Due to nutritional requirements and acquired taste, many have found their own unique ways of making some conventional dishes.
Check out how to prepare Egusi soup with tomatoes, very similar to Buka-style Egusi.
Cooking time
1 hour

Ingredients
1-1½ cups of Egusi (melon)
8 pieces of goat meat
Some pieces of dry fish
2 crayfish seasoning cube
1 tsp of dry pepper
3 tbsps of crayfish
1 large onion
1 Ata rodo
3 medium sized plum tomatoes (blended)
1 small red bell pepper
120 ml of palm oil
2 cups of pumpkin leaves (ugu)
1 cup of water leaf (chopped)
1 hand full of uziza leaves (chopped)
Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Wash the pieces of dry fish and soak for a while till soft.

2. Mix the Egusi with the crayfish in some luke warm water to form a slightly thick paste.

3. Wash the goat meat and place in a pot with salt ata rodo, some chopped onions and seasoning cube. Pour some water over the meat and cook on medium heat till done. Set aside.

4. In another pot, heat the palm oil till hot and then add blended tomatoes. Fry for 10-15 minutes.

5. Pour in egusi and some meat stock and allow to cook for another 15 minutes, stirring at intervals.

6. Add the remaining peppers, seasoning cube, dry fish and goat meat. Stir and combine, Taste and adjust if necessary. Allow to simmer for another 20 minutes.

7. Add the pumpkin leaves and uziza leaves and leave to simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off heat.
Your egusi soup is ready! Serve with any swallow of your choice.

https://www.nigerialog.com/food/how-to-prepare-egusi-soup-with-tomatoes/new/#new

This meal will steal the heart of any Easterner. Check out how to prepare yam and vegetable sauce or Ji Abubo.


Cooking time
30 minutes

Ingredients
1 average sized tuber of white yam
200g Nigerian pumpkin leaves
Palm oil
200g ukpaka (shredded oil bean seeds)
Ogiri Igbo (castor bean paste)
1 Habanero pepper or to taste
Salt (to taste)

Instructions

1. Slice yams into desired shape, wash well without peeling the skin and pop into a clean pot. Pour some water to cover the yams and allow to boil on medium heat.

2. Wash ukpaka and vegetables and place on top of yams till soft. Set aside. When yam is done, turn off heat.

3. Pound the peppers together with the ukpaka and vegetables till very smooth.

4. Add palm oil till consistency you desire is acquired. Add salt and castor bean paste to your taste. Mix well.
Your Ji Abubo is ready! Serve separately or incorporate together like yam porridge.

https://www.nigerialog.com/food/how-to-prepare-yam-and-vegetable-sauce-(ji-abubo)/new/#new

Spring onions have a similar taste to onions but are milder in flavour. This is often used as a Chinese ingredient in cooking which is loaded with flavonoids, vitamin C, carotenoids and some sulphur compounds.

Although, spring onions are highly perishable, so ensure to buy in small quantities. Spring onion can be cooked, used for salad or garnishing meals generally.

Below are the benefits of spring onions:

Reduces the risk of heart diseases
Vitamin C helps in lowering high cholesterol in the body which in turn reduces your risk of heart disease. The presence of antioxidants in spring onions helps in preventing damage of cellular tissue. Finally, sulphur compounds help in reducing the risk of heart diseases.

Aids in respiratory function
Spring onion is a commonly used natural remedy often used to treat flu. They are also found to stimulate the activity of the respiratory system and also helps in reducing excess mucus.

Improves vision
Spring onions contain vitamin A that plays a major role in maintaining vision. Vitamin A also helps to fight against macular degeneration.

Reduces the risk of cancer
Green onions, in general, are rich in a sulphur that helps in reducing the risk of developing colon cancer. Flavonoids also help in preventing cancer.

Prevents stomach complications
Spring onions act as a natural remedy to prevent diarrhoea and other stomach complications. It also improves your appetite.

https://www.nigerialog.com/food/benefits-of-spring-onions/new/#new

It’s not selfish to give to yourself as much as you give of yourself”- Suze Orman
Do you know the easiest way to avoid burn out and exhaustion in life? Well, I have the answer for you- stop pouring from an empty cup. Your cup is empty, but you keep pouring. I know you, you are so selfless and you can go extra mile for people. You are someone who gives of yourself everyday. You give and give and you enjoy it, but you are on the verge of burnout.

Being in a ‘selflessness mode’ gives an assumption that you have already taken good care of yourself. If not, then it is not selflessness; it is self-abuse or self-foolishness or probably self-foolhardiness.

There is a thin line between being caring and being careless. Don’t cross it.Are you a teacher, parent, coach, friend, wife, husband or leader? It is only when you are full that you can overflow to others. When you take time to replenish yourself, it allows you to serve others. Stop short-circuiting yourself to grow others.


King Solomon shared an ancient piece of wisdom and caution long time ago when he said: “They made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I neglected.” In which area of your life are you neglecting yourself?

Are you a pastor that impacts the congregation, but have neglected your own family? Are you a teacher that inspires your students, but seldom takes time to impact your own children? Are you a leader that can sacrifice anything for your company, but your family is begging for attention?

Are you a doctor that always arrives on time for emergencies, but your family life is in a coma? Are you a caregiver that cares for others, but you are careless with your own health? Are you the go-to-person that everybody comes to visit to help them fix their problems, but your own life is in dilapidated ruin?

Until you become the most important person in your own life, you will be useless to every other person. Are you the most important person in your life? How often do you make time for yourself? If you are burned out, stressed out or overloaded, what is left to give to others?

Raymond Hull said: “He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away.” How do you ensure that you still give your best in the midst of the insatiable demand of the people around you?

Learn To Say ‘No’ Sometimes
Stop saying ‘yes’ to everybody while you constantly say ‘no’ to yourself. Except you are a Superman, Spiderman or Wonder Woman, you need to understand that you cannot always be there for everybody.

Learning how to say ‘no’ sometimes is a sign of maturity, just as maturity is learning how to say ‘no’ without feeling guilty about it. Simply saying “no” will free up some of your time and the person who asked you would find someone else to help them. Don’t push aside your needs for the needs of others. Don’t be the yes man. If you are constantly saying yes to things, it means you are saying no to you. So, don’t be afraid to say no when you know you want to. Don’t feel obligated to give an immediate response. It is okay to say you will get back to them.

Taking on more responsibilities when you know you need time to yourself is not good. If the people in your life ask you to do something, you can say “no.” And when you do, don’t feel guilty. They may get upset and question you, but they will get over it.

Be Honest About Your Limits
We all have limits, but the problem in life is exceeding our limits in an unhealthy way. Science has taught us that when rubber exceeds its elastic limit, it goes on into an irredeemable point called ‘breaking point.’ You may need to stretch yourself sometimes, but never stretch to a breaking point. It is okay to have boundaries; it is actually really healthy. Believe it or not, healthy boundaries produce healthy relationships and lack of boundaries is an open invitation to abuse. Don’t overwork yourself, over-share yourself with others or exhaust yourself trying to make everyone happy. It is not worth it.

Learn How To Ask For Help
Isaac Newton said: “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” Learning to ask for help is strength and not weakness. There is no shame in needing the assistance of others once in a while, and you would be surprised how ready people are to give it. There is joy in helping others and there can be joy in receiving that help as well.

Invest In Personal Development
You can only help others to grow to the same level that you have attained. I have often said that the greatest hindrance to personal development is personal neglect. Create some non-negotiable rituals to develop yourself. Rituals help us to stay grounded, balanced and calm in an ever-changing and busy world.

Take Time To Rest
You cannot excite others while you are exhausted. Don’t ever violate your time to rest in order to take care of others. Your mind, body, soul and spirit need rest. Learn how to give yourself a break from the drama in the world. If you continually discharge to bless others, then you surely need a time to recharge. Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.

