Connect with us

Featured

He left me because I didn’t eat jollof at his Aunt’s funeral

Published

on

6C8ECB96 EF2A 46A7 8923 1FFD59BC0F0B

He proposed to me in May, a morning when I’d woken up to face a new day, I saw his lengthy proposal on my Whatsapp. I wasn’t sure about him so I took some time to think about it.

During those times, he came around often, he brought gifts, he brought fun, he brought care. He became everything in one person, one person who has everything I wanted in a man so, in early June, I said yes to him. Just a week later, he came to my place looking like he had been beaten by something larger than him.

“What’s the matter with you?”

“My aunt…”

“Your aunt? Yeah, what’s up with your aunt?”

“She was only sick for a few days. Today they called to tell me she’s dead.”

He then buried his head in his palm and started sobbing. I’m that bad when it comes to helping someone who’s grieving or someone in pain. I didn’t know what to do. “Should I give him a hug? Should I kiss him? A man sobbing like that?”

I was confused just as I was concerned. I reached out for his hand and said, “I’m sorry to hear that. I’m so sorry. I wish there’s something I can do for you to feel better.” He kept sobbing and started talking about his aunt fondly.

She was the one who took care of him until he completed secondary school. When the going got hard for his mom, it was the same aunt who came to their rescue. “She had her own kids but the kind of love she had for me was extraordinary. At some point, she had to sell her belongings so I could pay my fees.” He said and broke into sobs again. I picked him up from the chair he was sitting on and hugged him. He didn’t want to let go. He stopped sobbing at some point as he tried to squeeze me. And then he started touching me at places that suggested he wanted something. I thought, “If that will make him feel better, then why not?”

We had our first shuperu that day. Sadness makes a man sober but not sober enough not to want shuperu. He was energetic, he kept going up and down like I was his last meal. After that, I kept saying sorry until he went into deep thought and later left.

They travelled to their hometown the following day. While there, it became very hard to reach him. Calls didn’t go through and the ones that went through, he didn’t pick up. Later in the evening, he called to explain. It was about the low reception in their village. “I have to leave the phone where reception is strong so I can see missed calls and call back. He spent four days in their hometown. When he came back, it became very hard to see him. After work, he would call to tell me something about his aunt’s funeral and how it was going. For two weeks I didn’t see him but we spoke on the phone and texted.

A week before the funeral, he came to my place again. He was looking haggard, the death of his aunt really did something to him. I said, “You look lean. He answered, “I know. I’ve been thinking about her a lot. Her death hits me harder than I thought I could.” He came to tell me about the funeral arrangements and also ask if I would be attending the funeral. I had work to go to so I couldn’t follow him. I said, “I’ll try and come on Saturday morning and leave Sunday after church. You know there’s work to attend.” He understood me. He kissed me and our second shuperu happened.

He left the following day to their village. Again, it was hard to reach him until he called me on Friday evening giving me directions to his hometown. It is a four-hour drive but I was determined to be there for him and also felt it was an opportunity for me to meet his family.

I was there early Saturday morning and he smiled immediately after he saw me. His face looked like he hadn’t smiled in ages. He took my hand and led me in to meet his mom and other family members. They were happy to see me and I was happy to help around. I was there when he brought me tea and bread. I told him, “I’m not a tea person. Plus I ate something on my way coming so I’m good. Maybe later.” He carried it back and disappeared into the crowd. I was with his family, helping them prepare the food and running the errands I could run. Later in the day, he brought jollof. I told him, “How can you bring me food when I’m at the place where the food is being prepared? Just go ahead and function. I’m fine.”

The body was carried to the cemetery and he went with them. I didn’t see him again until later in the evening when he passed by briefly to ask if I was OK. In the evening, he took me to a room I had to share with her sisters. They were all happy to have me there and we had a great night talking and gossiping. The following day, I left the village early so I can get home early and prepare for work. He was the one who took me to the station and bade me goodbye. He came back to town three days later.

He didn’t call or tried to see me. I was the one who called before he told me he was in town. “So you wouldn’t have called if I didn’t call? You know how hard it was to reach you while there so if you’re in town, you ought to call and tell me.” He didn’t say anything. He made me feel like I was talking too much. From there everything changed. He wouldn’t call or text until I did. When I called and he picked up, he’ll give me excuses and hang up. He kept doing that for days so I started asking questions, “Is there anything wrong? The funeral is over so I expect things to be better than it is.” He said, “I’m fine. Just a little thinking here and there but I’m OK.”

