the Mandela Washington Fellowship when it was initiated in 2014. The current company secretary of the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Plc shared her experiences with Tambari.

Educational background attended Premier Nursery and Sacred Heart Primary Schools in Kaduna, after which I went to Federal Government Girls’ College, Bakori, Katsina State.

I obtained my LL.B and LL.M in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. I have just defended my PhD thesis in the same institution. I went to Law School in Bwari,Abuja.

Currently, I am enrolled in the Postgraduate School of the Nigeria Defense Academy, Kaduna for a master’s in Leadership Studies.

Career background I started my career in the Ministry of Justice, Kaduna State, as a prosecutor. I proceeded from there to the Abuja Investments Company Limited, where I served as an in-house counsel for five years. I was thereafter moved to the Group Company Secretariat, which focused on overseeing the activities of the Board and subsidiaries of tments. It was a different kind of Abuja Investments. learning process ocess in the Group Company Secretariat because there was so much more to handle. andle. During the course of my experiential eriential learning at the Group Company mpany Secretariat, I was appointed ed as the company secretary of the Abuja Urban Mass Transport port Company Limited (AUMTCO), AUMTCO), which is a subsidiary of Abuja Investments. nvestments.

The ten years ars I served in Abuja Investments gave me the skill and exposure to be able to confidently take ake on bigger challenges, enges, such as my current job as the company ny secretary of the Kadunaa E l e c t r i c it y Distribution Plc. What were your

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aspirations growing up?

I was the youngest child of my parents with seven siblings and I was raised in a household with lots of people, related by blood and otherwise. I was influenced by many, but the greatest influence was that of my late father. He was the Chief Judge of Kaduna State by the time I was born and was later sworn in as a Justice of the Supreme Court. I wanted to be like him, the way he spoke, the way he knew so much, the way he interacted with people. I loved his office and the unending supply of cookies when we went every Friday. He would make homework look so easy and teach it the way I would never forget. So for most of my childhood, I just wanted to be a judge like my father. And I learnt early in life that to be one, I had to be a lawyer first. Most of my siblings at some point studied law courses so I would hear them quote cases and latin maxims and I thought g it was so cool. I knew the names of law courses and the lecturers from early on and I couldn’t wait to be like them.

Another thing I realised while growing up was that I did not have to be a judge to take after my father. I could toe my own line in the same profession or even a different one as long I hold on to the ideals that his life taught me.

As a company secretary your job falls more on management than law. Why didn’t you go into fulltime law practice?

Prosecution was fulltime law practice and it was quite interesting while it lasted.

What I do presently is also practice as a company secretary is at the heart of corporate governance and responsible for efficient administration of the company, particularly in complying with statutory and regulatory requirements. My position and responsibilities are prescribed by law in an industry that is highly regulated and continuously evolving. I understand that there is nothing more fulfilling than waking up every morning and looking forward to going to work because I enjoy doing what I do. That was the feeling I had when I started corporate practice, and it is the feeling I still have towards it.

Kaduna Electric has given me the platform to practice my skills on a bigger scale, to learn a n d grow.

And I can say that it has been absolutely worth it. Amongcivil litigation, public prosecution and corporate practice, I have found my strength in the latter and I have decided that it is the kind of practice that suits me.

Most rewarding part of your career Serving as the company secretary of the AUMTCOwas rewarding for many reasons. It was an endorsement of the confidence the GMD, company secretary of Abuja Investments and MD of AUMTCO had in me to be able to handle both jobs. And I was ready to handle bigger responsibilities. When I was appointed company secretary of the AUMTCO was a challenging time in its life. A reliable transportation system is a key ingredient in the development of any city in the world, and AUMTCO impacts on the lives of so many residents in Abuja.

I had the opportunity to work in its Board at a critical time. In spite of its challenges it is still a going concern and the buses are still servicing Abuja residents.Being in this industry has taught me many things, and hard work has an entirely new meaning.

I have also had immense support and encouragement to be the best version of my professional self within the space we operate.

You are the founder of a charity organisation. What is the motivation behind it and what do you do?