Make ‘Me Time’ A Priority
There are times you need to ‘customise’ for yourself. If your work or relationship is all-encompassing to the point where you have no time to take care of yourself, it is time to move on. I remember a job I got after graduating from school. After years of sacrificing my happiness and even health, for the tasks in front of me, I could safely say that things were not ideal. I should have moved on, but I was afraid to. I was afraid because I was not sure what the future would bring. Now, I know that you are always better off with anything that takes away your happiness and your time for loved ones, yourself and God.

Cut Off From Ungrateful People
Stop giving more of yourself to people that don’t value and appreciate it. No matter what you do for someone that is ungrateful, he or she will never appreciate it. Trying to satisfy an ungrateful person is like continuously pouring water into a basket. Where your absence is not felt, then your presence is irrelevant.

Simplify! Simplify!! Simplify
There is always a simpler and better way of doing what you are presently doing. Stop taking the hard ways to accomplish things for other people or you will always get exhausted. Leonardo da Vinci said: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

Cut Off From Negative People
Stay away from negative people. Tom Ziglar said: “Negative people don’t want solutions. Solutions mean they have to work to find something else to be negative about.” Negative people suck serenity, optimism, tranquility and energy out of others.

Speak Positively To Yourself
Your self-talk is incredibly important. When you wake up early in the morning, before having any conversation with others, speak empowering words into your own life. You start your day full when you start it with positive vibes.

Priortise Your Activities
You will run yourself to the ground if you try to do everything all at once. Prioritise the things that are of most importance. Do as much as you can with the time you have and be okay with not being able to do everything. There is always a tomorrow. So, breathe, relax and make a to-do list.Have you ever heard of the age long maxim that you cannot give what you don’t have? Remember to take care of yourself first. You cannot pour from an empty cup.

https://www.nigerialog.com/random-thoughts/you-cant-pour-from-an-empty-cup/new/#new

Toilet infections are generally uncomfortable for both male and female which often displays symptoms like itching, pain on urination, bad odour and general discomfort in the private area.

Some harmful habits like squatting when urinating, wrong method of cleaning the anus after defecating, vagina douching, use of perfumes on the private area, use of dirty toilets and use of wet underwear may predispose a person to toilet infection.

Although, most people find treating toilet infections quite embarrassing; it is important to treat it early so it does not snowball into another issue that will affect one’s sexual health.

Below are helpful tips to prevent toilet infections:

Stop Vaginal Douching
soaps

Do not use medicated soap, antiseptics or salt to wash your private area has it causes harm to the bacteria living in the vagina. Only use water to clean up while bathing.


Always Change Your Underwear

It is advisable to change your underwear twice or whenever you’ve sweat much. Ensure your underwear is always dry.


Ensure You Stand Or Just Bend While Urinating
Public toilet

When you stand or bend when urinating, it helps to prevent infection by avoiding urine splashing on you. It is advisable to adopt this position, especially when using a public toilet.

Do Not Share Underwears
Underwear.

Never share your underwears with anyone as you do not know their sexual history and hygiene, hence, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Perfuming private part
Stop the use of perfume or scented soap on the vagina as it changes the chemical balance which can predispose a person to toilet infections.

Be careful not to injure yourself around your private area has a break in the skin due to injury will predispose one to infections.

It is better to be proactive about protecting your sexual health in order to avoid toilet infections.

https://www.nigerialog.com/health/how-to-prevent-toilet-infection/msg51813/#msg51813

Many have drawn similarities between Hausa music and Indian music, rightfully so. However, can you identify the instruments used to deliver the high pitched melodies?
Through the evolution of empires, religions, colonization and trade, the language of music in Hausa land has changed over the centuries. Some instruments and sounds were heavily influenced by Arabs and foreigners and the locals decided to adapt them to form their own unique sounds. These sounds of the north are also reflected in music from the Gambia, Mali, Ghana, Niger, Senegal and many other West African countries.
These five instruments are some of the most popular instruments used to make music in Hausaland.

1. Kakaaki
The Kakaaki is a very popular trumpet used during the major festivals like the Durbar. It is a wind instrument characterised by its long length, usually three or four meters long. The sound of Kakaaki is associated with royalty and it is only played at events at the palace of the king or sultan in Hausa societies. In Hausa land, only men are permitted to play this instrument.

2. Goje/Goge
The Goje is a stringed fiddle resembling the guitar made out of lizard skin over a gourd bowl, and horse hair string suspended over the bridge. It brings a multiphonic sound.

3. Kalangu
Kalangu, or talking drum, is used differently than in the language of music in Yoruba land. To the Yoruba people, the talking drum can sing praises and chants with intended messages, while the hausa people only use the Kalangu to make deeper pitch for their music and create a more rhythmic tune.

4. Kora
The Kora is a large stringed instrument made up of 21 strings are placed on a gourd covered with skin/hide of an animal. It is also used by the people in Senegal, the Gambia, and Mali.

5. Drum
This sakara drum is used by both the Yoruba and Hausa people of Nigeria. It is a shallow drum with a circular body, with goat or cow skin, the smallest in the set of bata drums, but mostly used alone for hausa music.

https://www.nigerialog.com/culture/know-your-instruments-the-language-of-music-in-northern-nigeria/new/#new

It has been almost 10 years since the film Avatar was released yet it has been the highest grossing film of all time at the world box office earning $2.8 billion (N1 trillion).

The film at the time was a 3D phenomenon created by James Cameron and featured Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver and Zoe Saldana was set on Pandora, a fantasy planet inhabited by the Na’vi a race of aliens with blue skin.

For a few days there have been plans to create sequels to the successful film but the title have have been shrouded in secrecy.

According to James Cameron, the sequels will look at the planet Pandora’s sea world which were not part of the original film Avatar but will be explored.

The acclaimed filmmaker says that he had not wanted to name the sequels part 2,3 and 4 but the name Avatar will be added to the titles as it is a brand of some sort.

Actors expected to star include Kate Winslet and Sigourney Weaver who starred as Dr Grace Augustine whose character fans thought had been eliminated in the first film Avatar.

The four Avatar sequels are set to be released in December 2020, December 2021, December 2024, and December 2025.

https://www.nigerialog.com/tv-movies/avatar-sequel-titles-revealed/new/#new

Potato wedges can go as side for grilled chicken, burgers and many others. It is light enough to be eaten as lunch or dinner.
Cooking time
1 hour

Ingredients
4 Irish potatoes
Red pepper and tomatoes (blended)
Chicken stock
Spinach
Palm oil
Olive oil
Black pepper
Seasoning cubes
Salt for taste

Instructions
1. Wash potatoes with the back and make four halves for each potato.

2. Heat palm oil, without bleaching, in a pot. Add sliced onions and sauté till translucent then pour in blended pepper and tomatoes. When bleached, turn off heat.

3. Place potatoes on a baking pan, garnish with a bit of salt and pepper. Spray some olive oil and put into the oven for about 40 minutes.

4. In a heated dry pan, add the sautéed sauce and add chicken stock. Season with seasoning cubes and salt to taste.

5. Add roasted wedges and cook for 10 minutes, while stirring at intervals.

6. Add spinach and let simmer for 2 more minutes.

https://www.nigerialog.com/food/how-to-prepare-nigerian-style-potato-wedges(pic)/new/#new

Talking drums from Yoruba culture are quite popular during religious occasions and other festivities but you can get familiar with the other languages of drums in Yoruba land.
Yoruba language and culture is very widespread across Africa, and even beyond. Outside Nigeria, you can find large Yoruba communities in Togo and Benin Republic. Smaller communities can be found in Sierra Leone, Liberia and other African countries. In diasporan countries such as Brazil, Cuba, Puerto Rico and Trinidad, Yoruba drum cultures are practiced, especially during Òrìsà worship.
Drums in Yoruba land consist of animal skin strained against wooden frames. Most of the drums are percussive in nature, that is produced a rhythmic pattern that is danceable. Talking drums, which are quite popular, are so named because they imitate human voices while some others are just melody borne.