I was begging him to come and see me. He’ll agree to come but won’t turn up. He won’t even call to explain why. I’m not a child and it wasn’t my first relationship. I knew enough to know when a man is drifting away. I went to his place unannounced one day. I told him, “I’m here to ask only one question. Don’t tell me it’s nothing because I’m not going to take that answer. What have I done to you? Have I unknowingly said something bad to you? Why this sudden change?”

I probed all day and this guy won’t give me anything concrete. He kept saying all was well and I shouldn’t work myself the way I was doing. Later in the evening, he sent me a lengthy message telling me what was wrong. At the tail end, he said, “My mom felt very disappointed that you’ll come all the way and not eat anything. It’s like you find them disgusting to eat their food. She doesn’t like you and I can’t continue to be in a relationship with a woman my mother doesn’t like.”

I’d wanted to laugh but the message was so

annoying to draw laughter from me. I called him. Minutes later he was so angry he was shouting at me on the phone. “I’m beginning to suspect you’re the reason I’m facing this bad luck. Immediately you came into my life, my aunt died. Who else is going to die? It’s true what they say, it’s not every woman we take home. And you’ll come to a funeral and behave like you’re the daughter of Dangote so you don’t mingle with the lowly. Who do you think you are?”

I was like, “Is this all because I didn’t eat funeral Jollof or there’s something else I don’t know?”

He cut the call and blocked me. It was like a funny dream. I decided not to pursue him or even do anything. I took it as a bad emotional investment, I cut my losses and moved on. Over three months later, he unlocked me. He commented on my status. I blocked him. He called trying to talk lengthy, I blocked him. To me, he died the very day he cut the call on me and blocked me. Dead people remain in the grave, he’s not Jesus to rise up again from the dead.

Source: Silent Beads

Featured

Things to think about before breaking a Guinness World Record

Published

on

By

Breaking a Guinness World Record is a difficult but rewarding endeavour that demands thorough organisation and execution. Aspiring record-breakers may improve their chances of success and create a memorable experience for themselves and others who witness their amazing exploits by taking into account the criteria described above. Remember that breaking a record is about motivating others to push their boundaries and strive for greatness as well as attaining a personal milestone.

The desire to pursue or break records captivated many people in 2023, with some reaching viral fame while others went disregarded.

However, attempting such exploits needs considerable preparation outside of the spotlight.

Before going on a record-breaking adventure, consider the following factors:

Think About Your Health

The pursuit of a record sometimes necessitates considerable physical and mental effort. Before embarking on such endeavours, it is critical to analyse your existing health situation. Consider the toll it may have on your body, since inconsistent sleep patterns and hard exercise regimens may hurt your health.

Take into account the available resources

Record-breaking attempts have financial ramifications. Determine if you have the means or funding to support your endeavour. Consider the price of a decent automobile, gasoline, maintenance, and other necessary expenses for certain records, such as a drive-a-thon.

Think about what you’ll get out of it

Recognise the motivation behind your ambition to set or break a record. Common motives include recognition, personal fulfilment, and promotional chances for your company. If the prospective rewards coincide with your objectives, it may be a worthwhile endeavour. However, if the endeavour does not provide real rewards, you should reassess your commitment.

Take a look at the rules and regulations

Each record category frequently comes with a set of regulations and guidelines established by organisations such as Guinness World Records. Learn about these rules and restrictions. Check that you can follow the regulations, as failing to do so may result in disqualification. Wasting time and effort on a project that does not fit the requirements yields an unsatisfactory result.

Prepare for a Positive or Negative Outcome

Understand that not every attempt to break a record will result in immediate success or fame. Prepare for the consequences, whether success, failure, or a lack of attention. Consider how the experience, whether you win or lose, may help you with personal development, skill development, or other elements of your life.

Setting off on a voyage to establish or break a record is admirable, but it takes careful planning and deliberation.

You may make an informed selection and boost your chances of a successful and enjoyable record-breaking event by carefully assessing these elements.

Conclusion

Breaking a Guinness World Record is a difficult but rewarding endeavour that demands thorough organisation and execution. Aspiring record-breakers may improve their chances of success and create a memorable experience for themselves and others who witness their amazing exploits by taking into account the criteria described above. Remember that breaking a record is about motivating others to push their boundaries and strive for greatness as well as attaining a personal milestone.

