HAIR & BEAUTY MAGAZINE MARCH/EASTER EDITION.

Vol. 19 No. 80 March/Easter Edition

Hairstyles for this season WHAT WENT WRONG WITH OUR EDUCATION & EVALUATION SYSTEMS

SPECIAL BRAIDS’ COLLECTION HOW I FOUND OUT I'M NOT THE FATHER OF MY MY 4 4 CHILDREN, CHILDREN AFTER 22 YEARS OF MARRIAGE

BRAID PICTURES TO ASSIST IN YOUR NEXT SELECTION

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Hello, Africa; good-day, Nigeria. For those whose mindsets limit them into believing that Valentine should be celebrated only once in a year, by the time this edition hits the news-stand, for them, Valentine would have come and gone. Therefore, to those people, a happy belated Val. greeting is proper. For our readers who are wondering why the opening punches of this Commentary is about Valentine or chocolates or flowers, the reason predictable. It's all about Hair. Women buy more Hair, because of Valentine season, in February, than they do in the following month or in the month of March. Salon owners, stylists or hairdressers can testify to that claim.

When the verdict of economic indicators came out in the favour of Nigeria's Economy in the last quarter of 2017, global economywatchers took notice, albeit in the midst of a high-level of surprise or suspicion. For Nigeria's hair industry, better days are here to stay. Beauty or Hair business will continue to reign in Africa.

Historically, the analysis of Africa's economy or its currencies are used to be being painted with or documented as problems-filled.

Like the proverbial Nazareth of economies, nothing good can come out of there. Pronouncements like poor and unfavourable exchange-rates, long delays in clearing of goods at sea or airports, and abrupt laws that prohibit imported goods are the norms.

Things are changing for good, though. Steady currency exchangerate, rapid clearing systems at the Ports, and more thought out and nicely crafted regulatory measures are gradually becoming the standards of the day. Who can forget the positive impact of Kanekalon's positive initiatives in Africa's economy, which includes: educational programs, Salon-storm, Training sessions, Beauty pageants, sponsorship of events; even at times when our Economies are deep into recession. The Wait is Over. By mid-year, the 2018 edition of the highly acclaimed Miss Kanekalon Beauty pageant will take place in Lagos.

There are not enough quality hair salons in Africa. Imagine the anguish which our women go through when they must travel to their home towns during festive seasons. Some even spend fortunes to ferry their stylists along with them, for fear that they might not get competent stylists at their hometowns. Still looking for an opportunity in the hair industry? We just gave you one.

FirstChoice Communication Ltd. (African Hair & Beauty Magazine)  18, Moloney Street, Onikan, Lagos.  Tel: 08033020110; 08084128835  E-mail: hairandbeautymag@yahoo.com info@ahbmagazibe.com  Website: www.ahbmagazibe.com

Formation of Associations in business circles or communities in Africa is now a permanent feature. There are now Associations of Okporoko traders, hair traders, meat traders, garri traders, etc. For the hair/traders association in Balogun Market, Lagos, there have been some salient issues of discomfort and animosity between the locals and the Chinese traders' sales girls. These sales girls who act like foot-soldiers, ferry goods from Chinese hair dealers in Lagos, using all techniques necessary; clandestine inclusive, if you will, mostly to the detriment of legitimate local hair traders, to reach their unsuspecting customers. Recently, the heads of the Lagos hair Associations decided to put an end to some of the negative business activities that are practised by these so-called sales girls.

More on this story in our next edition.

The messages, analysis, tips, tricks, hairstyles and techniques herein are useful life-enhancers. Read African Hair & Beauty magazine and, be the best you can be; especially in the areas of hair and beauty 5

PUBLISHER’S COMMENTARY

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Special Braids’ Collection

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How i found out I'm not the Father of my 4 Children, after 22 years of marriage

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What went wrong with our education & evaluation systems

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Braid pictures to assist in your next selection

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Hairstyles for this season

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HOW I FOUND OUT I'M NOT THE FATHER OF MY 4 CHILDREN, AFTER 22 YEARS OF MARRIAGE How l found out I’m not the the father of my 4 children after 22 years of marriage He’s a 52 year old civil engineer. And his wife, a pharmacist, 50, both raised four children – 21, 19, 16 and 13.