Here are some of the major drums that are used in Yoruba land.

1. Omele Ako
The drum is also known as Sakara and it belongs to the bata family of drums. Omele is a shallow drum with a circular body, with goat or cow skin, the smallest in the set of bata drums. Omele Ako is used during weddings, parties and other festivities. Hausa people of northern Nigeria also produce and use this drum.

2. Gan Gan/Dun Dun (talking drum)
The talking drum is the most popular drum in Yoruba land. This hourglass-shaped drum can be traced back to the Old Oyo Empire in South-West, Nigeria. It was introduced as a means of communication during inauguration of the Alaafin of Oyo. It is a very key ingredient of Yoruba folklore. The language of the talking drum depends on what the message or chant is intended to be. Its pitch can be adjusted using the cords and strings around the drum.
It is also the drum used by afrobeat musician, Lagbaja.

3. Saworoide
Saworoide, or Chaworoide in Cuba, is a type of talking drum or gan gan decorated with brass bells and chimes. Such bells are attached to leather straps for support. Tunde Kelani's 1999 film, Saworoide, was named after a tradition that a person can not be crowned king without the playing of the saworoide.

4. Bata
Bata is a double-headed drum shaped like an hourglass with one cone larger than the other. Used mostly in religious functions, festivals, carnivals and coronations, the Bata conveys messages of hope, divination, praise and war. Bata comes in a set of three drums — Iya ilu bata (loudest), omele abo bata and omele ako. The first two are double headed and each end is played and produces a unique tone. The Iyá ("Mother" is the largest and loudest in the group, playing long, complex patterns with many variations and initiates conversations with the other two drums.

5. Gbedu/Ogido
The Gbedu or “a big drum'' is a percussive instrument mostly used for spiritual ceremonies like Ogoni ceremonies, the ancient Yoruba secret society. Played either with the palm or drumsticks, Gbedu is a symbol of royalty and is covered in designs and carvings representing birds, animals and godesses. The drum is said to have been brought to Yorubaland by Edo diplomats in the 17th century.

6. Ashiko
Ashiko is a tapered cylindrical shaped drum with its head on the wide end and its narrow end open. It is made of goatskin hide strained against hardwood, played during festivals using the palms.

https://www.nigerialog.com/culture/the-language-of-drums-in-yoruba-land/new/#new

The Aba women's riot did not happen spontaneously, but had months of tension leading to it. Here is the real story behind the rebellion and the people that died.
Power in Igboland had very large disparity between ruling in other parts of Nigeria. Igbos did not have a unified political institutions as in the North and South hence it was harder to enforce the indirect system of ruling, instituted by Lord Lugard in 1914, in Igboland.
The Aba Women's Riot featured women rebelling against economic and socio-political oppressions in Bende, Umuahia, and other regions of Igboland. Over 10,000 women came out to protest from majorly six ethnic groups: Ibibio, Andoni, Orgoni, Bonny, Opobo, and Igbo.

Brief history
The indirect rule system in Igboland involved the appointment of 'warrant chiefs.' These warrant chiefs, who weren't necessarily people that were respected by the communities, became the enforced symbol of power. And as result of the vested power, the warrant chiefs became increasingly oppressive within few years.
Direct taxation on men was introduced in 1928 without major incidents, thanks to the careful propaganda during the preceding twelve months. In September 1929, Captain J. Cook , an assistant District Officer, was sent to take over the Bende division temporarily from the serving district officer. Upon taking over, Cook found the slated nominal rolls for tax inadequate because they did not include details of the number of wives, children, and livestock in each household. He decided to revise the nominal roll to include these.
The war and its implications
The riot bubbled from a town called Oloko , where the warrant chief, Okugo , sent his representative Mark Emereuwa on the morning of 18 November 1929, to conduct the census for the tax. Emereuwa entered the compound of a widow named Nwanyereuwa , while she was processes palm fruit, and instructed her to "count her lives stocks and people living with her."
Knowing fully well that this means you will be taxed based on the number of the outcome, Nwanyereuwa became embittered; and in replying, she said, "was your widowed mother counted?"
This simply means that women were not supposed to pay tax in Igbo society. Anger was however expressed with exchange of words and ended with Nwanyereuwa pouring her palm oil on Emereuwa. Threats were also exchanged.
The widow proceeded to the town square to find other women who were already deliberating on the tax issue and explained to them her sad experience. Nwanyeruwa's account prompted the women to invite other women with the aid of palm leaves from other areas of the Bende district.
Approximately ten thousand women were gathered, and a protest insisting on the removal and trial of the warrant chief was staged. It would go down in history that the effect of the Aba women’s riot prompted the British administration to drop their plans to impose a tax on the market women and to curb the power of the warrant chiefs.
In addition, the positions of women in society were greatly improved as women were appointed to serve as chief warrant in some areas.

https://www.nigerialog.com/culture/the-real-story-behind-the-aba-women's-riot/new/#new

Mainstream media thinks goat meat can save the planet, but does that mean goat meat should replace all the meat in your diet?
You might be wondering why western science is just catching up to the deliciousness that is goat meat, but Nigerians have been eating goat meat in various forms for a while now — goat meat peppersoup, asun and as protein in jollof rice, stews and soups.
Goat meat is relatively low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and leaner than beef, pork and even chicken when served in equivalent portion sizes. However, high proportions in your diet have been known to raise cholesterol levels and blood pressure, so, replacing all your meat might not be the best move.
Anyway, here are the health benefits of eating goat meat.
1. Recommended for pregnant women
Pregnant women are advised to eat goat meat because it is a good source of hemoglobin, prevents anaemia, and helps blood circulation. It's also good for women who are menstruating. Goat meat may even prevent birth defects.

2. Good for bone health
Goat meat is rich in calcium which is a good boost for the bones.

3. High in proteins
Goat meat is packed with proteins which is a key nutrient in the body.

4. Aids weightloss
Goat meat is rich in Vitamin B which is known to help in burning fat in the body, hence it can be a good staple for Fit Fam.

5. Contains essential acids and minerals
Goat meat is high in iron which is key in blood flow. It is also rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, good for autistic people.

https://www.nigerialog.com/food/should-goat-meat-replace-all-the-meat-in-your-diet/new/#new

There's no rule that says we have to like the people that we work with and some are more unbearable than others. Having a horrible boss can really affect your time at work. If you feel like your boss is getting under your skin, here's 5 effective ways to deal with a toxic boss at work.
Call it a power trip or they're simply not a very nice person but when people get into positions of power, their behaviour often changes. Especially when they have not had to deal with this level of responsibility before and they have the power to make your life absolute hell. From making you feel like you're bad at your job to showing favouritsim to other colleagues, a bad boss can make you not even want to show up that day. Bad bosses contaminate the workplace. Some do so without realising, whilst others smugly manipulate their employees, using them as instruments of their own success.
Your relationships at work are very important to your mental health. You spend more time at work anywhere else, so getting along with your colleagues and boss is important to your overall happiness. But unfortunately for some, that’s not always the case. Some of us have terrible colleagues and mean and spiteful bosses in particular and whilst it's fairly easy to ignore the coworker, you can’t ignore your horrible boss.

Your boss can make an enormous impact on your professional future, and for that reason, a toxic boss cause feelings of anxiety and fear.
You can’t treat it like a toxic friendship or
significant other where you simply cut ties or defend yourself, because you have to see them every day, and if you cross the line, it could affect your future at the company. You could look for another job and leave the situation entirely, but why should you leave what you love doing and feel passionate about because of one insufferable person?
When you've got a toxic boss that is simply making your life miserable, here are 5 ways that you can successfully deal with them.

