M&H Issue No.1 Self Love

“Love will never die everything is tempoary” Imagine Dragons.

May

SELF-LOVE

Self-love has less to do with how one responds to being treated a certain way by the world and more on how comfortable it is to be oneself.

“I am not a people pleaser”, “I love my self” and “I will put my needs first”.

if you don’t love yourself , how the hell are you going to love someone else?

Daniella X.

In this Issue...

Meet the Editorial Team

Mitchel is a graduate of Afe-Babalola Univeristy Ado Ekiti, and a Peace and conflict specialist. He is also the Editor in chief and founder of M&H magazine. his passions include;

Travel, sports and the military, when he is not pursuing his passions he is working to better his community through volunteering.

“ I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself” D.H.Lawrence.

Hansel Omolade Layout & Design

Hansel is currently an Undergraduate of Afe- babalola University and a co- founder of M&H magazine. He is the chief designer of M&H magazine an artist and Bio-tech enthusiast. His favorite hobbies include tennis, volleyaball and art.

“art is long” .

My form of self love would be listening to motivational podcast daily , definitely skincare because I’m so obsessed with my skin so pigmentation or a little pimple would definitely trigger an insecurity which leads me to say self love is a journey, not the easiest if we are being honest but it’s all about appreciating ourselves even at our worst and struggles which could be so hard.

Daniella x.

Mitchel Omolade Editor

Sub-Editors introducing...

Daniella is a graduate of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti where she gained an LLB, graduate diploma in marketing and became an Arbitrator. She’s also passionate about women and children which led her to be part of a foundation that caters to widows and Orphans. She loves traveling , shopping , cooking and being part of social discussions where ideas and perspectives are shared.

“Nothing is absolute. Everything changes, everything moves, everything revolves, everything flies and goes away”.

-Frida Kahlo

Esther is a graduate of Afe Babalola University, Ado- Ekiti, and a Peace and Conflict specialist. Her passions include, travel, reading and music. She is a photographer and videographer when she is not working at the Bank of Industry for her NYSC.

It is her belief to make impact in society by making a difference. As a speaker and writer, she loves to talk about avoided topics that society deems better left unsaid.

“Be the change you want to see around you’”.

Editorial Note

Welcome! to the first issue of M&H magazine. From humble beginnings M&H is the magazine that aims to inform, educate and entertain.

we are a team of dedicated young creatives, scholars and professionals who are working together to create a platform for other young creatives such as ourselves to rise.

It is our hope that in reading this magazine you come to discover the enormous potential that exists within you and reach your full potential. M&H is commited to publishing only the most accurate information, creative pieces, trends, columns, works of art and photography that will both entertain and inform your incredible mind.

Ibukun is a graduate of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti and a copywriting and marketing specialist. An animation enthusiast and a financial hobbyist. Ibukun believes the future of the world lies in the improvement of technology in enhancing living conditions for all.

“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic”

– Arthur C Clarke

Therefore, every two weeks we will be bringing you amazing and engaging trends and even life changing information sourced from leading professionals and content creators. In M&H there is something for every young person. M&H

Note to Self

PRACTICING SELF-LOVE by Esther Bolaji.

How do you practice self love?

I’m EstaB, and a regular day of self love starts with a cup of chocolate tea before heading to work. When I’m less busy, I listen to some music or read novels to kill time. During weekends, I sometimes hang out with friends or stay home all day in bed doing nothing but watch movies or read novels. Being in my own space alone gives me a calm feeling to settle, decide things and enjoy my own company. I love to travel at least once in a few years for my mental health, a change of scenery is necessary for me. I love nature and I enjoy basking in natural environments to refresh myself, that’s how I take a breathe from over working myself for a while.

How do you handle self-doubt?

I resort to writing my accomplishments, to analyse my growth over the years on things I’ve began to do better and I acknowledge I’m a work in progress. Doing this regularly has helped boost my self confidence.

~ Esther Bolaji

My form of self love would be listening to motivational podcast daily , definitely skincare because I’m so obsessed with my skin so pigmentation or a little pimple would definitely trigger an insecurity which leads me to say self love is a journey, not the easiest if we are being honest but it’s all about appreciating ourselves even at our worst and struggles which could be so hard. We need to slowly appreciate the little things about us and see beauty within ourselves , figuring things we love and what makes us , us if that make sense. Growing up , my mum threw me into the modeling world early and I guess it made me grow up criticising myself steadily on my body weight or my arms as well as my skin because these were thing that were picked upon. The world “fat” was a trigger for me , I literally couldn’t process it and I would cry and I hate myself, overthinking on surgeries to get. I’m so glad I found someone like my mum who made me realise how worthy I was as of love and how perfect I am with all my imperfections which led me to embrace myself more. I am still struggling but I’m getting there I guess. Daniella xx.

