WELCOME TO SISI BUNMI'S BLOG

<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><img alt="Image result for not all that glitters is gold - images" src="https://qph.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-6de5d6c47c50c9e1d6d1b8f7b3860225" /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">NOT ALL THAT GLITTERS IS GOLD.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">On one of the numerous whattsapp chat groups I
belong to, someone posted lamentations about how he graduated since 2004, (he
did not state which university he graduated from or his degree classification,
not that it matters though) he claims to have tried everything possible but 'yet to secure a
living' as he puts it. So I advised him to learn a trade or acquire a new skill
to help him start a business and eventually become an employer of labour.
Unintentionally I had started an avalanche of similar opinion, advise and even
some chiding! Fifteen years of looking for a job is just wrong. Everyone cannot
work with NNPC or CBN! I met a young graduate lady roasting plantain (boli) for
a living, she had obviously applied her education and thereby enhanced the otherwise
'local' business. I noticed that the plantains were carefully selected, the
roasting pan was neat and tidy and customers were not allowed to touch the
plantains with their hands as is commonly done; she provided tongs for that
purpose. Her plantains were slightly more costly than that of her competitors but because of the added value, customers converged at her roasting stand and
the plantains flew off the rack! I was curious and so I asked her a few
questions about her business. She explained to me that she graduated from
university and after searching for a white collar job for a few years, she
decided to start a small business that did not require much capital. She
decided to start a plantain roasting enterprise which has now expanded to a
chain of four plantain roasting locations around Abuja. She explained that as
part of her market research before she commenced the business, she went round
to various plantain roasting stands to observe the operations in order to enable her
identify how she can add value and move the plantain roasting business to the
next level. I think she succeeded in doing just that. She makes an average
daily income of ten thousand Naira and she works 5 days a week. She told me of
her plans to diversify her business with other variants of the plantain such as
fried plantain chips; as part of her expansion and growth plans for the
business. I was quite impressed by the young lady, I purchased my lunch and
took my leave. I remain a regular customer till this day. The story of this
young lady is not peculiar, young people are really working hard and utilizing
their talents and skills to create employment for themselves. The entertainment
industry is booming right now and young people are driving that boom. The
mechanic who owns the garage where I maintain my car is yet another example, he
works hard and his service is much sought after. His workshop is always very busy.
He has deployed modern technology to assist and enhance his business. He is an
employer of labour who also trains many Apprentices in the  motor mechanic trade. His business affords
him a good standard of living, his children go to good schools, he takes his
family abroad for vacations and he built his house in an affluent
neighbourhood. All these did not happen overnight, he built his business up
over time along with a reputation for competence and integrity.   We have numerous graduates of our
universities and other young people who have gone abroad in chase of the ostensible
'greener pastures' a lot of them soon find out upon their arrival at the
countries of their destination that things are not as they seem. The only jobs
that await them are odd jobs, if they are lucky. Jobs they would have never
contemplated doing back home in Nigeria. They clean streets, train stations,
issue tickets to traffic violators, look after old and disabled people, they work
as security guards and taxi drivers in the many cities around the world. They basically
do the jobs that the locals do not want. A lot of them experience harrowing hardships
and discrimination as well. Currently going viral on the internet are heart
wrenching stories of young women who paid a lot to Agents to help them
secure jobs in some Arab countries and are being treated as slaves by their
employers. They seize their passports as soon as they arrive, they lock them up
in the house and beat them up at will and some of them also report that the men sexually abuse them. They have zero access to justice in most cases. Horror stories have also been told of some unfortunate economic migrants having
their organs harvested for transplant! Their families and loved ones back home
just never hear from them again. Some foolish young people are still travelling
by road to Morocco to attempt to cross the Mediterranean sea into Spain and
onward into Europe. Majority of them fail. A lot of the girls are raped and
impregnated along the way. Many lose their lives but the allure of escaping
Nigeria to live abroad keeps driving these misguided young people. While the
situation in Nigeria is appalling and seemingly hopeless to a lot of people,
voluntarily submitting oneself to slavery or even death abroad surely ought not
to be an option. I dare say there are a lot of opportunities for people who are
creative, hard working and not expecting to become millionaires overnight. Ultimately
the Government at all levels, need to overhaul the education system to equip
young people with skills that they need in the twenty first century, skills
that will give them the possibility to start their own businesses without the
disproportionate reliance on Government jobs. They also need to urgently create
a better enabling environment in which private enterprises can flourish and the brain drain to developed countries would stop.</span>

NOT ALL THAT GLITTERS IS GOLD. On one of the numerous whattsapp chat groups I belong to, someone posted lamentations about how he graduated since 2004, (he did not state which university he graduated from or his degree classification, not that it matters though) he claims to have tried everything p…