The realisation that you can save someone’s life with a phone call or whatsapp message is amazing. Charity to Cheer Foundation’s members came together to getan ailing beggar off the streets in Abuja in 2012 and decided not to part ways because there is so much more we could do and so much that we have been doing. From free cataract surgeries, providing scholarships for orphans, feeding the needy, renovating some structures in schools and hospitals, we try to leave people and hospitals in better states than we meet them. Recently, we sponsored 30 free cataract surgeries in Zaria and a mother of a six-month old child said it was the first time she was able to see her baby’s face. It was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Heartbreaking because it cost only N15, 000 to operate one eye but she did not have it and had no idea how she would get the money. Another touching case was that of a primary school student (and siblings) whose family was going through a rough patch, and because they could not pay school fees for three terms they were kicked out. We paid the outstanding and she wrote us a letter, attaching her report card and she consistently came first in 10 of the 12 subjects she took. The joy that comes with being a part of someone’s success or relief is immeasurable. That is the motivation for me and all the 30 members of the Charity to Cheer Foundation.

How do you cope with the home front despite your hectic schedule?

I have had the most amazing support structure. My family members have made it their duty to support me whenever and however they can. Also, the ability to compartmentalise some things is key in coping with a hectic schedule. Having a routine, knowing when to sleep, exercise, pray, supervise homework and also do homework really makes life easier. Sometimes I wish that a day had more than 24 hours. Other times, I do what I can within the time that is available.

You already have a master’s degree but you are currently pursuing another one, why?

My mother jokingly asked if I wanted to become “alhudahuda” when I told her that I got admission for another master’s. A good friend of mine said I was addicted to learning… maybe. My first master’s was in Law and I specialised in Criminal Justice. The second master’s is in Leadership Studies. I chose it for many reasons as it is important to learn about leadership,especially because of where I am in my career and because leadership is something we should deliberately learn. From the Mandela Washington Fellowship to that of the Nigeria Leadership Initiative, I have been exposed to many an issue, which otherwise I would have handled with less finesse. Simply, I want to be a better leader and manager of people, and this master’s will equip me to be just that.

Mandela Washington Fellowship was established in 2014 and you were one of the first chosen fellows. How did you feel about that? How did it affect your life?

It was an amazing feeling. There were 50,000 applicants from all over Africa in 2014 and only 500 were selected. It was an opportunity of a lifetime as it opened our eyes to the possibilities of growing. If I thought I was doing well, I was told over and over again how I could even be better. I was shown ways to improve what I was doing. I was given a platform to amplify my work, network with exceptional young people from all over Africa.

The Fellowship put me on a platform and made me see that I had endless prospects, not only for me as an individual but also to impact on the lives of others. How it affected my life? If the Potus tells you he believes in you and the Flotuscomes a few days after to tell you she is inspired by you, how will that make you feel? It has built my confidence, given me skills and challenged me to be a better leader. The Fellowship opened doors I didn’t even know existed, gave me friendships, relationships and partnerships. For example, Dr. Farouk Garba, who attended Morgan State University in Baltimore with me during the

TAMBARI SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2019

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MARYAM SH SHEHU HEHU M MOHAMMED OHAMMED // CO V E R

ETIQUETTE

Proper hosting etiquette

by HAFSAH ABUBAKAR MATAZU b

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Mandela Washington Fellowship organised most of the free cataract surgeries sponsored by theCharity to Cheer Foundation over the years.

Role models My father, for everything he stood for; the legacy he left me; and my mother, for her resilience and strength.

What was growing up like?

I smile because this is a question I may not be able todo justice to in this interview. I am the eighth of eight children, but our house was home to so many people. Growing up was fun. We played like children -climbed trees, shot birds with slingshots, ran, fell, bruised our knees, fell off trees, cried, laughed, danced, sang, played football and did all of the things the typical child did in the eighties. The NTA would come on air at 4.00 pm and we would watch Sesame Street, Moppet Show Voltron, Telemax, Circus and try to imitate things we saw on Circus. We read Ladybirdbooks, Mr. Men series, Famous Five and many more. We listened to music from cassettes, videos were VHSand Betamax. I am beginning to sound ancient, right? I grew up in a house where there were so many people and so much love. Tribe and religion did not play any role in who lived in that house, who ate there or who visited. Those were good old days.

