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Nigerian Women Rewrite the Rules of Travel and Adventure.

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

In today’s world where travel can be daunting for those holding Nigeria’s often-stigmatized passport, two Nigerian women are boldly redefining what’s possible. Through media innovation and fearless exploration, Pelumi Nubi and Omolewa Adesuyi

 

 

Pelumi Nubi, a Lagos-based travel influencer, launched her much-anticipated YouTube travel show this week, offering an unfiltered look at solo travel across Africa. Her journey is no small feat: Nigeria’s passport ranks among the world’s least powerful, granting visa-free access to just 45 countries, according to the 2025 Henley Passport Index. Add to that safety concerns tied to regional instability, and the odds seem stacked against her. Yet, Nubi’s mission is clear. “I want to show people, especially those with the Nigerian passport, that traveling is possible,” she said in an interview with The Guardian. Her debut episode, featuring a trek through Ghana’s bustling markets and Senegal’s coastal villages, has already garnered thousands of views, striking a chord with young Nigerians eager to see their continent through her lens. Nubi’s work blends practical tips, like navigating visa rejections, with a celebration of African culture, making her a beacon for aspiring travelers.

On a parallel path, Omolewa Adesuyi is rewriting the script for adventure. The 29-year-old motorbike enthusiast embarked last month on an ambitious ride from Nigeria to South Africa, a 12,000-kilometer journey through diverse terrains and border checkpoints. Documenting her trip on Instagram and TikTok, Adesuyi has captivated followers with footage of dusty savannahs, roadside encounters, and her own grit in the face of mechanical breakdowns and cultural curiosity. “People see a woman on a bike and assume I’m lost or crazy,” she posted recently, laughing off the skepticism. Her ride isn’t just about mileage—it’s a statement against gender norms in a country where women are rarely seen in such rugged pursuits. By amplifying her story on global platforms, Adesuyi is showcasing the tenacity of Nigerian women to an audience far beyond Africa’s borders.

Both women are part of a broad wave of Nigerian female trailblazers gaining traction in 2025. Their efforts come at a time when Nigeria’s travel industry is grappling with economic hurdles—high airfares and a weakened naira—yet their ingenuity shines through. Nubi’s show, funded through crowdfunding and small sponsorships, sidesteps traditional media gatekeepers, while Adesuyi’s self-reliant journey relies on her savings and a growing online fanbase. Together, they’re proving that limitations can fuel creativity.

Their stories resonates beyond personal triumph. For many Nigerian women, who face societal expectations to prioritize family over ambition, Nubi and Adesuyi offer a powerful counter-narrative.

 

 

 

 

 

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Nigerian Women Turn to Prostitution Amid Economic Crisis.

by Women Times on

 

By Prosper Mene 

In a corner of Lagos’ bustling streets, Aisha, a 24-year-old single mother, adjusts her makeup under the flicker of a streetlamp. Once a petty trader selling vegetables in Oshodi market, she now stands among a growing number of Nigerian women compelled to trade their bodies for survival. “I didn’t choose this,” she says, her voice heavy with resignation. “But when inflation eats your profits and your child is hungry, what choice do you have?”

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, is reeling from its worst cost-of-living crisis in decades. With inflation soaring to 34.6% in November 2024 and food prices climbing beyond 40%, according to government data, millions of households are buckling under economic strain. For women like Aisha, the fallout is not just financial—it’s personal, pushing them into desperate measures as traditional livelihoods collapse under the weight of a devalued naira and dwindling opportunities.

A Crisis Driving Choices

The economic turmoil began intensifying in 2023 when President Bola Tinubu removed fuel subsidies and liberalized foreign exchange rates reforms aimed at revitalizing the economy but leaving ordinary Nigerians in their wake. The naira has since plummeted, losing over 70% of its value against the dollar, while the cost of basics like rice, beans, and cooking gas has tripled. For women, who often bear the burden of feeding families and managing households, the impact is profound.

“Before, I could make 5,000 naira a day selling vegetables,” Aisha recalls. “Now, I’m lucky to break even after transport and market fees. My son needs school fees, food, medicine, I couldn’t keep up.” Last month, she joined the ranks of women engaging in what’s locally dubbed “hookup”—a discreet form of prostitution facilitated by social media and apps, offering quick cash in a crumbling economy.

The United Nations World Food Programme projects that 33.1 million Nigerians will face acute food insecurity in 2025, a 7 million increase from last year. Women, particularly in urban centers like Lagos and Kano, are among the hardest hit. A 2023 report by the Council on Foreign Relations noted that Nigeria’s GDP could rise by 23% if women were equally engaged in the economy, yet cultural norms and economic exclusion continue to marginalize them, leaving prostitution as a last resort.