19Aug2019

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 36pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 36.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqoAQ172DjES9Lfu_74UE_HfOF3fybaXpBC0QyBcucdSBI5AyVDQwP25vhFj91BWTeqSckVIk675Io0VZIJu_tfcVRA5opVPD0qr9xvS-sw6KOWD7Pyy5FpA7mY_aBCAL-6OFCfJKKs8/s1600/nwo.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqoAQ172DjES9Lfu_74UE_HfOF3fybaXpBC0QyBcucdSBI5AyVDQwP25vhFj91BWTeqSckVIk675Io0VZIJu_tfcVRA5opVPD0qr9xvS-sw6KOWD7Pyy5FpA7mY_aBCAL-6OFCfJKKs8/s1600/nwo.jpe" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">This just concluded year was one that so many people
couldn’t wait to see the end of. The recession bit so hard and the price of
food stuff catapulted. We are all hopeful that the new year will bring new
tidings. Good health, security and cash in our pockets. Last year was an
eventful year, the year we all sat on the verge of witnessing the election of
the first female president of the most powerful nation and just when all the
polls, media and presidential debates assured us that Hilary Clinton was
definitely taking over the baton form President Barak Obama; the billionaire reality TV star comes and snatches the victory. And now he has been sworn in as the
president of the USA. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 36.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">We all seem to be stunned and somehow still hoped that
something would happen to stop him from being sworn in. We are shocked that
despite pulling out all the strings for the woman who was going to safeguard
the legacy of one of our own, in the end it was not enough. Some say it is
racism, they hate black people, they echo; how can he beat her? With her
impressive resume, experience and all that, these oyibo people are racist, they
chant. They conveniently forget that these same oyibo people voted in Barak
Obama instead of their fellow oyibo on two occasions, giving him the maximum
eight years tenure of an American president. No, they were not racist then.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 36.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">None of us has stopped to ask ourselves what exactly is the
legacy of President Barak Obama? What did he achieve for us on this continent? How did he
treat us? Despite our initial euphoria of having a black president who was
going to work towards a more equitable world order for us, a new American policy towards Africa.
Instead we saw a black president who did not even deem it fit to visit Nigeria, the
most populous black country on earth and to genuinely engage its people. I am
sorry, that is an unforgivable sin. He instead advanced the cause of further
destabilizing Africa with the reckless invasion of Libya. He also championed
the cause of gay marriage, the so called right of a man to marry a man and a
woman to marry a woman. Please don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against
people who are gay, whether by choice or by biology, love is love after all. I
just believe that the idea of same sex marriage is against</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">  </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">natural order, however way you look at it. So
for society to equate this kind of union to that of a man and woman is
preposterous and an abhorrence to our human existence. The most fundamental natural aspect, of marriage between a man and a woman is pro-creation. Same sex marriage
cannot </span>fulfill<span style="font-size: 12pt;"> this aspect and thus has no reason for being. Poor African nations
struggling under the pressure of unfair world trade policies were blackmailed
into accepting gay marriage. Nigeria proudly resisted. Barak Obama, the first black president of the United States of America did not do much for Africa. I hope he did much better for our relatives in America. Yes, he
had swagger, and yes he had the gift of the garb but that ain’t enough. We
expected so much more from him. Still it was a great pleasure to have him and
his ‘jewel of inestimable worth’ of a wife hold fort as the leader of the most
powerful nation. We remain proud of their achievements non the less. We will miss them no doubt.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 36.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Now the world welcomes the dawn of four years of uncharted
waters. Women across the world have marched against his legitimacy and world leaders
are scrambling for re-alignment, shocked at the loose cannon with the nuclear
codes. His erratic rants becoming the subject of media amusement which would
have been very laughable if they weren’t so damn terrifying! The world order
could so easily be turned on its head at the whims and caprices of the Donald. The
new president is firing on all cylinders and his exhaust is spewing hatred, of
all things Obama. He has spent his first few days in office dismantling all
edifices of the immediate past administration. Obamacare is being undone,
pro-choice halted and gay marriage uncoupling.  He has churned unguarded statements of what he
would do and undo to allies and foes of America, long standing agreements are
being ripped off, a wall is coming between the US and Mexico which the latter
will pay for, the president is adamant. Israel has been given the nod to
obliterate the Palestinians. The United Nations is in Wonder. Europe is bemused
and flabbergasted. Putin rubs his hands together in glee.  Some Christians in Africa are deluded and
they hail him as the prophet sent to deliver them, because of his Christian rhetoric,
they think they matter in the scheme of Trumps America first policy. Africans
as usual are looking all over the place for saviours to save them. Well, Trump is
not the saviour, he has said in one of his previous rants that Africans are
lazy and their leaders are greedy and corrupt. He has threatened to stop AID to
Africa because, ‘it gets stolen by their leaders!’ Ouch! The scramble for Africa
may just be on hold for now while the civilized world tries to compose a
soothing lullaby for the president. I doubt it will be an easy task. Yet this
president is not a fool, think of him as such at your own peril. Look at his many
achievements, no mean feat I dare say. While the world laughed at a bumbling
presidential candidate, he kept his eye on the ball and never wavered. In
victory he stuck his finger up at the world. The next four years will be one hell
of a global roller coaster, welcome to the new world order, happy new year!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

This just concluded year was one that so many people couldn’t wait to see the end of. The recession bit so hard and the price of food stuff catapulted. We are all hopeful that the new year will bring new tidings. Good health, security and cash in our pockets. Last year was an eventful year, the yea…