The couple met in 1993, and married in 1995. And raised their four children to the best of their abilities with all the resources at their disposal… Until October 2017.

That’s when he discovered that all four are not his biological children!

After DNA tests at HumGene Ltd in Lagos proved that he’s not in anyway related to the children that meant the world to him.

Here’s the distraught father’s narration of how his world collapsed…

This is my story: On the 20th of September 2017, my 3rd child who happens to be a female was critically ill in the hospital and the doctor informed us that she needs an urgent blood transfusion.

My wife and I were in the hospital and we both decided to have our blood tested in other to know who has the same blood group with our daughter. But to oursurprise when the result came out, we were informed that none of us has the same blood group with our daughter. We had to nd a way out as soon as possible.

Fortunately for us, our rst son came and he happened to be a match. I was innocent about the whole thing because I didn’t know the implication of a child not matching either of the parent’s blood group.

After the whole thing was taken care of, the doctor called me in privately to ask if I was the real father of my own daughter. At rst, I was furious but I calmed down and answered him by saying, “Of course, why would you be asking me such question?”

He went ahead to explain how a child can have either the mother’s or father’s blood group. I was confused and I asked him what he was trying to tell me. And he said it’s either I’m not the father of the child or my wife is not the mother because one of us is supposed to match. But since none is a match there is a problem. I didn’t take it seriously because it was sounding odd to me. When I informed my wife about it, her answer was, “Don’t mind that stupid doctor.”

After 3 days, our daughter was discharged from the hospital. My mind was no longer at rest because I didn’t know what to do. I went back to the doctor and asked for advice on what I should do. He told me that if I wanted to be sure of everything, I shouldhave a paternity test done on my daughter. When he mentioned that to me, I almost collapsed because I know what that means. It was too much for me to handle. But I had to be a man and face whatever is about to happen. I asked him if I should do the same thing for the remaining 3. He told me that will be a good idea if I can

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afford it.

I decided to take the bold step even though it was not easy. I asked him if he has an idea of where I can carry out the test here in Lagos and the cost.

He advised me of 2 places and their prices. Coincidentally, a friend of mine told me that he saw an advert on Facebook about a company known as HumGene Limited, that they offer the cheapest DNA Paternity test in Nigeria. I quickly called the number they put on the advert and I spoke with the CEO of the company just to con rm if it’s actually true. She was nice and helpful and booked an appointment for me to come in with my 4 children in order to take samples from us. I asked her how accurate the result can be, and she said 99.99% if am the father and 0% if am not the father.

When we all arrived at her of care, she told me to come in alone. She asked me for my story and if I was ready for this because the result could be either way, and especially 4 children involved, the eldest is 21 years old. At first, I was scared and she asked me if I wanted to take time to think about it before making the decision. I was surprised and asked her if she doesn’t want money. She smiled and answered me by saying: “ Sir, it’s not just all about the money, I think of my clients’ psychological well being first.”

I had to be a man and I told her I was ready. I asked her when the result will be ready and she said 5 working days because she is yet to start the analysis in Nigeria. So, for now, she sends the samples to her partner company in Canada.

The waiting period seemed like a hundred years to me. When the results came in, she called me to come in for them. I was scared but at the same time, I wanted to know the truth. When I got to her office, counseling began even before giving me the results, I just knew the worst has happened but I didn’t expect it to be all my children that I have laboured for all my life, giving them the best in life. But unfortunately for me when I opened the results all the 4 children were not mine. 3 sons and 1 daughter. I couldn’t hold it as a man, I broke down in tears.

At first, I thought I was dreaming and waiting to wake up from sleep. The trauma was too much for me.

When I got home, I called my wife to the bedroom immediately and gave her the results. She denied everything. I wanted to believe her to make myself happy. I went ahead to call the CEO of HumGene Limited to ask her if she was sure about the result. I spoke with her with an angry tone, but she was calm and told... me she is very sure and referred me to other places I can try doing another test. She informed me that although the prices are higher.

