How to Treat Alopecia

By Pelumi Hassan

Everyone wants a good skin, full hair, and a “perfect” body.  When we don’t get our desired look, we tend to blame it on “If no be for this school stress, I for don fresh” or lack of time and money. Sounds familiar right? Well, the good news is there will be no school stress for a while, so you have all the time in the world to take good care of yourself.

Taking good care of yourself goes beyond eating everything at home and adding weight. You can decide to make that skin glow, make that scanty scalp grow hair, and work that body into that wallpaper you wished you looked like. Today, let’s start talking about taking care of your hair. No matter your gender, your hair does a lot to change your look. So, it is essential that you pay great attention to it. While some people are on the way to hair loss, some already have serious conditions, like alopecia from the lack of care and attention to the hair.

Alopecia is the partial or complete absence of hair from areas of the body where it normally grows. It is also known as alopecia areata (AA). It is when the hair shifts away from your original hairline. This condition is real and can affect any gender at any age. Yes, even kids can be affected by alopecia. While tight hairdos and the continuous styling of ponytails can be the cause of alopecia in women, a dry and brittle scalp can be the cause in men.

So, is there a treatment? Yes but it takes a lot of time and patience. The first step to treating alopecia is acknowledging the signs. Most of the time, people just choose to believe that the new hairline was their hairline all along. This is dangerous because they will not give the hair the attention needed.

Stop Manipulative hairstyles.

 The front hair is also known as the baby hair is naturally weaker than the normal hair. If you notice hair loss, you should stop making that Ghana weaving or ponytail. In fact, do not add any hair extension to it for a while. Let it rest if you need to go out, use wigs. As a guy, do not let the barber touch your hairline AT ALL.

Use hair growth oil and products.

As I said, the treatment takes a lot of time and patience. You can buy some hair growth oil like coconut oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, and the likes. For better results, you can combine the use of other homemade products with any of these oils.

Homemade products are less expensive and very effective too. You can pick from rice water, onions juice, lemon juice and so on. The only disadvantage is that the smell is not nice. In some cases, people get impatient when the result they are getting is either slow or there is none at all then they start using multiple hair products at once in a bid to get fast actions. No! The hair needs to breath too, often times when people do this, the hair ends up being more damaged. For example, the hair becomes so light and looses its weight making it unhealthy, the hair starts looking scanty and so on.  So in as much as we all want to flaunt a healthy-looking hair, we have to exercise patience and stop using all the ” I heard this works” product hereby causing excessive damage to our hair.

Eat Good Food

This method works for the hair as much as it does for the skin. There is simply no excuse, just eat mum’s sweet food and be happy.

Lastly, trust the process. Believe in the treatment and be consistent, you will get your result soon. However, always put your hair down try not to pack too tight or comb it in any harsh way. Just leave it and let it rest. Stay home, safe stay, and let your hair grow.

Open Marriage - Yay or Nay?

By Moyinoluwa Babalola

In Nigeria, there is a lot of respect for culture and tradition. The institution of marriage is very much respected. 

Will the idea of open marriage be celebrated or criticized in a country like Nigeria?

For those wondering what an open marriage is, let's look at the Wikipedia definition "Open Marriage is a form of non-monogamy in which the parties of a dyadic marriage agree that each may engage in extramarital sexual relationships, without being regarded by them as infidelity, and consider or establish an open relationship despite the implied monogamy of marriage."

Forget the big language, what they are saying is that an Open Marriage is a marriage where there is an agreement to have affairs outside of the marriage.

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett are said to be practicing open marriage. Of recent, the issue of Open Marriage became a subject of discussion in Nigeria when Cynthia Obi-Uchendu, wife of Ebuka Uchendu- the popular media personality, tweeted that:

"I've always said that there is absolutely nothing wrong with having an open marriage."

These caused a lot of controversy among Nigerians and the popular Instablog also put it up on its Instagram page and it got a lot of exciting comments.

Trust Nigerians not to disappoint with their comments:

Nigerians have talked their talk. What is your own opinion on Open Marriage?

Source: Instablog.

OAU Professor Confirmed Dead

By Emmanuel Dominic

Obafemi Awolowo University has again lost another great Professor to the cold hands of death this year. Dr. Gabriel Egharevha who was a Professor of Chemistry in Obafemi Awolowo University.

He died on July 15th 2020. It was said that, he was involved in an accident. Professor Egharevha Celebrated his birthday on Sunday, 12th of July 2020. In which he clocked age 66 before death came knocking.

May God console his families and friends.

Sustaining Democracy in A Dwindling Economy

By Mutiu Saheed Abiodun.

