News

Hairdressing: Why Some Ladies Can Spend More

Published

2 years ago

August 8, 2023

Braiding has been a major way to dress an African woman’s hair.

In ancient times, braid patterns were indications of one’s wealth, marital status, ethnicity, age, religion, bravery, spirituality, generosity, respect etc.

Ancient African women wore braids to formal events such as weddings and funerals as a style of elegance, class and reality.

Analysts say that, at the moment, braiding is a fashion trend in Africa, especially Nigeria, with many women willing to pay more for it for them to look good, attractive and be confident.

They note that there are many types of braids including, Bob, Cornrow, Strand, Fishtail, Rope twisted, Reverse and Messy.

There are two classes of braids namely: long and short braids.

According to a Lagos-based hairdresser, Mrs Chioma Enwere, a woman embraces long or short braids depending on her taste and some considerations.

She lists the considerations to include the shape of the head, hair texture, hair colour and affordability.

Enwere says texture and colour should be considered to avoid hair damage or loss.

In any of the choices, hair extension known as attachment is, most times, used to support hair to achieve the desired effects, she adds.

Another hairstylist, Mrs Nafisat Adepoju, who resides at Ijegun, Lagos State, observes that more women prefer long braids especially during festive periods.

Adepoju, who owns Nafi Finishing Tells Beauty Salon at Community area of Ijegun, says many women believe that long braids are more durable, attractive and manageable.

She, however, notes that some other women describe long braids as a crazy fashion trend, waste of resources and a safety risk, as it can get entangled.

Adepoju notes that some women extend the length of their braids up to the legs to achieve maximum effect.

“Ladies feel that the longer the braids, the more prestigious they are.

“During the last Sallah (Eid-el Kabir) season, we had more customers plaiting very long braids with coloured attachments. In fact, the demand for coloured attachments was very high.

According to the stylist, long braids cost more.

“I quickly accept proposal to make long braids because I charge higher for plaiting long ones.

“I charge between N2,000 and N5,000 depending on the size and length,” she says, adding that the amounts do not cover the cost of hair extension.

Mrs Mariam Malomo, who teaches Creative Arts at Holy Family School, Ijegun, prefers long braids to short ones.

“It enables a variety of styles.

“Whenever I make long braids, they give me room to pack my hair in various trending styles unlike short ones.

“The truth is that very long braids attract more attention because they make one to look elegant,” she says.

A university admission seeker, Miss Chinaza Amaechi, prefers longer braids because of her small stature.

“They make me look big,’’ she says, adding that long braids fit long gowns.

Mrs Mary Adeniji, who sells hair extension in Igando Market, Lagos State, observes that ladies like using long hair extensions to make their braids longer.

“We have more demand for long attachments than short ones. We sell the small ones for 1, 200 and big ones for N3,500.

“The coloured ones are more in demand than black ones and cost more with a difference of between N1,000 and N2,000 while the ones with curly ends have a higher cost,’’ she says.

A software developer in Ikeja, Mr Nicholas Anyanwu, believes that hairdressing makes a woman attractive, adding that many men like their wives and girlfriends adorning attractive hairstyles.

He is of the opinion that both long and short braids make a woman beautiful if well maintained.

“The choice should depend on personal choice and affordability.

“It is important for an individual to choose a hairstyle that makes them feel confident and comfortable, but I admire short braids because I feel they are easier to maintain.

Mr Gerald Emejom, an English Language teacher at Prevailer School, Ikotun, cautions that long braids can tangle with another thing and cause injuries.

“I have witnessed that hooked to a motorcycle and dragged the lady down. The incident caused the lady bruises on the face. Her braids rolled on the wheel of the moving motorcycle and forced her down,” he narrates.

Mr Andy Odogwu, Coordinator, Catholic Confraternity of Christian Fathers, Ibah Deanery, Lagos State, describes long braids as a waste of resources, saying they do not add value to a woman’s appearance more that short braids.

“For me, they do not add any value in terms of beauty. I consider long braids a waste of money and time,” he says.

A public health worker, Mrs Christiana Igbuku, believes that long braids can lead to hair weakness, breakage and loss, if too tight.

Igbuku, also the President of Catholic Women Organisation of Saints Joachim and Anne Catholic Church, Ijegun, said: “The dangerous part of it is that they can get entangled and dragged accidentally.

“This can cause much harm”

News

Reps Move To Regulate Cryptocurrency, POS Operations

Published

10 hours ago

October 6, 2025

Editor

Concerned about the growing cases of cybercrime, money laundering, and terrorism financing linked to digital finance platforms, the House of Representatives has set up an ad hoc committee to review the economic, regulatory, and security implications of cryptocurrency adoption and Point-of-Sale (POS) operations in Nigeria.

Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, who inaugurated the committee on Monday in Abuja, said the move became necessary amid increasing concerns over fraud and consumer exploitation in the country’s rapidly expanding digital finance ecosystem.

He noted that while Nigeria’s resilient economy has the potential to support cryptocurrency growth, the risks associated with its unregulated operations, including its use for illicit financial flows, cannot be overlooked.

Abbas explained that the absence of clear regulatory guidelines, coupled with the volatility and complexity of digital assets, compelled the House to intervene and establish a regulatory and consumer protection framework for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), including cryptocurrencies and crypto-assets.