1. Try not to take it personally.
It’s easier said than done, but learning to not let nasty comments affect you will only help your emotional state. If you are truly comfortable with who you are and know your value in the workplace, what really could your boss say to ruffle your feathers?
Whatever the problem, remember it's their problem and not yours. Bear this in mind every day and your days will become instantly easier.

2. Remember the bigger picture
In the midst of all the drama in the workplace, it is normal to forget the bigger picture and lose focus on your work. Yes, your boss might make coming to work an absolute nightmare, but nothing is worth running your career and future prospects over.
Bosses are transient and should not drive you to take decisions that can prove to be damning to you. Keep your eyes on the prize and don’t let office politics, pettiness and bureaucracy to deter you from reaching those goals.
Once you are out of this situation, which you will eventually will be as you go higher up the career ladder, you will be glad you were patient enough to deal with the situation.

3. Remember that you don’t actually need them to succeed.
You might think that you cannot move up the professional ladder without the approval and support of your immediate boss but that's not entirely true. Find ways to show the other senior level management in your company how valuable you are. You can also join professional groups outside of work, and create your own network of people.
Play your cards right and soon, your horrible boss will be seeking approval from you.

4. What goes around, comes around
Mean people always get what’s coming to them. Karma is very real. When it comes to business, some people think success means lacking humanity, empathy and being sly in order to get ahead. If your boss is one of them, you can take comfort in knowing that, that type of behaviour will only get them so far in life.
In fact, you may look and realise that they too are stuck in a career rut because their nasty attitudes will not allow them to rise further up the ranks.

5. Lower your Expectations
Often without realising, we expect perfection from people in higher positions. We assume that experience and their position makes them perfect but at the end of the day, they're human and they make mistakes. Understanding that people aren’t perfect makes it easier to deal with their bad behaviour.
It's not a justification but a better understanding of people and their idiosyncrasies will help you in your professional relationships and navigate professional relationships with more ease.

https://www.nigerialog.com/career/5-effective-ways-to-deal-with-a-toxic-boss-at-work/new/#new

There are different kind of beads that can be worn to any occasion like the gold beads, pearl beads, glass beads, cylinder bead, seed beads, vinyl beads, coral beads, camel bone beads, glass beads, transparent beads, faceted beads and many more. They derive beads from bone, metal, resin, bead tree, wood, clay, paper, and other materials.

Beads are often worn while expressing art like in the case of the Kalakuta queens at Fela’s shrine who are often adorned in colourful beads while performing on stage. Beads can be in form of an anklet, bracelet, waist chain, necklace, rings, earrings, buttons on a shirt, on the cover of a book or tablecloth.

Waist beads are called mgbaji in Igbo, jigida in Hausa and bebedi in the Yoruba language. Waist beads colour have different meanings like white signifies purity or light, blue means loyalty, red connotes confidence, orange means courage, yellow represents energy, pink means beauty, gold connotes power, black represents power, purple means royalty and green connotes fertility and prosperity while turquoise means self-awareness.

Beads are often adorned by royals, tribalists, musicians, women, men and children alike. Beads are unique because of the size, texture and the length which can be worn by anyone. A fashion trend widely spread in Africa and some foreign countries are beads as accessories.

Beads are no longer restricted to parties and outdoor events but can be worn as a workpiece. The design and texture of beads as evolved with the time that is why currently there are various kinds of beads for every occasion.

They are also used for religious purposes like the rosary beads used for prayer by the Catholics, coral beads worn by royals or the beads worn by priests during their ceremonies.

https://www.nigerialog.com/culture/the-culture-of-beads/new/#new

Down Syndrome is a genetic disorder in which there are extra sets of chromosome 21. Also called trisomy 21, Down syndrome was named after the discoverer, John Langdon Down, an English physician, and is characterised by varying degrees of intellectual disability.

Chromosomes are the means of passing genetic material from parents to their offsprings. Twenty-three (23) of these chromosomes are “donated” by each parent to form a complete set of forty-six (46) in the offspring(s). However, in Down syndrome, one of these chromosomes (chromosome 21) is duplicated fully or partially. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.

Who is affected by Down syndrome?
There is no racial, economic or geographical predilection in the development of Down Syndrome. It is the most common chromosomal disorder in the world. It is estimated that there are over 5 million people living with Down Syndrome worldwide today.

What causes Down syndrome?
They have not identified the cause of the extra chromosome. Nothing done before or during pregnancy can cause Down syndrome. However, the commonest risk factor is the age of the mother at pregnancy with older women (>35) being more at risk. The risk of development increases from 0.1% in 20-year-old mothers to 3% in 45-year-old mothers.


What are the signs and symptoms of Down syndrome?
A few of the common physical traits of Down syndrome are low muscle tone, an upward slant to the eyes, and a single deep crease across the centre of the palm – although each person with Down syndrome is a unique individual and may have these characteristics to different degrees, or not at all.

Other features also are seen which may include: mild-to-moderate intellectual disability resulting in delayed milestones, stunted growth, flat head, large tongue, flattened nose and abnormal ears and teeth. They also have congenital heart disease in a large chunk of cases. Individuals with Down syndrome have an increased risk of developing several medical conditions.

How is Down Syndrome diagnosed?
Diagnosing Down syndrome can be done when the pregnancy is ongoing (prenatal) and at birth. Before birth, screening tests (blood tests and ultrasound scan) can be done to estimate the chances of the development of Down syndrome. These tests are not definitive and the only way to confirm the diagnosis is via more invasive definitive tests.

At birth, Down syndrome can be diagnosed on physical examination of the newborn due to the characteristic features of the disorder and genetic testing.

https://www.nigerialog.com/health/understanding-down-syndrome/new/#new

Isi Ewu is a dish that is usually mistaken for the dish Nkwobi because they both have similar ingredients. However, just as the name rings, Isi Ewu means goat’s head which is the main ingredient and difference to Nkwobi. Peculiar to South-eastern Nigeria, a celebration is not complete in the absence of Isi Ewu.


Ingredients
1 Goat head
2 teaspoon of Ehuru (calabash nutmeg)
1 handful of sliced Utazi leaves
1 teaspoon of edible potash (akaun)
3 cubes of seasoning
2 medium-sized onions
2 tbsps of blended fresh pepper
1 cup of palm oil
1 tbsp of crayfish (optional)
Salt to taste
Note:

Goat head has a thick bone and comes with a sooth filled skin. Be sure to tell the butcher to scrape and cut into pieces while making sure that essential parts remain whole such as the ear, tongue and the brain. The brain is set aside from the rest of the meat because it is used also as a thickener for the sauce.

Before we cook, be sparing in your use of water, you need little water for the stock.

Method

In a pot, place the meat with the brain included, adding an onion (grated), the seasoning, a tablespoon of pepper, salt, water and allow to boil until the meat is tender.

While the meat boils, slice the other onions into rings, dissolve potash with a little amount of water and sieve.

A while into the meat boiling, take out the brain and place in a small mortar, add the other spoon of blended pepper and mash. When the meat is ready, separate stock from meat.

Pour oil into another dry pot. Little by little, pour potash into the oil and stir with a spatula until palm oil turns yellow and thicken.

Add the mashed brain, the stock of the meat, ehuru, crayfish, and continue to stir until blended.

Place the meat into the mixture and stir. Turn on the heat, until steaming hot.

Garnish with sliced onion rings and utazi leaves. Serve in a small wooden mortar.

https://www.nigerialog.com/food/seven-easy-steps-to-preparing-isi-ewu-(goat-head)/new/#new

A man reportedly needed a liver transplant after taking green tea capsules because the capsules caused serious damage to his liver. This experience according to experts is rare.

Doctors advise that buying the approved supplements from the right source and taking them according to the dosage stated not pose any harm but taking the supplements above the recommended dosage health risks.