26Jan2017

YOU ARE MY BROTHER……ACTUALLY

<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="data:image/png;base64,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" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for image of black power fist" border="0" src="data:image/png;base64,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" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;">It took an observation recently in
London to prompt me to put these thoughts to paper. I have read and listened to
countless tales of marginalization based on either ethnic, tribe or gender
basis. It has become a recurrent decimal and the meaning is all but lost in the
over flogged rendition. Here in Nigeria, every action or mostly inaction of the Government is
ascribed a tone of marginalization. The Ibos apparently feel that they are the
most marginalized in the country.  Now
some are queuing behind a modern day ‘Moses’ to take them to the promised land,
out of Nigeria as we know it but landlocked within Nigeria as they will find
out in the event that Biafra becomes a reality. They overlook the industrial
and economic prowess they enjoy, and made possible because of the sheer size of
the land and population of Nigeria. The Ibos are very hard working and
industrious; and the most cosmopolitan within Nigeria. They are to be found
thriving in their favourite vocation, trading; within all the nooks and cranny
of the land. They give their daughters out in marriage to other tribes and
their sons happily marry else-where too; I have heard that the Ibo man ranks
among the best specie of husband types in the land. God willing, my Yoruba
family will acquire Ibo relatives through our daughter in the near future. I
grew up with Ibo friends, a good chunk of the fabric of my childhood has Ibo
influence; my friend, Joy, an Ibo girl who was born and bred in Lagos speaks
Yoruba far better than anyone I know, including myself. She understands the
language as a poet would. She went on to marry a Yoruba man and bore him a son.
An Ibo man I have never met but admire so much is Emeka Ayanoku, I understand
he is married to a Yoruba woman and they have been together for a very long
time, her name is Bunmi too. Ditto for the other groups with language and
cluster geographical affiliations. All the different ‘tribes’ have their unique
qualities and idiosyncrasies and wonderfully so. However, from the increasing
populations of the off springs of inter-tribal unions it is obvious and glaring
that we are all but one people, beautiful and diverse. Some people are so ‘mixed
tribe’ that they can trace their immediate ‘origin’ to more than six different
cultures. Imagine someone whose mother is half Yoruba and half Ibibio and their
father is half Ibo and half Hausa, where would you say such a person is from?
Most will simply say he or she is a Nigerian and they would be correct. I know
a few such ‘multi originated’ Nigerians. As populations are getting more fluid
because of modern lifestyle, we will continue to fuse together into mono
ethnicity until someday when it will become impossible to distinguish the Ibo
from the Hausa and the Ebira from the Yoruba. The only yardstick to
differentiate the people will be basic human predispositions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
 I have looked across the west, the east, and
the north of Nigeria to other African countries and the dialogue appears the
same. One tribe marginalizing the other, the tragedy of Rwanda is in recent
memory. This seems to be unique to us black people, classifying people on
tribal basis. This is an evil rotten wind that has been blowing over our continent
and that has brought no good because it lacks the capacity to bring any good.
Simple.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
Recently I stood by on a visit to a
local ‘Afro’ cosmetic shop in London and observed throngs of my people, black
people flooding in to patronize the businesses that offer everything from
chemical relaxers to bleaching creams. These businesses are worth billions of
Pound Sterling. These business are wholly patronized by Black people. Yet these
businesses are almost wholly owned by people of Asian and particularly of Pakistani
origin. Ditto for the ‘African’ food shops that sell ethnic foods imported from
the motherland, most merchants are not Africans, they sell us our cow legs and
goat meats, they sell us our dry cray fish and pounded yam flour. This is another
multi-million- pound industry, yet black people are merely consumers while
others are the profiteers. Black people, despite being one of the oldest
settled non-Europeans in the Uk have no monopoly of any part of that economy.   <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
On the flip side, in the areas
where Asian artefacts and food stuff are sold, you will be hard pressed to see
a non-Asian behind the counter and impossible to see an African owned business.
Ditto for the Jews and other racial clusters living in the UK. Only the black
people have handed the rights to other people to own their businesses and even
dictate to them what to put on their hair and on their skins. Something is very
wrong with us. I don’t want to dwell much on the other trend also in the UK, that
of black men’s increasing preference for non-black women, any woman but a black
woman. Could this be born out of some suppressed odium of their own mothers
too? I wonder.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
It is understandable to trace this
tragedy of self-hate to our history of slavery, but for how long will we
perpetuate this self-hate? The Jews have risen from the ashes of their gruesome
torture at the hands of the Germans led by an Austrian man called hitler. It is
arguable that they suffered a worse fate than black people. Whereas black
people were taken advantage of because of their strength and majestic prowess
gleaned from its awesome, albeit ancient civilization; the Jews were considered
worthless by their depraved aggressors and were thus being systematically
exterminated to extinction! Both actions of the aggressors were horrific and
inhumane, however, why has one group come out of its ordeal bigger and greater
while the other keeps staggering from one catastrophe to the other? My
postulation is that while both groups suffered heinous crimes against humanity
born out of hatred by their aggressors, one group has come out of it by
applying self-love, self-worth, unity of purpose, promotion and conservation of
self-identity. The other group has remained voluntarily captive to its
aggressors by over dosing on self-hate which has led to the self-destruction
and an impossible attempt at the re-construction of self. Is it a co-incidence
that the Jews and most other oppressed people never adopted the religion and
beliefs of their aggressors?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
The Europeans in their increasing quest
for self-preservation within their supremacist ethos, came together to form the
European Union. To forge an even stronger alliance within their racial group
despite being multi-lingual, their racial identity being the motivating factor.
Rightly so too. The effects of the Uk membership of the EU has further
disenfranchised the black people in the UK. Jobs hitherto in the preserve of
black people have been shifted to the Europeans, gradually the major fast food
chain counters are staffed by eastern Europeans. Ditto most other blue collar
jobs that were once the traditional preserve of back people in the UK. This is
not the best of times for black people in the Uk, as they have been further
relegated to the back by the European cousins of the Brits. A British man would
rather give a job to an Eastern European who barely speaks English than to a black
man who considers himself English. On the other hand, a Nigerian man, including
its Government, would rather give a job to the lowest class of European than to
a PHD wielding Nigerian. What does that say about us as a people? What has
afflicted us so? The late Michael Jackson, a black icon and a product of the
black race, suffered so much self-hate that he transferred this awesome legacy
to the white race via his white children. How do we cure ourselves of this
affliction?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
The spirit of the black man must
rise again from the ashes of self-hate; we must look within us for the answers
to this quagmire of owing the greatest resources on earth yet being the most
desperately impoverished. We must disrobe the divisive toga of tribe and
religion and adorn instead the crown of racial identity, elevation and
preservation. The cliché, ‘together we stand and divided we fall’ resonates
more than ever today. Our division continues to impoverish us; it continues to
de-humanize us even. We have become the helpless of the earth, running from
Europe, to US and now to China for help when all we need is within us. We need
to look inwards, the love of self, the African being and the preservation of
self. Did I hear you say ‘I’m black and proud?’ say it loud then.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>