...continued from next page...

...Continued From Previous Page I didn’t know what to do and I went to the doctor that advised me to go for the paternity test. When he saw the results, he told me this can’t be a mistake because DNA does not lie and that the 22 loci region is the highest in the Paternity test. I felt more convinced and went back home. I told my wife that if she does not tell me the truth I will go ahead to our church pastor and show them the result. After hearing me say that, she broke down into tears and confession started.

results received on the 10th of October 2017.

What did you tell the children when the tests were done?

We told them they were going for a general checkup for genetic testing since HumGene Limited offers the services for that.

She had all my supposed to be children for the same man.

That was why our son had same blood group with the sister. What kind of samples were taken? Buccal Swabs. Were the She has refused to tell me the man and the reason why she children not curious? did what she did.

Not at all. We didn’t give them any reason to be curious.

We are yet to tell the children and our family members. I’m in great shock and don’t know where to start from.

Who have you told about the result?

The CEO of HumGene Limited has been of great help taking her time to counsel me anytime I needed that. I need Only my wife and the Doctor that suggested the test. advise. Please, what should I do? Men out there you need to be vigilant.

What’s your wife saying?

Here is a short interview with the civil engineer…Were you Just crying as usual and refused to tell me the reason behind always traveling when the children were conceived? her actions, I moved out the next day because I don’t want to be in the same house with her. The more I see her, the I was traveling a lot, but the maximum time I spend out of angrier I get, and I don’t want it to lead to something I will the house is 2 weeks. I do not keep track of when my wife regret. gets pregnant.

Do you know the father of your ‘children’? No, my wife is holding on to that.

Can you have babies?

Are you not scared for your life?

I’m not, but this question is now making me think if I should be scared, I can’t think straight right now. What do you want to do now?

I have never doubted that. So, I didn’t have any reason to check if I’m medically okay to have children. But I do not feel any abnormality in himself. I will go for a test to check, but I’m not in the right state of mind now.

To be honest with you, I’m yet to come to a decision. It’s very difficult. I have worked so hard to give the children the best anyone can imagine giving to their children.

What do you do? And your wife?

How much did the tests cost?

I’m a Civil Engineer, my wife is a Pharmacist. Why are you still living with her?

For myself and one child, it was N60,000.00 and an extra child was N40,000. In total, I paid N180,000 for myself and the 4 children.

I am no longer living in the house now, I’m staying in the hotel.

Blood group: Husband (A), wife (AB), first child (O+), second (B+), third (O+), fourth (B+)

When were the tests done?

Samples were submitted on the 3rd of October 2017 and

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WHAT WENT WRONG WITH OUR EDUCATION AND EVALUATION SYSTEMS. On Sunday, I watched cabinet secretaries Fred Matiang’i and Joe Mucheru explain on television what went wrong with our education and examination systems. I couldn’t agree more.

Talk to any corporate employer and, if they’re frank enough, will tell you one of their biggest challenges today is to get qualified staff, yes, qualified as opposed to merely having academic papers.

I know it because I have been a newspaper editor. In the newsroom one of my daily chores was to go through write-ups from staff and external contributors and decide which ones to publish.

I would get articles by people with masters’ degree but who can’t communicate in English, the language of instruction in our schools.

POOR COMMUNICATION

TRAINING

You know it when you go through a write-up to the third You hire those double masters, but wait until you give them Next wewhat embarked on opening up campuses or that university everyare availablespace paragraph and can’t tell the author is talking about. of this a desk and discoveratthey zero in terms of usable skills, in town.

Those are chaps who walk to your desk, bamboozle you creativity, and self-drive.

We had university“campuses” atop garages and next door to the fish market. with fake accents, but wait until you ask them to put in So you have to go back to the drawing board and train One of the“campuses” in a town I won’t mention was next to a well known brothel! writingAnd what they’re talking about. them to think and to work. why not, we were in thebusiness of mass-production of “graduates” - and making money just like those in the oldest profession!

The spelling and sentence construction is atrocious.

