If you've ever been to Nigeria (especially major cities), one thing I am sure you wouldn't miss is the roadside sellers.

Image source

I actually find it quite scary looking at them sometimes. I mean, some of the cars move pretty fast and our roads aren't the best out there. In big cities such as Lagos with crazy traffic (go-slow), the sellers had this all well thought out and their timing was perfect, in terms of knowing when to approach the car, as seen in the picture. I always found it sad whenever the sellers would have to start a light jog when the car had to start moving faster because the buyer was probably looking for change or something.

It's been almost 3 years since I was in Nigeria, and I'm just curious as to what the situation with the sellers is. Have any lives been lost in the process.

I miss buying plantain chips, masa, akara, pap, fura da nunu, suya, etc from the roadside sellers. I miss the sights, sounds, smell of Nigeria. . .


Reminiscing Mondays is a weekly post by Pearlle Magazine's contributors, sharing their memories about life in Nigeria.

It's February, and time for new Making A Difference posts!

This happened in December, but nonetheless is still worth sharing and celebrating. Nigerian actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde celebrated the life of her mother who passed away 10 years ago by transforming 20 widows, in an event titled "The 20 widows makeover" program. Omotola and her foundation, The Omotola Youth Empowerment Programme (OYEP), as well as hairstylists, makeup artists, personal stylists and aestheticians gave the women some first class treatment.

Here are some pictures of the transformation:












Omotola, The Pearlle team salutes you!

From Punch News:

An Abuja High Court on Tuesday said a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, and his erstwhile deputy, Bayero Nafada, had no case to answer in connection with a N40 billion misapropriation charge.

Justice Suleiman Belgore gave the verdict while ruling on a no-case submission made by Bankole and Nafada over a 17-count charge of criminal breach of public trust preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.


Read more here

Wow, just wow! Our judicial system leaves nothing to be desired. Also, this isn't the first time something like this is happening. To me, this suggests the EFCC isn't doing their jobs right as well.

Naija #egobetter

If you attended JSS2 or 3 in Nigeria, then you probably read this book written by Eddie Iroh. Such good times!!

I was thinking one day over the holiday break about Christmas in Nigeria and popular customs such as eating chicken and getting new clothes.

I never really found it fascinating until I left the country. I'm pretty sure it's a Nigerian thing, or maybe West African. But I don't think this is done anywhere else in the world.

I remember those good old days when my mum would take us to the market to get clothes sewn, or bought even months in advance. She'd always get a bigger size so we could grow into our clothes. Christmas morning was always a joy. The thrill of wearing those new clothes for the first time and going to church to show off, with your Christmas shoes, wristwatch, bag, and hairstyles? Good times...

I knew some adults who went all out and bought new clothes, etc for themselves for Christmas. I was never like that, and I don't really remember when I grew out of the 'new stuff for Christmas' mentality. In recent times, during Christmas, I think of Jesus - the reason I celebrate Christmas. I also appreciate the food. You know how it is, Christmas means there's lots of good food to chop.

Reminiscing Mondays is a weekly post by Pearlle Magazine's contributors, sharing their memories about life in Nigeria. 

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Police Force is reported to have shot and killed one protester in Illorin.

Did anyone make it out to the protest?