Fond childhood memories It was number 11, Dendo Road, Kaduna, the gate to the house facing Lugard tower. I would drive past at every opportunity because that’s where most of the memories of my childhood reside. I remember the mango trees -climbing them, plucking and eating to my fill. The tangerine, grape fruit and guava trees... I remember having so many cats in the house and always ensuring that they were fed and cuddled. There were local chickens, pigeons, rabbits and rams. There was so much space, as well as adventure. I never learnt how to ride a bicycle, but my immediate elder sister,Hadiza, and Babayo my brother, always rode with me.During races, when they fell I fell with them. I remember going for long walks and drives with Baba and insisting that I would cook when Mama was in the kitchen. I was too small to see the pot on the cooker, so a stool would be placed in front so I could see and stir whatever I was cooking in my tiny pot. Mama’s miyankuka was legendry. People would arrive in time for lunch. I remember homework with Baba, piano lessons with his friend, Dr Oguntoye and dance lessons with Babayo- crazy legs, running man and snaking. Yaya Ai read stories to me.

The one I remember most is Sugar Girl. And she taught me songs from her boarding school. I remember that the gate and the front door were always open, and people did not have to call before arriving because they were always welcome.

Joys of motherhood Parenting is humbling. Is there anything more exciting than seeing a child take his first step, say his first word, learn a new trick, learn to ride a bicycle? It is a rollercoaster of emotions, and nothing compares. Alhamdulillah.

Favourite music I am quite versatile because of the influence of my siblings while growing up. From Fela, Lagbaja, Don Williams, Tracey Chapman, Backstreet Boys, Blackstreet,

TAMBARI SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2019

Anita Baker, Kenny G, Shania... I just appreciate good songs. Through some music sharing buddies I discovered the Ed Sheerans and Man Gwananis and Adeles of the world. Thanks to my son, I now know some Hausa hiphop songs, and thanks to Shazam, I can always find who sang what.

Favourite fashion items That’s a tough one. I find that I have a favourite pair of shoes here and a favourite pair of earrings there or a favourite veil, but I haven’t been able to decide which to mention here.

Flats or heels?

Both, depending on the mood and the outfit.

What wouldn’t you be caught wearing?

Skinny jeans.

Favourite day of the week and why I love Fridays. A Friday symbolizes the end of a week, the opportunity to unwind the next day and make plans for the coming week.

Favourite food I have been thinking about this, but then, I realised that I don’t really have any favourite food.

Your definition of style If it looks good and decent, that’s it.

Beauty routine Honestly, I don’t have a strict beauty regimen. I know for a fact that the better I sleep, the less the stress, the better I look and feel.

Favourite travel destination Madinah, for obvious reasons. To me, there is nowhere else in the world where that kind of tranquility exists.

Favourite quote or saying Que sera sera.

How do you relax?

Reading a nice book over a lovely cup of tea is my idea of relaxing. I also like to spend time with loved ones.

Life lessons I lost my father early in life and I grew up the year he died. I learnt that everything happens for a reason and while some things are destined to happen, we all have the free will to shape who and what we become. We then have to consciously and carefully choose what paths we want to take in this life. I look back and I know every experience I got has shaped who I am today.

Advice to women Build yourself, challenge yourself to grow, make yourself whole, love yourself deeply and truly. It is only when you do these for yourself that you will be able to open your heart to embrace others, hold their hands and lift them up. When you love yourself as much as you should, your aura exudes that confidence that attracts positivity. Never stop learning, never stop giving. There is nothing as valuable as giving your time to those who need it, and nothing is as fulfilling as making a difference in someone else’s life. Spare some time to see someone smile or shed tears of joy because of you. Listen to someone who just needs a listening ear, help take that weight off her/him. Be kind if you can, it helps you sleep better. The better your sleep, the brighter your face as your inner beauty shines through.

elebrating Sallah comes with the spirit of spending quality time with family or friends, and hosting plays a big part in the festivities.