Continue Reading

Featured

Consumers of pepper soup enjoy longer lives

Published

on

By

Food containing 3% chilli powder, on the other hand, reduced the longevity of male cohorts by 9%. According to a study of diet and mortality data from four big, multinational studies, ingestion of chilli peppers may lower the relative risk of cardiovascular disease mortality by 26%, according to a previous research by the American Heart Association (2020). Chilli pepper usage was related with a 25% reduction in all-cause mortality and a 23% reduction in cancer mortality when compared to persons who never or only seldom ingested chilli pepper.

Consumers of pepper soup should rejoice. A recent study by Semaniuk et al.(2022) found that eating chilli peppers regularly, whether in soup or other forms, increases life span.

Chilli pepper fruits do contain phenolic compounds that are structurally similar to those that have anti-ageing activities.

Chilli powder given to diet at doses of 0.04%-0.12% significantly increased the median longevity of fruit fly cohorts of both genders by 9% to 13%.

Food containing 3% chilli powder, on the other hand, reduced the longevity of male cohorts by 9%.

According to a study of diet and mortality data from four big, multinational studies, ingestion of chilli peppers may lower the relative risk of cardiovascular disease mortality by 26%, according to previous research by the American Heart Association (2020).

Chilli pepper usage was related to a 25% reduction in all-cause mortality and a 23% reduction in cancer mortality when compared to persons who never or only seldom ingested chilli pepper.

This research piqued my interest in Nigerian pepper soup and Ghanaian light soups with spicy spices. For example, Jiang TA(2019) discovered that frequent consumption of spicy meals was also associated with a decreased risk of mortality from cancer, ischemic heart disease, and respiratory system disorders.

However, the real effect of spices and herbs in health maintenance, especially in preventing the development of chronic, noncommunicable illnesses, is still unknown.

Nigerian pepper soup has a rush of natural flavours and spices that excite your culinary senses and put your hunger right. It is quite adaptable since it can be created using a variety of meaty meats such as turkey, chicken, fish, and even our nutrient-dense offals.

Adegoke et al. (2015) conducted a study to assess customer perceptions of the gastronomic, social, and health characteristics of pepper soup. A systematic questionnaire was utilised to determine the reasons for eating pepper soup, the chosen type of pepper soup, the social setting for pepper soup consumption, beverage accompaniment preferred with pepper soup, and food categories preferred as accompaniment with pepper soup.

It also assessed people’s perceptions of the stated health advantages of pepper soup’s ingredients. According to the poll, respondents ate pepper soup on a weekly and occasional basis for enjoyment (68.3%) and relaxation (55.8%).

90.2, 85.9, 90.2, and 92% of respondents liked catfish, goat meat, chicken, and cow tail as the meaty components in their pepper soup, respectively.

Colour, texture, and flavour preferences were light or dark brown, thick or light, and peppery and spicy. 97% of respondents chose hot pepper soup, while 65.8% preferred warm pepper soup.

Respondents (66.3 and 79%) chose beer and wine with their pepper soup, whereas 75.9 and 90.7% selected non-alcoholic beverages as accompaniments, respectively, carbonated beverages and juices or mineral water.

The majority of respondents (60.5 8.52%) strongly disagreed that pepper soup held the majority of the health advantages associated with herbs, spices, and other pepper soup elements, showing that pepper soup may not be taken for its claimed therapeutic value.

The nutritional value of pepper soup is usually dependent on the components used in its preparation. The spices and condiments utilised have shown to be useful in medicinal treatments.

Pepper soup is a nutrient-dense, nutritious food. The soup is low in calories and fat, and it’s high in protein.

Pepper soup has a lot of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, and potassium. Pepper soup is not only nutritious, but it is also tasty and simple to prepare. You may make the soup using chicken, goat meat, or yams. Spice the pepper soup to taste.

An article in the Tribune by Eunice Olaleye(2022) stated that a scientific evaluation by Dr Heben’s team on DrHealthBenefits.com concluded that the soup does assist in managing heart rate.

It also aids in blood pressure regulation, preventing it from becoming dangerously high or low. In other terms, it aids in blood pressure stabilisation.

Because pepper soup is an antioxidant, it also drives away free radicals that might cause cancer (Nwose EU, 2009; Agbor et al., 2019).

Pepper soup might help you recover from a cold or cough. There are various therapeutic benefits that you should be aware of.

The soup is also beneficial in chilly weather, according to the author. Hot and spicy pepper soup is crucial for keeping your body warm. It’s a win-win situation. You enjoy your pepper soup while also warming up your body.

According to youmustgethealthy.com, the elements in pepper soup are what make it healthy. Pepper soup contains unripe plantain, fresh catfish, cow skin, beef, or goat meat, which not only tastes good but also contains anti-oxidants.