From Markets to Streets

Across Nigeria, stories like Aisha’s echo a trend. In Benin City, Edo State—long a hub for trafficking, Blessing, 19, abandoned her tailoring apprenticeship when customers stopped coming. “Thread and fabric prices doubled, and people couldn’t afford my work,” she says. A friend introduced her to a “madam” who promised fast money through clients in Lagos. “I send half home to my mother. She doesn’t ask where it comes from.”

The rise of “hookup” culture, distinct from traditional brothel-based prostitution, has exploded in cities, fueled by anonymity and smartphones. Young women, including university students and unemployed graduates, connect with clients online, charging anywhere from 10,000 to 50,000 naira per encounter—sums that dwarf the 33,000 naira monthly minimum wage for public servants like NYSC members. “It’s not pride,” says Tolu, a 21-year-old student in Ibadan. “It’s survival. Books don’t pay rent.”

A Legacy of Exploitation

Nigeria’s prostitution crisis isn’t new, but the economic downturn has amplified it. Since the 1980s, trafficking networks have funneled women from Edo State to Europe, particularly Italy, where an estimated 21,000 Nigerian women and girls have been trafficked since 2015, according to the UN. Today, the same desperation driving international trafficking is turning inward, with local sex work surging. The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) reported rescuing 1,266 women from trafficking in 2021 alone, yet the agency struggles to keep pace with the domestic shift.

In northern Kano, where Sharia law bans prostitution, economic pressures are quietly eroding taboos. Fatima, 28, a widow with three children, began meeting clients in secret after her roadside tea stall folded. “Bandits took our farms, and prices took my business,” she says. “I’d rather sin than watch my kids starve.”

Society’s Blind Eye

The stigma surrounding prostitution remains fierce, yet economic necessity is softening judgment in some quarters. “People whisper, but they know why we do it,” Tolu says. Families, too, often turn a blind eye when remittances arrive. In Benin City, activists note a troubling normalization: parents once pressured daughters to migrate for sex work abroad; now, they tacitly accept it at home.

Government response has been patchy. Tinubu’s administration has rolled out cash transfers and grain handouts, but critics say they’re inadequate. “We’re treating symptoms, not the disease,” argues Muda Yusuf, CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise. “Without jobs and security, women will keep falling through the cracks.”

Grassroots groups like Girls’ Power Initiative (GPI) in Edo State offer vocational training and counseling, but resources are stretched thin. “We’re seeing younger girls every day,” says Grace Osakue of GPI. “Poverty doesn’t wait for empowerment programs.”

A Future in Question

For Aisha, Blessing, and countless others, prostitution isn’t a career—it’s a stopgap. “I pray every night for a way out,” Aisha says, glancing at her son’s photo on her phone. Yet, with 33 million Nigerians projected to face food insecurity and inflation showing no signs of slowing, that way out feels distant.

As morning comes in Lagos, Aisha heads home with 15,000 naira in her pocket—enough for a week’s worth of food. “This isn’t who I am,” she insists. “But until Nigeria gives us something better, it’s what I have to do.” For now, the economic crisis holds her—and millions of Nigerian women—in its grip, a stark reminder of the human cost of a nation’s struggle.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Nollywood Mourns the Loss of Veteran Actress Nkechi Nweje

by Women Times on

By Prosper Mene 

The Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, is reeling from yet another devastating loss as veteran actress Nkechi Nweje passed away this morning, plunging fans and colleagues into deep sorrow.

The heartbreaking news has sent shockwaves through the entertainment community, with tributes pouring in for the beloved star known for her remarkable talent and warm presence.

Nkechi Nweje, a respected figure in Nollywood, reportedly succumbed to a brief illness, though details surrounding her death remain limited at this time. The announcement of her passing was met with an outpouring of grief from across the industry, as colleagues and admirers reflected on her impactful career and the indelible mark she left on Nigerian cinema.

Movie producer Stanley Ajemba, popularly known as Stanley Ontop, was among the first to confirm the tragic news. In an emotional statement shared on social media, he wrote, “Nollywood in tears as we lost one of our vibrant Nollywood actresses, @nkechi.nweje, after a brief illness. Couldn’t post since morning because it was like a dream to me. Ezigbo Nwanyi Onitsha, rest in peace ma’am, my best friend.” His words captured the profound shock and sadness felt by many who knew and worked with her.