That’s why, this week we are walking you through the proper hosting etiquette.

Make sure your home is in order: Welcome your guests into a clean, perfumed home. Go the extra mile in tidying up and making the house spotless for your guests.

Welcome them warmly: When hosting your guests, take time to greet them individually; ask them how they are doing, make them feel at home while they’re visiting, and always keep a friendly and warm smile on your face.

Have enough edibles on hand: Keep the guests entertained, well fed and watered with enough food, snacks and drinks in abundance. Sallah is the time for feasting, so don’t be afraid to go overboard with the food you serve.

Saying your goodbyes: Just as you welcomed them warmly and individually, do the same when they are leaving. Give them gifts or some food to take away, follow them to their cars, and call to check if they’ve arrived at their destinations safe and sound.

SOCIETY NEWS Compiled by HAFSAH ABUBAKAR MATAZU

Kiki Osinbajo launches new skincare products

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aughter of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Kiki Osinbajo has launched four new products to her skincare line, Koyin Skincare.

The launch which held in Abuja earlier within the week at GlamD Africa Beauty House, founded by Kiki, saw many in attendance, including her parents, His Excellency Yemi Osinbajo, and Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, as well as close friends.

She revealed her new line on her Instagram account captioning the post, “Today @konyinskincare_ launches 4 new products & our mobile refil BAR and guys I’d like for you to support me on this journey. Can you guess who my special guests are on this special day?? @konyinskincare_ in a year has achieved so much and I’m happy to say that we have just started!

Be ready to support your girl! For those of you who constantly support me I love you guys sooo much!!! We are not stopping till @konyinskincare_ is a household name. Let’s go natural.”

Congratulations to Kiki on a successful launch!

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B E AU T Y

TRENDS STYLE FASHION

Five travel beauty essentials for Sallah celebration

by ABIOLA AMINAT ADEPOJU

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any people will be travelling to their various hometowns for the Sallah celebration and they are probably wondering what clothes to take along. However, packing right goes beyond the outfits; determining what beauty items to travel with is essential. So, here is our guide to travelling beauty essentials that will help keep you stunning on the go.

Moisturizers: Moisturizing is an important step in a skin care routine. It is essential to carry your moisturizer along with you everywhere you go, especially when travelling for the Sallah celebration.

It helps keep your skin healthy and looking its best.

Deodorant: This is a necessity for everyday grooming, so you can’t afford not to take it with you while travelling. You can do without perfumes, body sprays, but using a deodorant is a must. The body passes out waste through the skin pores as sweat, especially in hot climates such as ours. This is where deodorants come in, they help mask the odour of perspiration. They will keep you smelling nice and feeling fresh.

Mini makeup bags: There is no need to haul your entire makeup box with you when going for a short holiday such as Sallah. All you need is a mini makeup bag containing the basics, such as wipes, mascara, eyeliner and pencil, base (foundation

or concealer), powder and your goto lipstick stain.

Toiletry bag: This one really goes without saying. You can’t embark on a journey without your body wash, sunscreen, hair removal cream or shaving stick, and so on. It is very important to take these stuffs along to help you maintain a gorgeous look.

Hair products: This doesn’t mean that you pack your entire hair kit,

coconut oil, chebe powder and so on. It’s a short trip, so all you need is the bare minimum such as a dry shampoo and leave in conditioner that will help your hair remain gorgeous without much effort. Also, your brush or comb is essential with a moistening agent such as hair cream or oils.

With additional information from the internet

DID YOU KNOW... THAT STRIKING THE PERFECT BALANCE BETWEEN PACKING TOO MUCH OR TOO LITTLE CAN FEEL LIKE STRIKING GOLD?

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may be tempted to eat a lot on Sallah day. But Dr. Muhammad Umar of Bwari General Hospital warns that doing so may not be the smartest thing to do for your body, health wise as it may lead to stomach upsets, nausea and intestinal disorders.