He said Nigeria’s economy has consistently demonstrated resilience, often recovering from recessions and recording growth in non-oil sectors, making it a potentially strong environment for cryptocurrency trade. However, he cautioned that the vulnerabilities inherent in digital currency operations must not be underestimated.

“It is because of this absence of clear rules, coupled with the volatility and complexity of the technology, that the House of Representatives found it imperative to establish regulations and consumer protection measures that will regulate the activities of Virtual Assets Service Providers, including cryptocurrencies and crypto assets,” Abbas said.

He added that the committee’s mandate includes conducting public hearings to gather input from stakeholders that would guide the House in developing legislation for a comprehensive regulatory framework governing cryptocurrency and other digital finance platforms.

The Speaker urged members of the committee to discharge their duties with patriotism and integrity, ensuring that the best interests of the nation guide their work.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Olufemi Bamisile (APC–Ekiti), described the assignment as one of national importance aimed at striking a balance between financial innovation and national security.

“We have been entrusted with a task of national significance — to review the economic, regulatory, and security implications of cryptocurrency adoption and Point-of-Sale operations in Nigeria,” Bamisile said.

He added that the committee would work closely with key regulatory and security agencies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and the Nigeria Police Force.

News

World Habitat Day: Okpebholo Commends Building Control Agency For Developmental Milestones

Published

11 hours ago

October 6, 2025

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has commended the management and staff of the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency (ESDBCA) for their significant contributions to urban growth and infrastructural development across the state.

The governor gave the commendation on Monday when he played host to the delegation of the agency in his office as part of programme to mark this year’s World Habitat Day celebration.

The deputy governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa who received the team on his behalf, commended the agency led by the Managing Director, Mr. Imoisili Igabali, for its “selfless contributions” to the development of our dear state.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, Idahosa noted that the agency had played a pivotal role in driving urban renewal and enforcing modern building standards in the State, describing their efforts as vital to the government’s vision of sustainable city planning.

“We want to thank you for being part of the growth and development of our dear state. Your work has not gone unnoticed.

“What is most important to us is that we have the political will to ensure that this agency continues to fulfill its mandate effectively,” he stated.

He expressed optimism on the future of urban development in Edo State and pledged continued government support for the agency’s initiatives.

“On behalf of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, I want to thank you for this wonderful day.

“We congratulate you as a state, and we thank God for giving us a capable leader in Mr. Igabali, whose dedication and teamwork continue to yield results,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the Managing Director of the agency expressed appreciation to the Governor and his deputy for their support and for taking the time to receive the agency’s delegation during the World Habitat Day observance.

The 2025 World Habitat Day celebration in Edo State was marked with renewed calls for sustainable housing, improved infrastructure, and enhanced urban management — key pillars of the Okpebholo administration’s development agenda.

News

UNFPA Launches Technical Working Group On Disability Inclusion In Northern Nigeria

Published

11 hours ago

October 6, 2025

Editor

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has supported Bauchi State to inaugurate the first Disability Inclusion Technical Working Group (DITWG) aimed at promoting equity, inclusion, and human rights for persons with disabilities.

Speaking during the inauguration of the group in Bauchi on Monday, Ms Muriel Mafico, UNFPA Representative in Nigeria said that out of the 19 Northern states in Nigeria, Bauchi was the first to inaugurate the group.

According to her, the inauguration marked a significant milestone in the collective commitment in advancing inclusion, equity, and human rights for all persons with disabilities.

Represented by Olawunmi Akande, an official of UNFP, Mafico said that disability inclusion is central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the vision of the 2030 Agenda.

“Disability inclusion is not an act of charity, but a matter of human rights, development, and justice.

“UNFPA is committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities, especially women, girls, and young people have equal access to sexual and reproductive health services, education, and opportunities to participate meaningfully in decision-making processes.

“UNFPA stands ready to support this Working Group through evidence generation, capacity building, inclusive programming, and technical assistance,” she said.

Also speaking, Mr Abubakar Sambo, an official of the Bauchi State Agency for Disabled Persons, said that the objectives of the group was to promote, coordinate and collaborate through a multi-sectoral approach to disability inclusion by bringing together relevant stakeholders and Organizations of People with Disabilities.

He also explained that the group would provide technical support and expertise in areas such as inclusive education, accessible infrastructure, health services, and disability-inclusive employment practices.

Sambo also emphasized on monitoring and reviewing policies and programmes in Bauchi State to ensure alignment with international standards and best practices.

He added that the technical group would also advocate for disability rights through public awareness campaigns, policy dialogues, and engagement with key decision-makers, Amongst others.

Earlier, Mrs Brisca Jerome, Executive Secretary, Bauchi State Agency for People with Disabilities, said the support from UNFPA would complement the state government’s efforts toward inclusive governance.

She appreciated the support of the UN agency and the state governor for creating an enabling environment for partners to strengthen activities and programmes targeting persons with disabilities.

She said that the DITWG consists of a 36 man group from all stakeholders in the sector.

The DITWG is to be chaired by the Executive Secretary, Bauchi state Agency for People With Disabilities.