Sadly,and a number them turngirls outare to be untrainable even at Are you surprised that a recent survey indicated more more ofof our college Wonder today why in the electronic media, for example, that stage, simply because all their school-life, they were students by day and prostitutes by night? we have more DJs and comedians than thinkers. coached to pass or steal exams but not to think on their own and do some productive work.

And the problem isn’t restricted to the media industry.

Any corporate head can tell you a huge chunk of their As an employer, you are left with no choice but to let them budget is going to in-house training. go unless you’re philanthropic enough to let them hang around as part of the furniture.

Where did the rain start beating us?

GRADUATES The first goof we made was to create a nation that believes everybody must go to university and be a graduate.

Never mind how well baked the graduate is. The issue was to graduate, period.

So as a nation we embarked on mass-production of “graduates”.

We began by converting every good middle-level college to a university.

We did away with great colleges like the Kenya Polytechnic whose higher diploma in engineering had better premium in the labour market than an undergraduate degree.

ELITES At the moment we have more than 70 public and private universities, more than in some of the Asian-Tiger countries.

In South Korea for example, university education is just for few elites.

The chaps building the cars on their roads and electronics in their houses are diploma and certificate holders.

The few college graduates they have are in the lab designing the next generation of i-phone.

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BRAID PICTURES TO ASSIST IN YOUR NEXT SELECTION Box braids will forever be an essential part of any black girl’s hair repertoire. It’s one of a few hairstyles that is relatively low maintenance. It’s a protective style, allowing you to keep your own hair out of the way and free of manipulation and it’s also a very versatile way wear your hair. There are various ways you can get rock box braids and once they’re actually in, there are even more ways you can style them. We’ve combed the Web–Pinterest Tumblr and Instagram in particular–to create THE ultimate box braid style guide for you. (If you’d like to learn about caring and installing box braids, read our Box Braid 101). When choosing how to wear your box braids, you’ll have to consider what size you want, what length and what color. We’ve broken it down for you. Enjoy!

(By the way, if you like this, maybe you’ll like our indepth post on bantu knot outs on different lengths and textures or this one about Fulani Braids (AKA Alicia Keys Braids)).

Box Braid Sizes In general, there are three basic sizes (and by size we’re referring to the width of the braid)–pencil (which is a normal size), thin (or micro) braids, or chunky jumbo braids.Thin Braids With thin braids you run the risk of putting more tension on your follicles because less of your own hair is carrying the ‘weight’ of the braid. Think of it this way: if you wanted to break one match stick, you could easily snap it; but several matchsticks together can resists more pressure. In the same way, the more hair you have bunched together, the resistant it is to tension. That said, be careful when installing thin braids and using small sections of hair; be sure you or your stylist uses the minimum amount of tension required to keep them secure. On the other hand, one advantage of thin braids is they give you easy access to more of your scalp, so washing your hair is easier. (See how to wash box braids here).

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In terms of look, thin box braids, most closely resemble actual strands of hair giving you a sort of ‘lighter’ look.

BRAID PICTURES TO ASSIST IN YOUR NEXT SELECTION

Chunky or Jumbo Box Braids Jumbo box braids are so hot right now because they’re just so dramatic and stand out. Depending on the amount of hair you use and also depending on the size of the sections of hair, jumbo box braids can put less tension on your follicles, but are slightly more difďŹ cult to wash than thin or pencilsized box braids.

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BRAID PICTURES TO ASSIST IN YOUR NEXT SELECTION Pencil-Sized Box Braids Pencil-sized or ‘normal’ box braids are a nice option when you’re not necessarily looking to stand out or sitin a salon chair for too long.

They’re also the perfect size to avoid putting too much tension on your hair.

Braid Length With a size chosen, now you’ve got to think about how long you want your box braids.Long Box Braids For something dramatic, go long!

But be head’s up: long box braids can really get in the way of day-to- day life and can be uncomfortable to sleep with.

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BRAID PICTURES TO ASSIST IN YOUR NEXT SELECTION Pencil-Sized Box Braids Pencil-sized or ‘normal’ box braids are a nice option when you’re not necessarily looking to stand out or sitin a salon chair for too long.

They’re also the perfect size to avoid putting too much tension on your hair.

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