Ban Ki-Moon once said "Sustainable development is the pathway to the future we want for all. It offers a framework to generate economic growth, achieve social justice, exercise environmental stewardship, and strengthen governance."

Democracy, as defined in the Cambridge dictionary, is the belief in freedom and equality between people, or a system of government based on this belief, in which power is either held by elected representatives or directly by the people themselves. Democracy exists to provide a way for people to live and be together in a way that is beneficial to all. 

As a bird can't fly with a wounded feather, so it is going to be disastrous for any country to sustain her democratic system of government in a dwindling economy. This is because democracy and economic development go hand in hand clarification of their correlation are irrefutable. In other words, democracy is tied with economic series of growth like levels of education and lifespan through the improvement of educational institutions as well as healthcare. 

Democracy can not sustain in a dwindling economy because, for governance to go smoothly, it must have the revenue to manage its plans. People will request portfolios and this can't be run efficiently without revenue. Nigeria, her economy is a good example that has fallen in this menace. If her current expenditure has taken 70% in paying salary, now can 30% do the rest? And, if it goes like that; people will begin to lament that the serving government is not good enough. Imagine in a situation whereby, an Honourable member of House of Representative is expected to carry his constituency along and always be there for their quests, but when "water is more than yam flour", there is no way it can survive. Surprisingly, people will even expect him/her to be sharing money with every member of the constituency. 

The dwindling economy in a democratic government will lead to nothing but political instability, that is, what is expected of government to realize will not be realized and with these, there will be no improvement in the governance and instead of new things to be planned, the reverse will be the case. On this note is what describes sustainability as a culture which is enough for everyone's needs but not everyone's greed; he, therefore, governs best he who governs least.

It is important to note that the root of the economy itself is seen as a proverbial round table conference for home management and with the media as the best mode of operation. Centrally, it is like a round peg fit for a round hole. However, there is a dictum that says: "sustainability does not fly near the sun." For an economy which would not only take care of today but more of care for tomorrow, it must not fly too near the sun, refraining from living on what it cannot sustain. 

For instance, in the Nigerian context, our economy flies too near the sun by these following anomalies and absurdities: Feigning equal partnership with the advanced economy of Europe, USA and the tiger nations from where we imported 20 different goods at the proverbial border markets while we approach same with just one oil export commodity. We, the Nigerian governments and the governed fool ourselves thinking that we are on equal footing as we refer to ourselves as "Giant of Africa" when by this foolish act makes us over-dependent on other people's sweat. We run our economy too near the sun because anything artificial or gummy cannot stand the scorching sun. It is also like the case of the proverbial load carrier who spent his daily takings on imported bread, he is eating the scalps of his head without knowing it. Why is he not buying local foods which cost less and build his body better, health-wise and afford him the opportunity of saving a few coins for the raining day? 

Our economy flies too near the sun by working ourselves into needless debts and wasting loans on white elephant projects which do not benefit the future generation. Failure to give priority to education in our policy and budget implementation is another way of flying our economy too near the sun.

In the final reckoning, without a robust economy to implement serving government, democracy is not sustainable. In this regard, we think Democracy can be survived from the dwindling economy by the following three basic principles: 

Firstly, exploitation and conservation of natural resources, that is the use of natural resources to buttress its current source and utilizes in such a way that includes the consumption to achieve the principle of sustainability. 

Secondly, the Integration of environment into our economy and its programs. 

Lastly, the equitable use of the resources in a way to be of immense benefit to all and sundry. Democracy that encourages a level-playing ground would throw up the right leadership that regards stewardship as a platform for bringing benefits for the good of all and never for individualistic tendencies. 

Our verdict, therefore, is that there is no way democratic governance can be sustained in a country where natural resources are neglected or only one of them is dependent on, where budget implementation is not done accordingly, and where citizens are politically immature and illiterate. 

Sharan Leslie Burrow, former president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, said in one of her quotes that "...no peace for the peoples of the world without the guarantees of sustainability." This entails that, today's status is a reflection of tomorrow.

Tertiary Institutes Remain Closed Even As FG Approves "Safe Reopening" Of Schools.

By Abidemi Olukanmi Abeeb 

Despite the school reopening in the next phase of lockdown ease, the tertiary Institutes across Nigeria are to remain closed as federal government urge graduating students preparing for final exams to go back to school.

The Federal Government has approved what is called “safe reopening” of schools nationwide in the next phase of the gradual easing of lockdown ordered to curtail further spread of COVID-19.

However, only graduating students will resume.