YOU ARE MY BROTHER……ACTUALLY

It took an observation recently in London to prompt me to put these thoughts to paper. I have read and listened to countless tales of marginalization based on either ethnic, tribe or gender basis. It has become a recurrent decimal and the meaning is all but lost in the over flogged rendition. Here …

29Apr2016

SERENDIPITY

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaddNvxtJip94F9MIs_mS52KClPOQ5LDcboQnafO3btiYgNlgUF2AptQsutsnTo3V5u7HJwSAZb7laHRGphGkbGXRZBuTfvEYbD4l-NcU_D7AqgVhVufpXNM723efBFYYfyORkcZBfp0/s1600/SERENDIPITY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaddNvxtJip94F9MIs_mS52KClPOQ5LDcboQnafO3btiYgNlgUF2AptQsutsnTo3V5u7HJwSAZb7laHRGphGkbGXRZBuTfvEYbD4l-NcU_D7AqgVhVufpXNM723efBFYYfyORkcZBfp0/s1600/SERENDIPITY.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">I was getting ready for the day
yesterday when I got one of those ‘human mechanised’ phone calls. The call came
in from DSTV, the young girl at the other end of the phone asked if it was a
good time to call and if I was Mrs. 
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Bunmi. I said it was a ‘not so good time’ but since she was already
speaking with me she might as well continue. She went on to recite the uniform
manual while I listened and waited. All formalities done with, she proceeded to
inform me that ‘they noticed that I had not renewed my subscription in a
while.’ I agreed with her. I also told her that I no longer wished to subscribe
to DSTV, and just to rub it in (sorry), I added that I had taken my business to
Go TV! We had decided about a couple of years ago not to subscribe during
school term because my kids are not able to control the urge to sit in front of
the box and flip through channels all evening as well as all week end long, at
an obvious detriment to everything else, school work, homework, family time etc.
So after many deals were broken by them, we all agreed that DSTV will only come
on during the holidays. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">I explained to
the DSTV girl that on the last day of school term, my son had skipped rather
happily to our local, DSTV office, with the full amount for a full bouquet (wonder
why it’s called that, as there is no comparison what so ever between fresh
meadow and endless channels of…….. Please fill in the blank.) My son was told
that he could not subscribe because we still had the old decoder and that we had
missed the deadline for swapping it free of charge, for a new one; they said
the only way to renew our subscription is to pay N10,000 for a new decoder! My
son returned home sad. He explained to me and I told him that there was no way
I was going to pay for a new decoder as we did not ask them to change the old
one. I telephoned their office and explained to them that I had bought a
decoder from them in order to view their channels at a subscription fee and
that if they upgraded the technology, they should change it free of charge for
all existing subscribers. The man at the other end of the phone tried his best
to explain that because we had missed the deadline, we must pay for a new
decoder, unfortunately. I thanked him and put the phone down. Surprisingly my
son agreed with me. That was three months ago. Since then we have had a local
technician install a special outdoor antenna that enables us get all the local
channels clearly. My kids have gradually been weaned off wasted hours of
mindless television programs. Now they have started reading for pleasure,
playing games, having conversations and we are spending more quality time
together, actually talking to each other. My son has re-discovered his love for
monopoly! He is now always talking of buying up the whole of London and owning
several banks! We have also discovered brilliant programs on the local
television, I particularly enjoy, ‘Kids Say The Darndest Things’ on NTA, my
kids do too. They now listen to the news with us, but on the whole we all watch
far less television. We spend much more time doing the traditional family
activities together, and I just love it. We sometimes have guests asking us why
we are not hooked up to DSTV; many just assume that we are in between
subscriptions. But I quickly tell them that we are not, I also tell them our
experience with DSTV and the serendipity effect it has had on us as a family. A
couple of our friends have followed suit, (sorry DSTV) and they love it too.
You save money and gain something of which the value is inestimable. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">I cherish the quiet times spent together with
the television off and our noses stuck in books; mine is usually stuck in an
African author, just finished ‘</span><i style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Secret
Lives of Baba Segis Wives</i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">,’ by Lola Soneyin, thoroughly enjoyed it! My younger
son is into ‘Lemony Snicket,’ and he loves it too. A whole new world has opened
up, things we had so taken for granted.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">  </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">So
I don’t miss DSTV and I’m not going back to them, thank you very much. The
young girl continued to try her best to lure us back to DSTV from Go TV, I told
her firmly that my family was truly done with them and their constant intrusion
on our family space. She giggled in resignation, thanked me and asked if there
was anything else I would like her to do for me, I politely told her to get off
my phone! </span></div>

SERENDIPITY

I was getting ready for the day yesterday when I got one of those ‘human mechanised’ phone calls. The call came in from DSTV, the young girl at the other end of the phone asked if it was a good time to call and if I was Mrs. Bunmi. I said it was a ‘not so good time’ but since she was already speak…

23Oct2015

MUST WATCH: ADVERSITY (Story of A Young Left Handed Musician)

MUST WATCH: ADVERSITY (Story of A Young Left Handed Musician)

A Young left handed Musician flung up on a high electricity tension wire by a bizarre accident. He suffer severe burns and loss of his left hand. However, he refuses to be defeated... …