Nkechi Nweje was celebrated for her compelling performances, particularly in motherly roles that resonated deeply with audiences. With a career spanning over a decade, she brought authenticity and heart to every character she portrayed, earning her a special place in the hearts of fans and a lasting legacy in Nollywood. Hailing from Onicha Ado in Anambra State, she embodied the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria through her work, inspiring countless young actors and actresses along the way.

Fellow Nollywood stars have joined in mourning her loss. Actress Rita Edochie shared a poignant tribute on Instagram, posting a candlelight image with the caption, “This world is really not our home.” Actor Asa Ikuku also paid his respects, writing, “Rest in peace mummy Nkechi Nweje TV (Nwanyi Onisha). You are indeed a blessing to us. But God knows the best. We will miss u so much great Nollywood actress. Rest on legend.”

The news of Nkechi Nweje’s passing comes at a time when Nollywood has faced a series of losses, further deepening the sense of grief within the industry. Just days ago, the community was still mourning other fallen stars, and Nweje’s death serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life.

As fans and loved ones bid farewell to this iconic actress, they hold onto the memories of her vibrant spirit and the stories she brought to life on screen. Nkechi Nweje leaves behind her husband, and a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.

May her soul rest in peace.

 

 

 

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Agnes Aileluelohia-Creativity powered by technology is the future of agencies

by Women Times on

The COVID-19 pandemic has irreversibly changed the advertising landscape, therefore agencies, in particular, should recreate customers’ experience to correspond with changing customer expectations. In fact, creativity enshrouded in technology is the future of today’s agencies.

The above assertion was made by Agnes Ailuelohia, the Chief Operating Officer and General Manager of First Katalyst Marketing Limited.

Assessing the marketing and advertising ecosystem in view of the impact of the new normal, the experiential marketing expert noted that, today’s consumers have high degree of expectations, hence the need for agencies to embrace digital apps in their journey towards consumers’ satisfaction. She urged them to adopt convenient business models by integrating and leveraging technology to help foster competitive advantage and also build better products and services for customers’ engagements and interactions.

Citing Peter Drucker’s maxim, “innovate or die”, Mrs. Ailuelohia mentioned that, technology is the panacea for any business growth. “If we look at the world today, it is all about digitization. If there is one thing that Covid-19 has taught us, it has more or less accelerated the digital agenda for us. In the same way, agencies need to position themselves in such a way that there is a lot more in terms of innovation and thinking outside the box. It is about creatively steering adaptive strategies that work for us.”

She added that digital technology has the potential to boost more inclusive and sustainable growth by spurring innovation, and helping agencies to confront and recover from the pandemic, which has disrupted economies and societies globally.

“It is about digitizing operations for adequate information on data analysis and consumer insights, as well as developing skill set in a bundle of talents, data, technology and creativity for the future. Agencies need to move from the point of waiting for a brief, to a point of getting briefs by themselves through data, which is basically insights.”

Speaking on decline in advertising spend, the general manager explained that ad spend had already dropped pre-Covid-19, adding that clients’ disposition for now is to meet up with the lost transactions. “The decline began before Covid-19, indicating that a portion of the advert budget is below the marketing budget. This is because a lot of clients are looking at how to make new contacts and make quick return on investment for their brands. Clients are a bit more cautious; however, they are also trying to gain the time lost.”

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Kitchen Tips And Tricks

by Women Times on

As a woman, atimes we get disturbed and find it difficult on how to get some kitchen tricks and tips in our various homes.

I’ve been able to gather some kitchen tricks and tips that will be helpful. Below are some kitchen tips and tricks for homes

1. Empty bad tasting palm oil in a deep pot boil until the little drops of water left behind dry up and the oil retains it’s good taste.

2. When making amala, semo and wheat meal fufu, add some drops of vegetable oil to the boiling water before adding the flour and stirring. That gives a smoother fufu swallow without lumps and fluffy and prevents some from sticking to the bottom of your cooking pot.

3. After boiling spaghetti or macaroni, rinse with clean water to remove starch and your spaghetti remains free flowing and non sticky. You can also drop some oil and salt to the boiling pot to prevent some sticking together.

4. You can boil rice with much water, drain excess when rice is cooked and enjoy free non-sticky grains.

5. Add seasoning cube and salt to boiling rice and you can enjoy it without stew or sauce.

6. Chop or dice vegetables like okra, ugu, afang, ewedu and others, store in the freezer for as long as you want and when it’s time to use, do not defrost, just go ahead and cook your fresh vegetables and enjoy.

7. Drop moi moi broad leaves in the freezer, leave them frozen and hard for as long as you want, when it’s time for moi moi making or ofada rice, rinse and use your fresh looking leaves.