“Self-love has less to do with how one responds to being treated a certain way by the world and more on how comfortable it is to be oneself. Are you comfortable with the way you smile or do you smile more often because you receive compliments when you do? most times it feels good to be complimented even though it could sometimes be social courtesy.

It definitely feels good to be seen and appreciated on our attributes physical or psychological”.

Soro Soké

Soro Soké focuses on trends and issues that affect our society and how we can bring positive change and progress as individuals .

M&H believes that everyone has a responsibility to speak up. This weekSoro Soké is brought to you by Ibukun, he is a current affairs enthusiast and a a co- editor of M&H magazine.

The controversy surrounding the 2023 general elections are something every Nigerian is familiar with. In fact, it is not a stretch to call it a pivotal point in Nigeria’s history, especially for today’s youth who have been more and more active in the political sphere. However, now that the elections have passed, and the new government is about to be brought in, what can the youths and people of Nigeria do now to live better lives in this new dispensation, regardless of political views.

Most youths today want to “Japa” from Nigeria as soon as possible, but the truth is, not everyone can leave. If we can’t all leave, then what can we do to better our lives as we grow in Nigeria? In this article, I hope to give some useful and concrete advice on what steps to take to improve your life in this coming era.

The youth in Nigeria make up a significant portion of the population, there is a vast number of resources available to us even if you don’t always see it. Here are some opportunities that you should consider:

Develop Yourself: The development of youth is one of the main reasons we at M&H started this magazine. Self-development refers to the intentional actions and efforts taken by an individual to improve their skills, knowledge, abilities, and personal qualities, to achieve personal growth and fulfillment. Many do not think much about improving themselves much beyond the financial aspect, but self-improvement is necessary to be successful in life. Whenever you see someone and look up to them because of their achievements, wealth and charisma you need to understand that those things did not come to them for free overnight, rather it is often deliberately built up and worked for. We cannot live our lives without going out of our way to make ourselves better in every way and perhaps this might be the most important thing to have in mind going into the future.

It is important to remember that success takes hard work and dedication. It may not happen overnight, but with perseverance and determination, you can achieve your goals. You are the future of Nigeria, and with the right mindset and resources, you can create a better future for yourselves and your country.

Embrace digital skills: According to a recent poll conducted by U-Reports Nigeria, 30% of Nigerian youth believe that digital skills are crucial for their future success. As the world becomes increasingly digital, it is important to develop skills in technology and digital literacy. The advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has already made millionaires of normal people and programmers in the west who have leveraged this to make apps and business models that solve problems and make money.

Nigerian youth need to understand that there is more to the tech industry than fintech. There is a wide array of things that can be made digitally. Think games which are a multi-billion-dollar industry, or Social Networks, and applications which solve problems unique to Nigeria or Africa. There are many free resources available online that can help you develop these skills, and they can even help secure jobs in various fields, including technology, marketing, and finance. If you are interested in Artificial Intelligence, or other tech-based ideas that you can learn and make use of, check out our article on the topic.

Capitalize on Nigeria’s growing agricultural sector: “Agriculture in Nigeria is underdeveloped and has much wasted potential” This is a phrase I am sure we have all heard in one form or the other as Nigerians.

Agriculture in Nigeria has been known to be lacking for a long time now, however, the sector is now worth investing in now more than ever because of the road networks that have been improved all over the country which will allow for more efficient and safe transport of farm produce within the country, the emergence of the Lekki Deep Sea trading port which will facilitate exports to other countries, and the new possibility of new government policies to delibrately support and promote agriculture in the country. Agriculture is Nigeria’s next big economic opportunity, and the sector is expected to increase in value to the tune of $1 trillion by 2030. With over 90 million young people in Nigeria, there is an opportunity to take advantage of this growing sector by pursuing careers in agriculture, starting agribusinesses, or in the value chains of agricultural products.

Staying Sane in Nigeria: A how to;

Three friends are at a bar a Sierra Leonean, a Ghanaian and a Nigerian. They finish their drinks and each orders an uber, the Uber driver sends a notification to each of them. The Ghanaian sees his, gulps a mug of beer in one sitting, looks to his colleagues and says Charlie “I will see you later”. The Sierra Leonean sees his and starts praising the white man for technology as he walks out.