Usually, excess supplements are excreted, but there is the possibility of the supplement being toxic to the liver, which is the organ that detoxifies what is consumed in the body.

Doctors have also stated that taking many supplements at the same time has potential risks. The reason is that the supplements may lead to excess levels.

Some supplements affect certain people due to different metabolism.

Women who plan on having children should take folic acid supplements, this is also recommended for pregnant women to prevent common birth defects in babies.

It is recommended that babies, children aged 0ne to four and people who do not get enough sun should take Vitamin D. Lack of Vitamin D causes bone deformities such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.

It is important for people who take limited diets or who have allergies to take supplements. In addition, people should be aware that supplements act differently in individuals because of the diverse body makeup.

In addition people shoud follow the follow tips while taking supplements.

Buy supplements from licenced professionals.

Be careful when taking more than one supplement at a time.

Do not take more than the recommended dosage.

https://www.nigerialog.com/health/are-supplements-beneficial-to-your-health/new/#new

Let’s face it: sometimes our homes can be stressful and chaotic, especially when we have children. The first step to making your home a more peaceful place is by setting house rules.

House rules are important for many reasons. The first and most important is to help everyone in your household get along better, and make family life more peaceful. Another reason is for predictability. Children thrive on routine as it keeps them safe and helps them know what to expect. Having rules teach children to know exactly what is expected of them always. If there are no rules, it’s difficult for children to know how to behave.

“It is important to have house rules as they reduce power struggle and ultimately reduce the number of times we have to shout for something to get done. House rules can start at any time; for younger ones, you start by showing them what is expected of them. As they get older, you can include them in creating a house rule and remember that after a while they won’t seem like rules anymore, as it becomes what everybody expects and does automatically.”

Tina stressed that it is key to be mindful that the house rules can change especially as they get older. An easy way to set the rules will be to look around the house and identify “problem” issues that you may find yourself struggling with and having to shout about so often. Make sure it is something they can relate with like throwing school uniforms on the floor after they return from school and you having to tidy up the trail after them or leaving food crumbs on the table after eating or talking to each other rather than shouting at each other among others.

Brainstorm the problem areas with them. Ask them something like: “what is it that mummy shouts about most of the time?” They will remember this and it will help you come up with a list. Then ask them how they think they can help mummy shout less often around these problem areas. And because they are involved in coming up with solutions, it will be easy for them to remember rather than impose some random rules on them.

Make sure the rules are simple and easy enough for them to follow. Help them understand that, as a family, just like parts of the body, when they do their part it becomes easy for parents to do their part.

She added that other ways to come up with house rules could be around three main areas:
• Firstly, protection from harm (don’t go outside to play without telling any adult first, as it may be too dangerous out there. Don’t play near the kitchen when I am cooking, as you may get hurt from fire, sharp objects.

• Secondly, taking care of things (keep your toys away after playing with them so they don’t get lost and you become miserable, make your bed when you wake up, keep your clothes in the laundry basket after taking them off so that they can get washed).

• Lastly, showing respect for other members of the house (no fighting with your brother or sister as they can get hurt).

Make sure you explain the rules and the reason why it is necessary for everyone to adhere. When they understand the reason for the rule, they are most likely going to cooperate in implementing it. When you have put it together, confirm that everyone is happy with it. Then, print it on a piece of paper and place it where everyone can be reminded of it, and everyone means that adults, too, are not exempted.

Remember, when you model following the rules with your children, they will have no choice but to take after you.

https://www.nigerialog.com/family/creating-house-rules-for-children/new/#new

When you see a blockbuster film, you become part of a cultural phenomenon that translates to big box-office bucks for studios.
But money isn’t the only thing that determines quality — and the top-grossing film may not have been the best one released that year.
Here’s the best movie that grossed in the top 10 of the domestic box office for each year since 2000, from “Castaway” to “Black Panther.”
There are movies you see to escape, and then there are movies that allow you to become part of a larger conversation. Blockbuster films tend to be both, as they resonate with audiences to bring in huge box office earnings and spawn innumerable quotable lines and references.

To qualify as a "blockbuster" for this list, a film must have been one of the top 10 highest-grossing movies in the US during the year it was released.

But just because a movie performs well at the box office doesn’t mean it’s great, or even good. Other factors, like cinematography, music, emotional impact, quality of writing, acting, ambition, and rewatchability, play a huge role.

Here are the best hit movies of every year since 2000:

2000: “Castaway”

This movie has everything you want in a blockbuster: A remote island; Tom Hanks at his best; and, of course, a great shipwrecked companion, Wilson. “Castaway” is still a major cultural touchstone, and Hanks’ largely solo performance carries it off effortlessly.

2001: “Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”

The first “Lord of the Rings” film, directed by Peter Jackson, successfully balances worldbuilding with story and character development, all while paying an incredible amount of attention to aesthetic appeal. It is, quite simply, epic.

2002: “Chicago”

“Chicago,” which comes in as the tenth highest domestically grossing film of 2002, barely qualifies for this list. But its cabaret-esque songs, talented cast, and eye-catching set designs push it over the top.

2003: “Finding Nemo”

Like few animated movies before it, “Finding Nemo” was able to bridge the gap between younger and older audiences. It does so by employing nuanced storytelling, beautiful animation and a delightful, yet forgetful, fish named Dory.

2004: “The Incredibles”

Coming in as the fifth highest grossing film that year, “The Incredibles” outearned movies like “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” ‘The Bourne Supremacy” and “National Treasure,” thanks to its funny and original rendition of a down-to-earth super-family.

2005: “War of the Worlds”

Ranked number four that year, “War of the Worlds” introduced a new generation to Orson Welles’ classic 1938 radio thriller, striking just the right balance between terror and masochistic delight.

2006: “Casino Royale”

If you’re after action and adventure wrapped up in the classic cool of James Bond’s style, “Casino Royale” hits all the right notes without going over the top, unlike some of its predecessors.

2007: “I Am Legend”

“I Am Legend” tackled the zombie trope with fresh eyes, resulting in a scary, yet captivating, movie that’s ideal for a blockbuster. Like “Castaway,” this movie relies heavily on its main character, who is oftentimes the only human on the screen. And, like Hanks, Will Smith proves himself up to the task.

2008: “The Dark Knight”

Heath Ledger’s raw, meticulous and layered performance as the Joker is, on its own, enough to push this movie over the top. Directed by Christopher Nolan, “The Dark Knight” is the perfect example of what superhero films can be when done right.

2009: “Up”

It may have been the year of “Avatar,” but 2009’s “Up” is arguably a better movie as it stays grounded in story rather than getting swept up in aesthetics. (If, that is, you can get past the devastating opening sequence.)

2010: “Inception”

If you wanted to start a heated debate in 2010, all you had to do is ask the question: Was he really home or was it all a dream? “Inception” (in another score for Christopher Nolan) remains one of the most complex, infuriating, visually stunning, and interesting movies to grace theaters in recent years.

2011: “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two”

Thrillingly capping off the hit series, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two” gave fans the emotional rollercoaster they’d come to love from the films.

2012: “The Hunger Games”

“The Hunger Games” took an unflinching, and almost shockingly visceral, look at a dystopian future as seen through the eyes of a complicated heroic figure. The first “Hunger Games” film stands alone as a great narrative despite being part of a larger story.

2013: “Gravity”

Nabbing the number six spot on the top-grossing movies that year, “Gravity” combined wonderful scoring and visual effects with perfect story pacing and casting. Rather than pandering, it assumes the audience’s ability to deal with moments of ambiguity — and rewards them with a satisfying ending.

2014: “Guardians of the Galaxy”

Even if superhero movies aren’t your thing, the soundtrack alone — which delivers a vibrant dose of ’60s and ’70s nostalgia — makes “Guardians of the Galaxy” the kind of fun entertainment you want in a blockbuster. And that doesn’t even hit on the fact that the film includes a dance-off to save the universe.