01Aug2015

SUNDAY AFTERNOON LATTE

<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdMk9o5CSwmzAauqn1aQIBBJQRnhVFi-DPxHYtjKiwwRUvtop84yTyALfC8SAJItIgq4d6eJGSLkjnUUKIyTJVQg5ZKRwf7zt5tRDp67URHiaq-IcjZhMlx6DMhQ20bK4-ETF33_ecY4/s1600/joy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdMk9o5CSwmzAauqn1aQIBBJQRnhVFi-DPxHYtjKiwwRUvtop84yTyALfC8SAJItIgq4d6eJGSLkjnUUKIyTJVQg5ZKRwf7zt5tRDp67URHiaq-IcjZhMlx6DMhQ20bK4-ETF33_ecY4/s1600/joy.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He fondly calls me 'mummy' and I return the favour by calling
him 'son.' He is a young man I met when I took my own son for Saturday football
sessions. We became close and I would often ask him to run errands for me or he
would just visit and we would talk, eat and drink together. He tried to marry
my secretary at the time but she had no time for him. You see I have so many of
such ‘sons’ and ‘daughters’ whom I have lovingly cultivated and whom I cherish
a lot. They are young, hard - working, talented, focused, hopeful and happy.
Despite the hardship and lack of opportunities in our country they continue to
devise means to survive and even to soar. They refuse to bow down to poverty
and deprivation. These young people I admire a lot and I love to be with.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So it was that my son finally brought home his fiancée, a
beautiful and industrious young woman whose comportment, confidence and humility
soon mesmerized me. She is
a teacher, a very gifted one at that. I told my
son he had struck gold with this young lady and the sky is the limit for them.
He was very lucky indeed to be engaged to such a lovely lady who despite his
lack of material ownership has agreed to be his wife.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The courtship was short and the traditional wedding was very
modest. There was no fuss, just a Spartan ceremony with a handful of family and
friends to formalize the union of two young people as they set forth on their
path to the future. It was a truly romantic event. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They soon settled in their new home in a place called
Asokoro village, Abuja, two rooms in a compound of many rooms. My son was
happy, soon I began to see the beginnings of a pot belly and I quickly pointed
same to him, we laughed and he assured me that he would work on it. I watched
him as he transformed from a young hustling bachelor into a young hustling but content
newly married man.  He laughed even more as
he discussed their plans for the future with me over a meal of roast plantain
and ground nuts which he graciously brought for me on a lunch time visit to my
office, he knows how much I like my roast plantain!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life continued at its usual pace and we saw less of each
other but kept in touch regularly on the phone. One day he came around to see
me to announce the expectation of their first baby. I was ecstatic! He would
love a girl as he thinks daughters are adorable and cute.  I prayed that they have a healthy child
regardless of the gender and that she has a safe pregnancy and a safe delivery when
the time comes. She had no preference either for the gender of the baby, a healthy
baby would do. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On one sunny day in March I got the phone call from my son
announcing the arrival of a healthy bouncing baby boy, mother and son doing
well. He was so happy. His son was born at a native birth attendant clinic, I
was taken aback by that but happy that it all turned out well. I did not visit
immediately because I believe in allowing a new mother and baby rest and adjust
to life before visitors start to throng their home. So I decided to visit the
baby when he is to be dedicated in church which would usually be around 40 days
after birth. By then he would have had his circumcision done as well as most of
his early inoculations.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And so it was that I was invited to my sons’ home on a
lovely Sunday afternoon to share in the celebration of the birth of his new son
as well as his dedication to God. It was a busy Sunday for me as usual but the
visit was the highlight of my Sunday replacing my usual Sunday lie in. I had
never been to their home and so he sent description to me via a text message. I
am hopeless when it comes to descriptions and finding my way round, so after
driving round Asokoro for about fifteen minutes I decided to ask a ‘keke Napep’
to escort me there. Good idea. I drove behind the keke as we snaked through the winding roads with the most opulent mansions you would ever see, gigantic
edifices nestled within this most affluent of neighborhoods in Abuja, the
Federal capital city. The sight was breath taking; the roads were smooth, beautiful
homes that would easily have been in Beverley Hills. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
 I continued to drive
behind my keke escort until we entered the village just by the last mansion in
Asokoro via a most horrible, rocky un-tarred road, the roads were dirty, overcrowded
and basically hellish. The contrast was nauseating and upsetting. I got to the
spot where I was to place a call to my son. He promptly came out to fetch me.
The smile on his face quickly extinguished the feeling of nausea in me and I
smiled back. He led me to his modest home, his wife met us by the entrance and
they both led me into their room where the baby was asleep in his net crib. Her
mother was around to help with the baby. The room was small and hot. I spent a
few minutes in the room before l was led outside into the compound common area
where a few chairs were arranged and a handful of friends were seated eating
and drinking. Music blared from large speakers placed near the generator. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I sat down to a huge plate of jollof rice and a can of malt
drink. There were about fifteen children between the ages of around ten months
to about eleven years, dancing to the music. They were digging it seriously.
Their mothers, co-tenants in the compound, were mulling around at the back of
the compound talking, eating and also dancing. I watched as the children ran
back and forth between their mothers and the make shift dancing floor. The
joyous mood was in stark contrast to the environment. There were flies all over
and as much as I tried to ignore it, driving the flies with one hand while I ate
with the other, it soon became too much for me and I asked for some kerosene.
I had heard somewhere that flies hate the smell of kerosene. One of my son’s
friends who sat with us left to fetch a bottle of kerosene, he soon returned
and splashed the liquid all around us, he wet a piece of cloth with kerosene
and wiped the table with it. We got temporary relief and I soon focused my
attention back at my surrounding, watching the children as they ate, laughed
and danced without a single care in the world. I became infected with pure joy;
I began rocking on my chair to the music. My son’s wife brought the baby out so
I could hold him as he was now awake. I was able to get a good look at him,
long slender body and legs, handsome and cute. I held him close to me as I
watched the children dancing in celebration of his birth, welcoming him to a life
of not so much comfort but of contentment and joy. What a Sunday afternoon
latte!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>