The Nigerian reads his notification “be ready to meet Muhammad outside” and replies “is that a threat? “

For the Nigerian everything is a threat, his environmental, his home, his daily life, are either a struggle or a threat….

why does the cage bird sing ?

“Am I Mad or is the country Nigeria mad?” the answer is simple, “all of us in this country are mad”. That has been the quote of many when faced with the reality of the Nigerian situation, the average person on the street today would not hesitate to “change it for anybody”, but why is that, is there no police force to call in the face of danger, is there no body responsible for our security domestic and abroad and is there no sanity in our society?.

It is inevitable that any society where citizens feel caged is bound to have a pandemic of violent outbursts and those who seek to escape it, how are you expected to behave or think like a sane being when everyone around you is clearly “moving mad”. I could offer you a solution after all we are not in an exam hall and this is quiet reading.

I am sure you have read so many articles on mental health awareness and even maybe have coping mechanisms for dealing with your mental health in a country like Nigeria, mental health is delicate after all, and there are many viruses that can affect it. Coping mechanisms comes in many forms, spiritual help such as prayer, meditation or in some cases traditional medicine, for some this is a saving grace for others something else is needed. Such as therapy and medication and in case you were wondering some people are just beyond the reach of methods available to us but as I said earlier, we have can give you the first set of remedy for handling mental health, this may not be the solution you need if you are far gone and need clinical help… but for those Nigeria has made mad.. these are some simple solutions:

A little Patience and Understanding: I know, I know, people are annoying and nothing is sweeter than letting them know that they can’t mess with you, like when you are driving to and from work and this “animal” wants to overtake you. But if you think about it, if we all make a little effort to be better a lot more things could run smoothly, after all people like us should know better.

Exercise: Not just the body but the mind, take a second to breathe and just enjoy the air around you. After all, if you cannot appreciate the little things you cannot appreciate the big things and life has a way of just passing when we do not take a moment to breath.

Clean your space: maybe you think of cleaning just as a chore or maybe you have a maid to do that for you, but this is a simple task and you are not a baby. Clean your house and clean your clothes, I assume you have a personal space so keep it clean as a ritual, maybe you have (etagere) polish them and if not I’m sure you have shoes, clean them.

Japa : I know I am supposed to be patriotic, after all I could be talking to the president or a future president who knows, but half of them left this country at some point and they still do, especially after winning elections. We all need a change of environment, sometimes we meet good people in our travels and other times we discover that people behave the same in any given set of situations. Take the time to travel and explore the world, it is a very small place.

ABUJA FCT.

LOW-COST PLACES TO CHILL AND HANGOUT IN ABUJA

Starting of our countdown with the most popular spot in Abuja;

. Magic land

located at No.1, Kukwaba Hills, Constitution Ave, Wuye, Abuja (Beside Abuja city gate).

This popular destination known for its thrilling rides and family friendly environs is one of the oldest amusements parks in Abuja and comes highly recommended by trip advisor and other visitors. A visit to this location is sure to fetch you a bang for your buck and is sure to leave you with a memorable experience. The entry fee is between 500-1000 Naira and its also important to note that each ride and experience carries it with similar additional costs.

Source: Trip Advisor MagicLand Idara.E, 2019

. Arts and crafts village

This beauty is located a mere five-minute walk from the Sheraton hotel, it features thatched roof huts and a serene environment in which to carry out your search for handmade souvenirs, old Nigerian and Biafran currency notes, and other Afrocentric items such as wooden masks, necklaces and beads. This is your one stop shop to check out all things African.

Source: Trip Advisor Art and Craft Village, 2018

. Thought Pyramid Centre

Clearly a lot of thought was given to the establishment of the centre, right form the get-go you are greeted with sights of intricately woven and sculpted metal statues, which is a mere shadow of what the gigantic hall contains. The art works of giants such as Bruce Onobrakpeya and Dr ladi Kwali are hosted in the great hall. The experience is highly educative and insightful and serves to remind visitors of the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria and her peoples.

Source: Trip Advisor Thought Pyramid Centre ,Abuja 2016

. NIBCARD Games

lovers of board games and group activities will find this hidden gem too intoxicating to let go, it is a place to hone your interpersonal skills and of course play nice. It features Nigerian designed and manufactured board games such as; Hut alive, Gbosi, Chiwaya and many more, this location comes highly recommended and is great and inexpensive place for friends and family to visit.