2015: “The Martian”

“Matt Damon growing space potatoes in his own excrement” doesn’t sound like the hallmarks of a blockbuster, let alone a good movie, yet, somehow, it works. “The Martian” considers the classic sci-fi problem of being alone in the universe (or in this case, on a planet) and the bounds of human resilience, while interspersing moments of much-needed comedic relief.

2016: “Captain America: Civil War”

When you consider its wide range of characters, “Captain America: Civil War” probably should have been an Avengers movie. It pits two beloved comic book characters against each other, fracturing the Marvel universe into two camps and forcing the audience to question their allegiance. It’s mesmerizing.

2017: “Thor: Ragnarok”

Director Taika Waititi,
formerly known in the U.S. for his work on the hilarious cult classic “What We Do In the Shadows,” breathed new life into the “Thor” franchise with this fun and comedic iteration, “Thor: Ragnarok.” It’s visually striking, packed with great fight scenes, and sprinkled with enough easter eggs to keep you entertained. Plus, it has Cate Blanchett.

2018 (so far): “Black Panther”

“Black Panther” offers a brilliant portrayal of the titular character (Chadwick Boseman) set against a flawed, complicated villain named Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), with whom you can’t help but sympathize, even as you root against him. If that weren't enough, it also boasts an immensely talented cast, a dazzling Afrofuturist cityscape, and a great soundtrack curated by Kendrick Lamar.

https://www.nigerialog.com/tv-movies/the-best-blockbuster-movie-of-every-year-since-2000/new/#new

One evening Funmi waited for the traffic light to change so that she could cross the road to go home from work. As the light in her direction turned red, she stepped off to cross. Suddenly, Funmi froze as a car shot right past her through the red light and crashed into a car already in the intersection killing one person. Funmi was not hurt. The car that went through the red light was not that close to her, but she felt terrified, weak and very shaky. She was so upset that she started to cry. That evening at home, when Funmi thought about the accident she had seen, she felt nervous and shaky. Although Funmi was not physically hurt, her mind and body were experiencing a strong emotional reaction to a dangerous situation. Emotions rule our daily lives. We make decisions based on whether we are happy, angry, sad, bored, or frustrated. We choose activities and hobbies based on the emotions they incite.

What exactly are these Emotions?
Emotions include experiences such as love, hate, anger, trust, joy, panic, fear, and grief. Emotions are related to, but different from, feelings. Emotions are specific reactions to a particular event that are usually of fairly short duration. For most people feelings and emotions are very much the same. Normally, we would assume they are synonyms; two words with the same meaning. But, even though they are intertwine on each other, emotions and feelings are different things.

Emotions describe physiological states and are generated subconsciously. Usually, they are independent bodily responses to external or internal events. Feelings on the other hand, are subjective experiences of emotions and are driven by conscious thoughts and reflections. This means that we can have emotions without having feelings, however, we simply cannot have feelings without having emotions. Tricky Right?


Though our emotional state are a powerful force and an inescapable part of life, they can have a pretty significant effect on your health especially if they are negative emotions. Anger, frustration, fear, and other “negative emotions” are all part of the human experience and can lead to stress and various stress related issues.

It is interesting to note that certain emotions are known to be associated with pain in certain areas of your body. For example, those suffering from depression will often experience chest pains, even when there is nothing physically wrong with their heart. Extreme grief can also have a devastating impact, and research confirms that in the days following the loss of a loved one, your risk of suffering a heart attack increases by twenty-one (21) times.

Frequent anger is associated with a heightened risk of high blood pressure and heart problems, including heart attack and stroke. Research has also shown that people who get angry easily tend to die sooner than their calmer peers.

So How Do You Nurture Emotional Wellness?
Anger is a normal human emotion and certainly can have its place. It may serve as a warning that something is wrong or alert you to an impending physical or psychological trauma. The key is to channel your anger into a controlled and constructive outward expression. This can actually help release tension and stress.


An example of this would be:
1. Using your anger to fuel an intense exercise session, or to clean house.

2. If you tend to have a short fuse, using energy psychology techniques such as: Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) can go a long way to do you good. EFT can reprogram your body’s reactions to the unavoidable stressors of everyday life, by stimulating different energy meridian points in your body. But this needs to be carried out in the presence of a therapist.

3. Making a point to be more mindful. Focusing on what you are doing and the sensations you are experiencing in the moment can also improve your mental and emotional outlook.

4. Also, make sure you get plenty of restorative sleep, as without it you are far more likely to lose emotional control.

Exercise is yet another foundational strategy for emotional wellness.
Emotional Freedom Techniques and various coaching techniques gives you the power to heal yourself, and take charge of your life, health and destiny. Depression remains one the deadliest silent killers in today’s world including Nigeria, and it springs off from our emotions. So rather than carry your burden alone. Call a Life coach or Therapist today.

https://www.nigerialog.com/health/how-negative-emotions-can-affect-you/new/#new

The heart is regarded as the centre of our being because if it fails, everything shuts down. But keeping this organ working does not just depend on reducing the intake of junk food and processed food. Eating food that does not contain high cholesterol and an increase in high blood pressure is also important.


Here are foods that will gladden your heart:

Fatty Fish

Salmon is an example of fatty fish that contains Omega 3 that improves the state of the heart and help control high blood pressure. Other fish are mackerel and sardines that contain omega 3 which promotes a healthy heart other protein staples are lobsters and oysters. However, attention must be paid that they are well cooked.

Nuts

Cashew nuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, and pecans are all tree nuts, and a number of studies have documented their potential health benefits.

Nuts are healthy for the heart because they contain potassium and magnesium which helps to control blood pressure. Nuts like walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts are helpful for heart health. But beware of salted nuts or sugared nuts.

Avocadoes

Adding avocados to a healthy diet will help to reduce blood pressure, some studies have shown that adding this to the diet could ensure that some people do not have to take medication for blood pressure. This fruit helps to maintain cholesterol levels

Vegetables

This includes salad greens, pumpkin leaf (Ugu), spinach and other dark leafy vegetables. They contain a variety of vitamins and antioxidants that remove toxins from the body. They are also rich in calcium, magnesium and potassium which maintains a healthy heart.

Vegetables contain fibre which helps to control constipation and weight gain which in turn helps the heart to stay strong and healthy.
Other foods that help promote the good state of the heart include. Legumes, beet, olive oil and low-fat dairy. Although a healthy diet is important for the heart, exercise, reducing stress level and avoiding smoking will make your heart thank you.

https://www.nigerialog.com/health/your-heart-will-thank-you-if-you-eat-these-foods/new/#new

A lot of people are understandably scared of dating.

There are several reasons why this could happen:

It could be that they just came out of a bad relationship; ended a relationship with an unserious partner; haven’t dated in a while or haven’t found people that love them for who they are not what they are. People who fall into this category are constantly seeking reassurance.

The good news is there are people genuinely looking for someone who they can love and commit to.

The problem is they might also have the same thoughts as you probably because they don’t want their hearts broken either.


One of the biggest steps to solving this is by answering this question: How much do you love yourself?

This is a very critical question to answer in a relationship because it determines how far your relationship will go. The extent to which we love ourselves reflects in our relationships. To fix this, get rid of all your fears, toxic negative thoughts and deal with issues that might pose a threat to your relationship.

Another thing is to have standards. Settling for any type of person for a person does not always end up favourably. Ensure that you have an idea of the type of person you want and the qualities you want them to have. If you don’t have those qualities, work on yourself to be good enough when you meet the person. Why settle for less when love can be beautiful?