SUNDAY AFTERNOON LATTE

He fondly calls me 'mummy' and I return the favour by calling him 'son.' He is a young man I met when I took my own son for Saturday football sessions. We became close and I would often ask him to run errands for me or he would just visit and we would talk, eat and drink together. He tried to marry…

12May2015

EXPENSIVE SHIT!

<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6i3ZXxqmBl_Xt3tceC8TB5PAlMEHmuTmNlMAKRWzKFlEJ1-asQU99-qTUP5tkztpcix8wvXhLm2DeiqjsddyOIMJMoNoJQFam0g33yeNg6Y-smNEiePDSunvgCkK3nHQGeojxUEfs1XE/s1600/PERMANENT-VOTERS-CARDS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6i3ZXxqmBl_Xt3tceC8TB5PAlMEHmuTmNlMAKRWzKFlEJ1-asQU99-qTUP5tkztpcix8wvXhLm2DeiqjsddyOIMJMoNoJQFam0g33yeNg6Y-smNEiePDSunvgCkK3nHQGeojxUEfs1XE/s1600/PERMANENT-VOTERS-CARDS.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
So much has happened since my last blog. I ordinarily try to avoid political issues but I find myself unable to keep quiet in the midst of this collective madness. Politicians have been scampering all over the space, singing the same song with the same tune. We just had electricity restored to our house after more than two days black out, yes, two days! I live in the heart of Abuja city, just about thirty minutes walk from the Aso rock presidential villa! It is very frustrating indeed. The air is polluted with the fumes of generators while noise pollution is off the scale. This is 2015. We have not had electricity for even one hour in our office this week either, generator is the norm. I am just stating my Nigerian reality. Our daily existence is powered by generators, fueled by scarcity. Surely we cannot continue this way, surely this way is unsustainable. What baffles me and actually prompted this article is the mind boggling amount of money allegedly being shared around by politicians to secure votes, and in some cases, allegedly to mop up PVCs! Our problem obviously is not lack of resources, it must be lack of faculties. Why don't our politicians (on all sides of the spectrum) utilize these resources to actually transform (that's that word) our country, build hospitals so Nigerians can stop going to India for medical treatments and in the process export billions of Naira to that lucky economy. Why don't they invest in education so Nigerians can stop paying for the privilege of our children being brain washed in far flung jurisdictions and now even being murdered in the process. Why don't they make the refineries work so Nigeria stops exporting crude oil and importing refined products such as petrol, diesel and kerosene and create employment for Nigerians in the process. Why must we continue to grow other economies at the expense of our long suffering albeit resilient people. Why must we fry garri in our back yard and then go to the next street to buy eba? Why? Why must we be so generous to other nations while our children die daily of hunger and our young people roam the the streets with scraps of paper purportly certifying their qualifications?  Even the employed barely get by with the meager wage they get paid so irregularly  in this our animal kingdom, where the minority fat cats keep crushing others with their greed induced obesity! We support so many world economies, we are the real world ATM and that's why you always see foreigners flocking into our country despite our uncomplimentary international reputation. Nigeria is a free honey pot, that's why. Otherwise, which sane people will contract out their lives to other people? Permanent voters cards PVCs, (just like crude oil refining,) ordered and made from outside Nigeria at a cost of over ninety billion Naira! Expensive shit! This is an example of the tragedy of our existence. Card readers also ordered and made from outside Nigeria, Money that could otherwise have been invested in infrastructure, electricity, hospitals, education etc. is being frittered away foolishly, all in the misguided belief that we are getting credible elections and any prize is justifiable for that purpose, I say, of all nations on earth, we are to be most pitied! After the credible elections, what next? Considering our dire developmental situation, couldn't we have used other means of bio metric compliant documents such as passports, drivers license or national identity cards instead of this useless waste called PVCs. To rub salt into our injury, we are not even guaranteed the integrity of these PVCs nor are we certain they will even be utilized. The gladiators quarrel daily as they try to out maneuver each other in the rigging game; the PVCs and card readers may yet become another white elephant project to be added to our inglorious collection. If indeed we need PVCs and must spend all that money, why not spend it within our economy? Does it mean that despite all the progress we are supposed to have made (according to all the statistics we are being fed) we are unable to produce bio-metric cards? Are we not matured enough to produce card readers even? Our young people are languishing in cyber cafes exerting youthful energies on negative activities when they could be supported in channeling their energies into useful and productive ventures such as the production of PVCs and card readers. Yes we have the 'know how', we have what it takes in terms of human  capacity but we lack infrastructure, we lack foresight and dare I say, we lack self confidence! Seeing and hearing of so much waste in the midst of so much deprivation and hunger can only be described as evil, pure evil. The amounts of money exchanging hands right now would have been better utilized to make life better for us all. Politicians do not need to go around broadcasting their achievements to us via the pages of newspapers and through comic relief because our experiences should bear witness to such achievements. Sadly despite all the propaganda, I am unable to bear witness to regular electricity supply.

EXPENSIVE SHIT!