Consuming pepper soup is one strategy to maintain proper vitamin intake while being hydrated. Because of the spicy nature, one tends to drink a lot of water.

Key Takeaways

According to the literature, pepper soup with local spices has several health advantages. According to a review of diet and mortality data from four major, multinational studies, intake of peppers or spicy spices may lower the relative risk of cardiovascular disease death by 26%, according to the American Heart Association(2020). Chilli pepper usage was related to a 25% reduction in all-cause mortality and a 23% reduction in cancer mortality when compared to persons who never or only seldom ingested chilli pepper.

With this knowledge, fans of spicy spices may include them in their diets in any way to improve their health.

NB: Prof. Nyarkotey follows stringent source requirements and bases his articles on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutes, and medical societies. My posts are for educational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice for treatment. My goal is to educate the public about scientific evidence-based Naturopathic Therapies.

The author is a Naturopathic Healthcare Professor, a Medical Journalist, and a scientific writer. Professor40naturopathy@gmail.com is the email address.

Continue Reading

Featured

Accra College of Education: History, Programs and Location

Published

on

By

Accra College of Education is a leader in teacher education, educating the next generation of educators who will play a critical role in shaping the minds of Ghana's children. With a commitment to quality, a long history, and a devotion to comprehensive education, the institution continues to have a significant effect on the Accra and beyond education sectors.

Accra College of Education is a notable teacher education college in Ghana, located in the Eastern or Greater Accra zone. Following the Colleges of Education Act of 2012 (Act 847), the college was upgraded to tertiary status, allowing it to issue degrees in Basic Education. The university recently welcomed 321 new students into its academic community, demonstrating the institution’s ongoing involvement in creating the next generation of educators.

The college’s dedication to practical, scientific-based education is seen in projects such as “Experiment Share,” which attempts to improve science instruction through engaging and exciting live experiments.

History and Background

Accra College of Education’s long history and commitment to educational quality have positioned it as a significant role in Ghana’s teacher training and growth. The institution’s programmes and activities, as well as its cutting-edge Teaching and Learning Resource Centre, highlight its continual efforts to improve teacher education quality and foster creative, practice-based learning.

The college’s willingness to adapt to the changing demands of the education sector, emphasis on practical teaching techniques, and excellent leadership under Dr. Samuel Awinkene Atintono, Principal, highlight its importance in the field of teacher education in Ghana.

Accra College of Education continues to play an important role in defining the country’s educational future by providing prospective teachers with the information, skills, and practical experience required to flourish in their careers.

Academic Programs

Accra College of Education is well-known for its wide range of academic programmes for prospective educators. The institution provides a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) programme that is aimed to provide students with the information, skills, and pedagogical strategies necessary for effective teaching. The programme frequently includes specialisations in many fields, allowing students to focus on their individual areas of interest.

Furthermore, the institution may offer diploma programmes in education, which would provide an alternate avenue for students seeking a more condensed teacher training programme.

Faculty and Staff

The quality of any educational institution’s faculty and staff is directly related to its success. Accra College of Education is proud of its staff of passionate educators and professionals who are not only specialists in their disciplines but also dedicated to building a supportive learning environment. The faculty frequently engages in research and intellectual endeavours that help to develop education in Ghana.

Campus Facilities

Accra College of Education provides a welcoming learning environment with cutting-edge technology to improve the entire student experience. These may include well-equipped classrooms, scientific and computer laboratories, a library with pertinent materials, and recreational areas where students may relax.

Campus Life

The institution emphasises a comprehensive approach to education, recognising that the college experience goes beyond the classroom. Accra College of Education has a bustling campus life that includes a variety of extracurricular activities, organisations, and events. These programmes allow kids to gain leadership skills, create long-lasting friendships, and participate in community service.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Accra College of Education frequently forms alliances and collaborations with other educational institutions, both nationally and worldwide, in order to keep informed of educational breakthroughs and global best practices. These collaborations may enable student exchange programmes, collaborative research projects, and faculty development opportunities.

Contributions to Education

Accra College of Education has made important contributions to Ghana’s education landscape by generating a cadre of trained and competent teachers who go on to serve in a variety of positions within the education sector. The college’s effect extends beyond its campus, impacting the quality of education in schools and communities across the country.

Conclusion

Accra College of Education is a leader in teacher education, educating the next generation of educators who will play a critical role in shaping the minds of Ghana’s children. With a commitment to quality, a long history, and a devotion to comprehensive education, the institution continues to have a significant effect on Accra and beyond education sectors.

Continue Reading

Trending

Optimized by Optimole