Also, be aware that just because a person is attracted to you does not mean he is in love with you. However, you can change all that by learning to flirt. Flirting is what can change the attraction to addiction. You want to be the one to make them pull down their walls.

https://www.nigerialog.com/romance/how-to-overcome-the-fear-of-dating/new/#new

Stinky feet are often caused by little or no ventilation to your feet. Sweat plus no ventilation is a sure recipe for smelly feet. Bacteria eat the feet’s sweat which produces isovaleric acid which causes the feet to have a foul odour. Poor hygiene, wearing poor-quality shoes and over wearing shoes can cause feet odour.

Below are simple tips to prevent smelly feet:

Pick The Right Shoes
Wear only well-made shoes that allows ventilation. Clothing like socks, net socks, pop socks or pantyhose should be breathable in order to ensure proper ventilation.


Try not to wear the same shoes every day rather wear a variety of good shoes so you can give each pair of shoes about 24 hours of ventilation before you wear them.

Get some Air
Excessive amounts of sweat will increase your probability of getting stinky feet, so do not wear thick shoes especially in a hot environment.

Take off your shoes once in a while and let your feet breathe. Make sure when you take off your shoes try to air them out especially if it is wet.

Wash Your Feet
Wash your body properly every day and if you have a history with feet odour make sure you clean your feet with an anti-bacterial soap.

Wash between your toes and make use of a foot scrub to effectively wash out the sweat in the skin pores.

https://www.nigerialog.com/health/how-to-prevent-stinky-feet/new/#new

Jealousy in a relationship is that uncomfortable feeling you get when a partner gets too close to people of the opposite sex. It’s actually OK to feel that way. In a way, it shows that you care and that you don’t meant to share. This kind of jealousy cannot be condemned in any way.
On the other hand, there is an excessive type of jealousy which is both irrational, childish, toxic and just so unreasonable. When a partner tries to limit all forms of communication with members of the oppposite sex, when they feel threatened by your association by other men or women, no matter how harmless the relationship is, that is an unhealthy relationship behaviour.
If you have a partner who is like this, here are ways to deal with that:

1. Be honest
If you are honest with your partner about your friendships, connections, business affiliations and partners, you reduce their chances of distrusting you.

2. Priorities
Never make your partner feel like they are in a contest with some other woman or man. Let them know, every time, every day and everywhere that they are number one and that no one comes close in importance.

3. Always introduce
Run into a friend or colleague? Manners require that you introduce them to your partner and do not leave your partner at a corner to go chat in private with them for too long.

4. Reassurances
Some people have been heartbroken over and over again, causing them to be paranoid and extremely guarded. If your partner’s jealousy owes to this paranoia, try to always reassure them of your undying love. Tell him or her that they’ve got you and that you won’t do to them what the previous partner did.
More important, though, ensure that you mean what you say.

5. Let them know that their behaviour is unacceptable
If your partner is one who gets unduly jealous even at the simplest relations with other people, they may be doing so because they think it is a normal behaviour. You need to tell them that this not how normal partners do.
Normal partners allow their partners talk to other people and even relate with them within the limit of reason and good judgement.

https://www.nigerialog.com/romance/what-to-do-when-your-partner-gets-overly-jealous-all-the-time/new/#new

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the United Labour Congress (ULC) have threatened to commence an indefinite nationwide strike from November 6 if the government does not meet their demands.

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba, and that of the United Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, disclosed this in a press statement on Sunday.

“A day of national outrage and mourning which will be used to sensitise Nigerians on our plight and on the issues at stake. This shall take place in all states of the federation including Abuja on Tuesday, the 30th day of October 2018,” the unions said.


The labour unions have been at loggerhead with the Nigeria government over a new minimum wage for workers.

The unions had initially embarked on a nationwide strike on September 26 to compel the tripartite committee to complete its assignment on the new minimum wage.

The strike was suspended after the committee reconvened. But it is the deliberations of the committee that are now in dispute.

The federal government insisted on increasing the minimum wage from the current N18,000 to N24,000, claiming no amount was agreed with the labour leaders at a meeting of a tripartite committee that also included the private sector.

The labour unions initially demanded N50,000 minimum wage, but have now pegged their demand at N30,000 during the negotiation.

Nigeria Governors Forum on its part said while the governors are not against a new wage structure for workers, some states lack the capacity to pay.

They further stated that the Joint Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting of all the labour centres in Nigeria will hold to receive reports and make final preparations “for our ultimate engagement with the federal government on the matter on November 2.”

https://www.nigerialog.com/metro/minimum-wage-labour-threatens-indefinite-nationwide-strike/new/#new

Growing a beard is one thing but knowing how to care for it is another. No “good beard” happens by accident and you must understand that beard grooming has never been so easy. If you see someone with a well-groomed beard, it is because he puts in the time and works to make it that way. These beard care tricks will keep your facial hair looking resplendent.


Keep your beard clean and moisturised

A clean beard prevents itchiness and keeps it soft. If you do not wash and condition your beard, chances are you will grow dry and wiry beards. Scrub your beard several times each week with a specialised cleanser or a good shampoo and conditioner can also do the trick. Use a clean towel to dry as dirty or old towels can be a breeding space for bacteria.

Thy beard oil is your best friend

The regular use of beard oil helps to keep your beard tamed and also give it a softer and shinier appeal.

Train your beard

Trimming your shape helps to keep your chosen shape and keep your beard in line. Get a beard brush and give your beard a daily rubdown to keep the hair growing in a downward direction.

Don’t forget the moustache

Growing a beard means you will grow a moustache. To keep it neat, trim the area around your philtrum (the area under your nose) with a pair of grooming scissors.

Fuel up

Building facial hair is like building a house, you need bricks. The beard is made from protein and fat, but it is also reliant on Vitamins B5, B3, and B9. That means lean meats, nuts, egg yolks, milk, and plenty of leafy greens.

https://www.nigerialog.com/beauty/five-beard-grooming-tips-every-man-should-know/new/#new

Buying a car, new or used is one of the strongest financial decisions you'll have to make if you have the means.
However, if you're buying a used car, you could end up spending more than you budget if you do not ask the right questions about the vehicle.
Here are five important questions you should ask before buying a used car.

1. Has the car been in an accident?
This first question is very important. Has the car been involved in any accident? What kind of accident? And which part of the car was damaged? These questions will offer explanations on the true state of the vehicle.

2. How has it been used?
The car must have been put into a certain use before the owner decides to sell it off. So, it is important you ask about how the vehicle was used. Was it strictly used for private use, or it was partly private or private commercial?

3. How does it run?
Another important question for the seller should be about the vehicle's speed. What kind of fuel mileage has the car been getting? What brand of fuel does the owner use for the car? How much oil does the engine burn at this point?

4. Has anything been replaced?
Having used the car for some time before putting it up for sale, it might have been repaired once or twice. And when that happens, some of its original parts might have been replaced. You need to ask about this to determine the car's reliability and efficiency.

5. Why are you selling it?
People don't get rid of a vehicle for no reason, there must be a reason why the seller wants to sell it off. It could be that the car is giving the owner a serious issue. The owner might be considering going for a family size car, there could be many reasons. Just ask.

https://www.nigerialog.com/autos/5-key-questions-to-ask-a-seller-before-buying-their-car/new/#new

Tuwon masara is a corn flour meal eaten in the northern part of Nigeria.
Ever wondered how to make the popular northern delicacy Tuwon Masara? Here's your chance to learn.

Nutrition
Prevents constipation and reduces stomach acidity.

Ingredients
2 cups of dried maize (sun dried)
4 cups of water

Instructions
1. After maize has dried in the sun for days, pop it in the food processor or grinder and grind into a fine powder.