So much has happened since my last blog. I ordinarily try to avoid political issues but I find myself unable to keep quiet in the midst of this collective madness. Politicians have been scampering all over the space, singing the same song with the same tune. We just had electricity restored to our …

18Mar2015

7 RICHEST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD..

<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="See The 7 Richest Countries In The World.. The List Will Shock You!" height="215" src="http://www.talkofnaija.com/media/k2/items/cache/f1d563d1bfd875050ccca118457d2346_L.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">
<strong>1. Qatar – Richest Country in the World and in Asia</strong><br />
GDP (PPP): $106,283.96<br />
Capital City: Doha<br />
<br />
With a population of around 1.9 million and GDP equal to $182 Billion, Qatar is the world’s richest country. It lies in the Persian Gulf and it is a peninsula. It lies in the Middle East and is richest Arab country in the world. Saudi Arabia lies to its south. The economy of this country is entirely dependent on Petroleum as it contributes nearly 85% of export earnings. Banking and Tourism are other areas where Qatar generates money. It is also the richest country in Asia. Its competitively open trade policies with the US have made Qatar the wealthiest nation in the world. The country charges no income tax to its citizens and other taxes are also very minimal. The current GDP of Qatar surpasses all the other countries in the world and is $102,768.69. Thus we can see that the size of the country does not matter when it comes to wealth and that even a small a nation can aspire to be the richest in the world</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">
<strong>2. USD = 3.64105 QAR 2. Luxembourg – Richest Country in Europe</strong><br />
GDP (PPP): $79,649.49 Capital City: Luxembourg<br />
Holding the title of the wealthiest country in Europe, Luxembourg is much famous as a tax heaven. Many billionaires from around the globe reside in this country to save themselves from taxes in their homeland. It is the second richest country in the world. With a population of just around half million, it has striking contrast of green pastures of land alongside the industrialized city. It lies in Europe and is headed by a Grand Duke. Banking, Steel Industry and telecommunications contribute heavily to its wealth.<br />
1 USD = 46 Luxemburg francs</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">
<br />
<strong>#3) Singapore</strong><br />
GDP (PPP): $61,046.96 Capital City: Singapore<br />
Located in Southeast Asia and comprising of 63 islands, Singapore is a fully island country. On this list of top 10 wealthiest nations, it ranks third. It is one of the largest financial centers in the world and along with Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea, it forms the Four Asian Tigers. Its population is around 5.5 millions with majority of them practicing Buddhism.<br />
SGD/USD = 1.2743</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">
<br />
<strong>#4) Norway</strong><br />
GDP (PPP): $54,479 Capital City: Oslo<br />
A country with roughly 5 million people, Norway, coupled with high GDP and comparatively low population, it is one of the richest countries on Earth. Sharing its border with Finland, Sweden and Russia, it is a developed country. The economy of this rich nation depends on oil and natural gas reserves which is found around it.<br />
NOK/USD = 6.0521</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">
<br />
<strong>#5) Hong Kong SAR</strong><br />
GDP (PPP): $50,716 Another fifth world’s richest nation<br />
Lying on China’s South coast, Hong Kong is the fifth country in this list based on per capita income. It has a high GDP and it is a leading financial destination in the world as well as in Asia. It is a specially administrated region with its own currency but defense services from China.<br />
HKD/USD = 7.7500</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">
<strong>#6) Brunei Darussalam</strong><br />
GDP (PPP): $50,440 Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan<br />
Located in Southeast Asia, Brunei generates its revenues from crude oil and natural gas exports. Revenues from petroleum contribute around 90% of its GDP. With a small population of less than half-a-million, Brunei is one of the least densely populated country in the world. Its sultan is one of the richest people in the world.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">
<br />
<strong>#7) United States of America</strong><br />
GDP (PPP): $49,601 Capital: Washington DC<br />
This country needs no introduction. The most powerful country in the world and the most powerful economy in the world, United States (US) leads the globe in science and technology and nearly in every research field which can be thought of. It is the largest exporter of weapons and also other goods and services. This rich country in the world has a GDP of around 15 trillion US Dollars which makes it the richest and biggest economy in the world. It is one of the wealthiest economy on planet Earth. On the American continent, this country is second to none. Thus it is also the richest country in the American continent (North as well as South America). This country is also the largest manufacturer in the world and the leading financial nation</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />

7 RICHEST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD..

1. Qatar – Richest Country in the World and in Asia GDP (PPP): $106,283.96 Capital City: Doha With a population of around 1.9 million and GDP equal to $182 Billion, Qatar is the world’s richest country. It lies in the Persian Gulf and it is a peninsula. It lies in the Middle East and is richest Ara…

24Feb2015

5 UNBELIEVABLE HEALTH BENEFITS OF AFRICAN CHERRY (AGBALUMO, UDARA)...

<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="5 UNBELIEVABLE Health Benefits Of African Cherry (Agbalumo, Udara)" height="339" src="http://www.talkofnaija.com/media/k2/items/cache/b883997139c3e38cfcdc8b208c063aa7_L.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">
<strong>Popularly called Agbalumo, Udara, and Otien in some parts of Nigeria, the African cherry fruit has lots of health benefits that will surprise anyone!</strong></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">
The exotic fruit which has a chewable edible skin that ranges in color from green to orange, depending on the stage of ripeness. The tender, sweet inner flesh is off-white with seeds making the inner to look like a star-shaped fruit. This obviously shows where it got the nickname ‘star apple’. purple and white and has a star shape formed by seeds through the middle of the fruit. The beautiful fruit can be gotten mostly everywhere in Nigeria towards the end of November till later in March when it would have gone out of season.</div>