People are guilty of overstuffing their bodies

with large amounts of food that are greasy, sugary, and overall, bad for the body. Because of this, Sallah ends up becoming a day of abdominal pain for those who don’t eat with caution.

Also, it’s important to keep in mind that oily foods are the main

culprits of gastrointestinal disturbances, so if you can grill or bake it, then don’t fry it. Oily foods also tend to make you feel more uncomfortable when you eat them in excess.

To avoid overeating, eat small amounts of foods in regulated portions and at certain times instead of eating everything all at once. At the same time, it is also important to stay hydrated with water and fruit juices.

It is key to bear in mind that although Sallah gives you the chance to celebrate and make merry, do so with caution and make an effort not to overeat so that you can fully enjoy the festivities in good health.

With additional information from the internet

TAMBARI SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2019

I am forty four years old, had fibroid operation ten years ago and had a baby two years later. Since then I have not been able to take in again. I have done several tests and was given tablets and injections without results. I went for an ultrasound scan last week and I was told I had multiple fibroids and that because of its size it will necessitate operation. How safe is this operation? What are the chances of giving birth again? Kindly advise me. Madam Morayo, Ilorin, Kwara State This is what is called recurrent fibroids. The operation – repeat Myomectomy can be safely done. This is better done by experts because of the possibilities of adhesions and other issues with previous Myomectomy. It is very safe in good hands. The possibility of natural conception depends on findings at surgery including state of the tubes. In this case, of long standing history of infertility and the age, you should prepare for possibility of assisted conception therapy (IVF).

Your spouse also needs to do seminal fluid analysis.

Be rest assured the operation is safe with minimal risk.

My sister had an emergency operation three weeks ago. Four days after the operation, we discovered that the dressing over the site of the wound was soaked. Since then she has been on wound dressing and though the wound is big but getting better. We were told they would do secondary closure. I am confused about this. The explanation of the doctor is not clear. Medinat When an operation is performed and the skin incision is closed and healed, it is referred to as healing by primary intention. But when there is wound breakdown and infection like your sister’s wound, especially if dressing alone cannot make the wound heal, there is need for re-suturing.

This is called secondary closure. It is not a major operation and depending on the use and depth, it could be done with local Anaesthesia.

WHICH TYPE OF CANCER?

Avoiding overeating during the Sallah feast ith Sallah comes an array of sumptuous dishes to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. After a monthlong fasting and staying away from food for about 14/15 hours daily, one

RECURRENT UTERINE FIBROIDS

WHAT IS SECONDARY CLOSURE PLEASE?

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

By HAFSAH ABUBAKAR MATAZU

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

My mother is sixty five years old who started bleeding from her private part since last year.

We have taken her to chemists with several drugs given without improvement. The last time we were at the general hospital we were told she had cancer but they were not sure of the type of cancer. Kindly advise us on what to do? Rifkatu At her age the possibilities include cervical and endometrial cancer. The former is more prevalent in this region due to lack of proper Papsmear screening policy. I will suggest you see a Gynaecologist for proper assessment. Examination under Anaesthesia (EUA/Biopsy) may need to be done to take sample from cervix and endometrium.

Treatment will depend on the final diagnosis. You can try any Teaching hospital or Specialist hospital close to your area.

CAN’T I PUT TO BED MYSELF?

I had Caesarean section two years ago due to high blood pressure at close to nine months. I am pregnant again and I was told because I am thirty six years old I have to undergo another operation. I recall after the first operation, the doctor told me that I could deliver the next baby by myself. I don’t want to be operated again. Mrs Sandra, Nyanya Abuja We have stated several times that, it is not the mode of delivery that matters but delivering a healthy baby to a healthy mother. Since you are thirty six year old and have never gone to labour by yourself, the pelvis and the uterus has not been tried, first labour has its challenges. In addition to with this you had operation. If the labour did not progress normally and there is need to augment in a previous scar, are the capacity and basic instruments to monitor such high risk labour available? It may be safer to just go for the Caesarean section as elective.