2. Heat water in a medium pot, pour the corn flour in the pot, combine and stir continuously until thick.

3. Add about ¼ cup of water, reduce the heat to minimum and leave the pot covered for 3mins.

4. Stir until smooth.
Your tuwon masara is ready. Serve with soups like Miyan Kuka, Miyan Taushe and other northern soups.

https://www.nigerialog.com/food/how-to-prepare-tuwon-masara-from-scratch(pic)/new/#new

Peek into yourself and ask if you have a relationship with yourself. Whatever the answer might be, a good way to know is through the time you spend with and by yourself. Like everything else, balance is core and me -time gives you that.

The lack of excess time in your everyday activities, should not prevent you from sparing yourself that little time. Your relationship with yourself is the most important one there is, take out the time to build it.


The benefits of having me-time are endless, here are some;

Figure yourself out
Just like every relationship, spending time with yourself allows you to pay more attention to who you are. You get to decide for yourself what makes you and what doesn’t, not because others think so but because you know so. Me-time gives you the opportunity to question your actions and the decisions you have made

Forgive and congratulate yourself
Just like every relationship, communication is key. Conversing with yourself is not you going crazy even when you talk out loud. It is me-time, so you get to do what to do to hear yourself. What have you done that you are not so proud of? Forgiving yourself when wrong is necessary so as not to cringe when you see your reflection. What about
what you did that deserves a tap on the back? Give yourself that, it is the boost you need to do more.

Enjoy your company
When it stops being weird to take yourself out, when you look forward to one of such days, when it does not feel lonely when you are by yourself, then you can say you enjoy your company.

Make others happy
Believe or not, there is so little you can do for others when the inside you are a battlefield. A happy you translates to happy people around you.

https://www.nigerialog.com/random-thoughts/building-a-relationship-with-yourself/new/#new

You can create suya with any of your favourite meats: lamb, pork etc, just pour the seasoning and you're good to go. It is practically a staple of the Nigerian diet and a national delicacy and here's how you can make the spicy treat in the comfort of your kitchen. Suya experts have their own unique blend of kuli kuli (groundnut/peanut butter deep fried till crunchy), ground ginger, pepper flakes, stock cubes and salt to come up with the Suya spice that keeps people hooked on the spicy snack we love called suya and now you can make it in the comfort of your home.

Preparation

1. Soak the Suya sticks in cold water for at least 5 hours. This ensures that the sticks do not burn during the roasting of the Suya.

2. Cut the beef into very thin fillets.

3. If the fillets are long and large, cut them into small pieces such that when you thread them on the sticks, they will not flap too much.

4. Now thread the fillets of beef on the Suya sticks.

5. Put some groundnut (peanut) oil in a bowl, add a small quantity of salt and stir. Using a cooking brush, rub the groundnut (peanut) oil on the threaded fillets of beef. This is what helps the Suya spice stick to the meat so make sure you do not leave out any part of the meat.

6. In a wide dish, spread the suya spice and dab the threaded fillets of beef in the spice so that the beef takes up as much of the spice as possible. All the beef will be covered with the Suya spice when you are done.

7. Place all the now spiced beef in a flat plate, cover with a thin plastic film and leave to marinate for 1 hour.

Method

1. Once the beef has marinated for 1 hour, set your oven to preheat for 10 minutes. The settings should be Grill at 150°C or about 300°F

2. Place the beef flat on the oven rack and put in the oven to roast.

3. After 15 - 20 minutes, flip the beef to roast the underside as well. The length of time you'll roast each side depends on how thick the fillets are. So total roasting time for both sides of the beef is 30 - 40 minutes.

4. Rub some of the remaining groundnut oil on both sides of the beef. Increase the oven temperature a bit and roast either side of the beef for 5 minutes each.
Now you're ready to serve your delicious suya with chunks of onions and cabbage slices. Delicious!

https://www.nigerialog.com/food/how-to-make-delicious-and-authentic-traditional-nigerian-suya/new/#new

Quaker oats holds many health benefits which is why it remains a regular on Nigerian breakfast tables.

Nutrition
High in fibre and carbohydrates.

Ingredients
1 cup of Oats
Water

Instructions
1. In a clean pot, heat up some water.

2. Reduce the heat and pour your oats into the pot and stir. If the amount of water does not cover the oats, add some more hot water.

3. Cover the oats and allow to steam. Stir at intervals.

4. When the oats start to bubble, stir well and turn off heat.
Your oatmeal is ready! Serve with bread, akara or plantain.

https://www.nigerialog.com/food/how-to-prepare-oatmealquaker-oats/new/#new

There is an old but popular saying that goes, “You shouldn’t put anything in your ears smaller than your elbow.” This should also include cotton buds because the cotton buds that most of us use to clean wax out of our ears are a lot more harmful than helpful.

When you use cotton buds for your ears, you actually end up pushing most of the wax deeper into the canal instead of digging it out the way it is supposed to. In addition, if you dig too deep, you can actually wind up puncturing your eardrum.

As gross as it may seem, having earwax is actually a good thing because it helps lubricate the ear canals and keep them functioning properly. Earwax also keeps bugs from crawling inside our ears, and prevents fungus from growing around our eardrums. The ear is good at cleaning itself but if you feel like you need to, here are six alternative methods for getting wax out of your ears without using a cotton bud.

Try the finger and tissue trick
If you don’t have hard and crusty earwax in there, all you need to do is cover your pink finger with a tissue and wiggle out the wax gently. Stick to the outer part of the ear and avoid jamming your pinky into your ear canal. You should consider doing this after a shower because the warm water helps soften the wax and makes it easier to move.

Hydrogen peroxide
Lie down on your side and squeeze a few drops of hydrogen peroxide into your sky-facing ear. The fizzing and popping noise means it’s working so there is no need to freak out. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then tilt your head into the sink or a bowl to drain the remaining solution and the wax it dislodged out of your ear.

Olive oil also comes in handy
You can actually clean your ears with an ingredient right from your kitchen. According to the American Hearing Research Foundation, adding two to three drops of olive oil into your ear can help soften earwax so that it can work its way out. This procedure likely only needs to be performed once a week, but it won’t harm your ears to do it daily.

Earwax drops works
If the idea of putting olive oil in your ears is too gross for you, get earwax removal drops which you can find over the counter at a pharmacy. It helps to soften the wax to make it easier to remove with a tissue.

The doctor remains your ally
If things are so backed up in your ear canal that you are having trouble hearing, it’s time to see a doctor. Make an appointment with your GP or an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor (ENT) who can give you a more heavy-duty cleaning.

https://www.nigerialog.com/health/5-ways-you-should-be-cleaning-your-ears-instead-of-using-cotton-buds/new/#new

Odion Ighalo was the main man for Nigeria again on Tuesday as the Super Eagles secured a vital 3-2 away win over Libya in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series.

Ighalo, who scored a hat-trick in the reverse fixture few days ago in Uyo, added two more goals to his name on Tuesday as the Super Eagles not only soared past the Mediterranean Knights but to the top spot in Group E of the AFCON Qualifiers.

It was Ighalo who placed Nigeria on the right path scoring the opening goal early in the first half before team captain Ahmed Musa doubled the lead with a sublime finish.

However, the Libyans who have only qualified for the AFCON tournament thrice in their entire history came back fighting and they were able to reduce the deficit before the first half ended.

The Super Eagles were off-colour in the second half and they got punished as the Libyans deservedly got an equaliser midway through.

However, against the run of play, Ighalo ensured that Nigeria took all three points away from Sfax as he scored his fifth goal in two goals to earn Nigeria a 3-2 win over the hard fighting Libyans who were hoping to avenge the heavy loss they suffered at the weekend in Uyo.

Nigeria with nine points from four games are top in Group E while South Africa are second with eight points from four matches.

Libya are third with four points and Seychelles are bottom with one point.

Only the two top teams from each group will qualify for the 2019 AFCON to be staged in Cameroon.

https://www.nigerialog.com/sports/afcon-qualifiers-ighalo-nets-brace-as-nigeria-beat-libya-again/new/#new