Source: Google @Nibcard Games Cafe, Abuja 2021

SKIN CARE

By Brenda Nwume 14 may 2023

Don’t you feel so Jelly when you see all your favourite Korean actors with smooth and glass like skin.

I know I am!. I mean come on, you probably follow all the skincare routines that you’ve seen on websites or from celebrities and even bought all the Korean skincare products but yet your skin is not looking like glass, it’s so frustrating!!! Here are some reasons why your skin hasn’t yet started giving you the results you want:

1.You may not actually know your skin type; you may be following all the right tips but doing all the wrong things for your skin. You need to understand your skin enough to get that glow and glass skin you’ve been dreaming of.

2.You probably love eating junk food more than you like eating veggies and fruits; Hehe! I caught you red handed!

3.Stay hydrated by drinking water. I know you like soft drinks and sipping on champagne but you need to cut down on the sugar intake for a healthy skin.

4.Stop staying up all night on Instagram and saying “God when”. Sleep! You need 7-8 hours of sleep to rejuvenate your skin and your entire body.

5.I know you’d rather stay all day on your laptop binge watching series and munching on your favourite snacks in a cold room under the covers but if you really want that glow then just use a few minutes to exercise.

6.This last one is a serious matter, I can’t believe you left your house to go under the scorching sun without protection. Always put on your sunscreen before you leave the house or even if you don’t leave the house protect your skin from sun rays.

Now that I have given you all you need for helping you have a healthy skin, go ahead and pursue your dreams of a glowing and glass like skin.

SKIN TYPES

We currently have four basic types of skin. They are;

• Normal Skin: The skin is neither too dry nor too oily. It has regular texture, clean and soft appearance and does not need special care.

• Dry Skin: It produces less sebum than normal skin. It lacks the lipids that it needs to retain moisture and build a protective shield against external influences. It can feel tight and rough and look dull.

• Oily Skin: It has heighted sebum production. It has a glossy shine and visible pores.

• Combination Skin: The skin types vary in the T-zone (forehead, chin and nose) and the cheeks. It has an oily T-zone with enlarged pores in this area perhaps with some impurities and normal to dry cheeks. Which of these skin type groups do you belong to?

Factors That Affect Skin

A GOOD DIET

Did you know that what you eat can significantly affect the health and aging of your skin?

Let me guide you through this with helpful tips and information.

• Eat fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel which are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary to help keep skin thick, supple and moisturized and it also reduces inflammation thar can cause acne and redness. Fatty fish contains Vitamin E which is essential for helping protect your skin against damage from free radicals and inflammation. Lastly, fatty fish contains zinc that also helps with inflammation and production of new skin cells

• This is for my avocado lovers. Avocados are high in beneficial fats and contain vitamins E and C, which are important for healthy skin. They also pack compounds that may protect your skin from sun damage.

STAY HYDRATED WITH WATER

Water keeps your body hydrated and refreshed and helps maintain your skin elasticity. People who drink large amounts of water are less likely to suffer from scars, wrinkles and soft lines. They also won’t show as many signs of aging as those who drink little amounts of water. Try to cut down on the carbonated drinks and alcohol because it can intensify skin irritation and cause dehydration. Try drinking at least 2 litres of water everyday which is equivalent to 200 cl per day or 2000ml per day or 10 glasses of water per day. Whichever measurement suites you best, use it to track your progress.

SLEEP

Your skin makes new collagen when you sleep which prevents sagging. This is part of the repair process for your skin after a long day. This helps rejuvenate complexion, reduce acne blemishes and lessens inflammation. Make sure you get 7-8 hours of sleep every day.

STAY ACTIVE

Exercising regularly can improve blood flow to nourish cells, remove toxins from skin, decrease stress levels and prevent and reverse the signs of aging. You really don’t need to do 5,000 push ups or spend an hour doing burpees. Just a 10minute walk or exercise every day would do the trick.

PUT ON SUNSCREEN

Sunscreen protects the skin. They play an important role in blocking ultraviolet (UV) radiation from being absorbed by the skin. UV radiation damages the skin and can lead to sunburns and skin cancer. This why it is very important to wear sunscreen before you leave the house. Carry your sunscreen with you anytime you want to go out too. It’s also good to rub sunscreen when you’re at home because when you sit down near a window you could also expose yourself to UV rays. There’s no sunscreen that has 100% UV protection so it is necessary to apply it at regular intervals.

Now that I have given you all you need for helping you have a healthy skin, go ahead and pursue your dreams of a glowing and glass like skin.