It has been gathered that the government equally lifted ban on interstate movement. This would be  effective from July 1, 2020, noting that only fifty percent of the passengers of the buses are allowed during travels.

The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, disclosed these at the ongoing daily briefing of the task force in Abuja on Monday.

He said the reopening of schools was meant to allow students in graduating classes resume preparation for examinations.

He disclosed that the latest developments were contained in the task force’s fifth interim report which was submitted to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), earlier in the day.

Maintaining the current phase of the national response, for another four weeks in line with modifications to be expatiated by the National Coordinator;

“Permission of movement across state borders only outside curfew hours with effect from 1st July, 2020"

The PTF, however, reaffirmed the continuation of the nationwide curfew between 10 pm and 4 am adding that “travels are not expected at this period.”

Court Acquits Prof Elujoba

By Pelumi Hassan 

Around last month,  the media was blazing with the news of Prof. Elujoba;  the former acting VC of Obafemi Awolowo University. His bank account was frozen due to some investigation for an alleged fraud. The former acting VC and former acting bursar; Mrs Josephine Akeredolu were arraigned on seven- count charges of conspiracy, stealing,paying of earned and productivity allowance of N1.4 billion to the staff of the university without authority’s approval, illegal payment of furniture allowance, abuse of office and conversion of money belonging to the university.

However, An Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo on Thursday 25th of June, 2020, discharged and acquitted the former Acting Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Professor Anthony Elujoba of abuse of office and financial misappropriation.

 The court also discharged and acquit the former Acting Bursar of the university, Mrs Josephine Akeredolu on allegations of fraud and conspiracy levelled against her by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The prosecution team was led by Mr M. S. Usman who called three witnesses and tendered exhibit to prove it case.

Will Face Mask Really be Incorporated as Students' Fashion Trends?

By Aworinde Blessing

The evolution of face masks and how it has actually become a fashion trend has proved how life can change in the blink of an eye. It also shows how man adapts to change. Even though the face masks were seen to be a symbol of fear and insecurity, it has become a way people express themselves and has also provided an opportunity for the fashion industry as it has been recommended for all in order to curb the spread of Covid-19. Now that the country moves towards reopening and people are trying to get back to their normal lives, the Center for Disease Control has encouraged people to use the face mask to protect themselves. Face masks have now become a necessity, people are trying to keep safe at the same time with been fashionable by incorporating face masks with their outfits.

Recently, some state governments have allowed the reopening of worship centers and it is considered very important to make use of the face mask. Meetings are now allowed to hold only if there is strict adherence to wearing the face mask. The world has no single idea of what the future holds as no permanent solution has been found for the cure of the novel virus, so there is no doubt that masks are here to stay.

Even though governments have not given a precise date for the resumption of schools, it has given guidelines that students have to follow and among them is wearing face masks. Now that wearing of face masks have been made a necessity, students will also have to incorporate it into their fashion trends by wearing fashionable masks.

Many politicians, government officials, and entertainers are adopting the use of more stylish masks with different styles. Gone are the bland white and blue masks, people now wear face masks that match with their outfits. Amid the Coronavirus pandemic, many Nigerian celebrities turned up at the AMVCA wearing glittery jeweled face masks. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike has been seen wearing varieties of designed masks to her news conference. Also, the Defense Minister Taro Kono appeared in a meeting wearing a designed mask. 

It has been made a compulsion to wear a face mask so it is only natural for students to incorporate the use of fashionable masks into their fashion trends. Especially if the government has to decide on reopening the schools. Even though it hasn't been proven that the wearing of face mask guarantees complete protection it is deemed necessary to wear it in public areas. Even though there may not be strict adherence to social distancing especially in large schools like Obafemi Awolowo University where there are a large number of students the only possible way to guarantee safe interaction is through wearing the face mask.

The president of the University of Arizona Robert Robbins said he will highly encourage mask-wearing at the university in order to protect both the students and teachers from the infection. Even if they have been controversies over the use of masks as parents believe that it may lead to choking or affect the way they breathe. it has been decided that schools, where social distancing can be maintained, may not have to make use of face masks. However, it is important to wear it in large populated schools where the shaking of hands and friendly hugs has become a normal form of greeting.

Also, the mask will give an opportunity to students to shows their creativity in terms of fashion. Obafemi Awolowo University has its own designed mask. In Canada, university students launched a stylish Canadian-made face mask company. Students have the habits of making something horrific look appealing so they can also do the same by incorporating fashion face masks into their trends.

Since designed masks are the current trends in fashion and there is an increased number of people using it as they try to go back to their normal daily routine. It is only natural for students to incorporate the face mask into their fashion trends if they eventually have to return to school.