<a href="http://marketing.net.jumia.com.ng/ts/i3556158/tsc?amc=aff.jumia.25526.29475.8993&tst=!!TIMESTAMP!!" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">
<img alt="" border="0" height="90" src="http://marketing.net.jumia.com.ng/ts/i3556158/tsv?amc=aff.jumia.25526.29475.8993&tst=!!TIMESTAMP!!" width="728" />
</a>

<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">
According to NurseRita, here are a few out of the countless benefits of African Cherry:</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">
<strong>Vitamins and Minerals</strong><br />
Star apples serve as a good source of calcium, with each serving providing you with 10 percent of the amount you require each day. The calcium lends strength to your bones and teeth, and it may also lessen symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, such as cramping and abdominal bloating. This fruit also contains 5 percent of the daily recommended value per serving of vitamin C and vitamin A. Additionally, one serving of star apples serves up 2 percent of the iron, a mineral vital for oxygenating your body, that you need every day.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">
<strong>Helps Diabetic conditions</strong><br />
Star apples may have particular benefits for diabetics. Research published in the September 2009 edition of the “African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology” indicates that the leaves of this fruit may reduce glucose levels in diabetic rabbits, the same function that insulin serves. Take note, however, that consuming star apple leaves appears to have a toxic affect when eaten in large quantities. More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of star apple leaves to control diabetes in humans.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">
<strong>Medicinal Uses</strong><br />
The star apple is a folk remedy in several countries, although no research exists to confirm these uses. The seeds of this fruit may be useful to reduce fevers and treat diarrhea. Some people also eat this fruit to reduce the inflammation associated with laryngitis and pneumonia. Other uses, including treatment for hypertension, tooth abscesses, heart problems, intestinal issues and cancer exist, but do not eat star apple for any medical condition without first consulting your physician.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">
<strong>Helps You Lose Weight</strong><br />
Eating a serving of star apple contributes 3 g of fiber to the recommended daily intake of 25 to 38 g. Fiber provides bulk to your diet, a factor that can make your stomach feel fuller for longer. This can keep you from eating too much, and it may help you lose weight. This nutrient can also help protect you from diabetes and some forms of cancer.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">
<strong>All-Round Basic Nutrition</strong><br />
1-cup serving of fresh star apple contains 67 calories. Eating star apple as a snack is a good choice as the calories are low and it provides no fat; however, this may not be enough calories to ease hunger pains and boost energy levels, as between-meal snack are meant to do. The Diet Channel notes that 100 to 200 calories per snack is best; consider eating an oz. of cheese or a tsp. of peanut butter to boost the number of calories into this range. One serving of star apple also has 15 g of carbohydrates, or 11.5 percent of the 130 g suggested for daily consumption by the Institute of Medicine.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />

5 UNBELIEVABLE HEALTH BENEFITS OF AFRICAN CHERRY (AGBALUMO, UDARA)...

Popularly called Agbalumo, Udara, and Otien in some parts of Nigeria, the African cherry fruit has lots of health benefits that will surprise anyone! The exotic fruit which has a chewable edible skin that ranges in color from green to orange, depending on the stage of ripeness. The tender, sweet in…

20Feb2015

‘MY MUSLIM BACKGROUND INSPIRED ME’ SINGER ASA OPENS UP...

<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="‘My Muslim Background Inspired Me’ Singer Asa Opens Up" height="176" src="http://www.talkofnaija.com/media/k2/items/cache/b42aac04790d6805916fdc0425629810_L.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<strong style="color: #666666; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em;">In a chat with My Africa Podcast, Asa, told show host, Andre Blaze, about her inspirational background, revealing how much time she spent following the teachings of Islam.</strong><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">
<strong>Asa</strong> has revealed that her time spent as a Muslim plays a very important role in her music.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">
The singer currently is on a European tour for her album, <strong>‘Bed of Stone</strong>’, visiting major cities on the continent.</div>
<a href="http://www.konga.com/mobile-phones?utm_source=affiliates&utm_medium=web&utm_term=mobile-phone&utm_content=01_12_2014&utm_campaign=mobile-phones&k_id=Successola&k_bid=cfb0556f" rel="nofollow" target="_top"><img alt="" height="90" src="//konga.postaffiliatepro.com/accounts/default1/banners/cfb0556f.jpg" title="" width="728" /></a><img alt="" height="1" src="http://konga.postaffiliatepro.com/scripts/imp.php?k_id=Successola&k_bid=cfb0556f" style="border: 0;" width="1" />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">
In a chat with <strong>My Africa Podcast</strong>, <strong>Asa,</strong> told show host, <strong>Andre Blaze</strong>, about her inspirational background, revealing how much time she spent following the teachings of Islam.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">
“I come from a Muslim background, and I actually had a stint with Islam. I was a Muslim for about 2 years or 3?” <strong>Asa</strong> said.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">
“I was after high school I lived with my grandparents. My grandparents were Muslims from Lagos Island, and yes it did influence the way I see things and the way I write.”</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">
<strong>Asa</strong> further went on to emphasise the inspiration she received, crediting Islam as the major factor behind her song ‘Awé’, a single of her hugely successful self-titled debut album, ‘Asa’.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px;">
“It influenced the song ‘<strong>Awé’</strong>. You see just near where I used to live, there was a mosque, and we had a munedžim who calls out prayers.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />

‘MY MUSLIM BACKGROUND INSPIRED ME’ SINGER ASA OPENS UP...

In a chat with My Africa Podcast, Asa, told show host, Andre Blaze, about her inspirational background, revealing how much time she spent following the teachings of Islam. Asa has revealed that her time spent as a Muslim plays a very important role in her music. The singer currently is on a Europea…

19Feb2015