8. For accidents with hot pots or kitchen disasters with fire while cooking, apply your baking flour immediately and it will heal without a scar.

9. Parboil beans and rinse like rice before cooking to avoid heart burns.

10. Chop and blend peeled raw yam before stirring in the pot like amala for quick poundo.

11. Use pressure cooker for cow head, cow leg and others to quick cook, avoid putting metals like nails for your health sake.

12. Start chewing gum or an empty mouth before you start chopping the onion to avoid tears. If you put even a little cut on the onion before you begin to chew, it might not work as onion juice travels fast and may have reached your eyes already.

13. For salty boiled yam, add more clean water and drain before serving.

14. For Quick akara balls or moin moin, wash your beans as usual, dry very well and mill or grind. Store bean flour in airtight containers. Take the quantity needed at any given time and just mix with water, add other ingredients and cook with no stress.

15. To make ogbono soup that’s thick but not too drawy, fry the ogbono after grinding.
Crayfish is the medicine for ogbono soup. Without meat or fish, add enough crayfish and enjoy delicious ogbono soup.
Too much crayfish, oil and onion too can reduce the drawy strength of your ogbono soup.

16.Adding butter or vegetable oil to boiling pot gives nice texture to your boiled rice.

17. Close containers tight immediately after use to preserve your ingredients.

18.Female cow head takes really long to cook and Nigerians have started to use paracetamol tablets to make it cook faster. PLEASE ASK YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE YOU ATTEMPT THIS TRICK. Paracetamol is medicine and if we start cooking it as food, what happens when we fall ill and the body is already saturated with paracetamol? Disaster. Please use pressure pot for tough meats. Save and get one for your health sake.

19.Drop peeled irish potatoes in your pot of salty soup and warm to remove the salty taste.

20. Blend raw yam, wrap in cellophane bags and drop in boiling water to cook and your poundo is ready but cooking with nylon bags is not healthy so I’ll go with blending and stirring like amala.

21. Use a food blender for ewedu instead of broom or potash.

22. To prevent your unripe plantain from ripening, keep in a bowl of water for as long as you want them to remain unripe, take them out when you want to ripen.

23. Lick salt as soon as pepper from the tough meat accidently enters your eye while struggling to bite. Salt calms the pepper immediately.

24. Keep your yams head down and tails up to prevent them from germinating and growing in the store room.

25.Sprinkle some salt on fresh pepper while pounding to prevent your pepper jumping out the mortar and landing on the floor or your eyes.

26. Drop boiled eggs immediately in cold water to help with the shells.
27. Add salt to boiled eggs to harden and prevent cracks.

28. Boiling eggs straight from the fridge can cause cracks.

29. Freeze crayfish to preserve,
Sun dry very well, clean and store crayfish in airtight containers and they can last for a year or more.

30. Wash eggs with detergent before boiling to harden the shells and prevent cracking.

31. Sprinkle some raw garri or flour to your watery soup to thicken.

32. Without food blender? Use a grater to wash and skin beans in seconds for your akara or moin moin.

33. Parboil washed beef with seasoning and onion only till dry, before adding water. That’s how to get the taste.

34. Wash snails with lime orange to remove slime and harden.

35. Drop washed snails in already salted boiling water to harden and cook nicely.

36. Blend boiled yam for your smooth poundo. Great for small families o. Don’t ruin your blender grinding yam for battalion.

37. For lingering onion and garlic smells that refuse to go away even after washing hands, rub your palms on a stainless steel like the kitchen sink and it clears off.

38. Use iron sponge to clean smoked fish or dip in hot water and use salt to scrub off all the sand and dirt.

39. To reuse cooking oil, fry some ginger in it first and the taste of whatever that was cooked disappears leaving you with good oil.

40. To prevent cut ripe fruits like apples, avocados, cut ripe plantains from changing to brown, sprinkle the cut area with lemon juice. Sprinkle cut ripe plantains with lemon juice and store in the fridge to use later, the cut area remains fresh.

40. If two drinking glasses become stuck together
after stacking or during cleaning, it’s possible to unstick them. Just put ice in the inner glass and place the outer glass in warm water. The warm glass will expand and the cold glass will contract, making the glasses separate easily.  That’s easy.

41.For your burnt pot of rice. Place a piece of white bread on the hot rice, place the lid back on and leave for about 5 minutes to absorb all that smell. Open, take out the bread, then serve and enjoy

I hope these above tips will be helpful.

 

 

 

 

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Gist MeEntertainment

Liquorose “shine ya eye” BBNaija 2021 Housemate Might be the First to Hit 1M IG Fans

by Women Times on

Roseline Afije popularly known as Liquorose is among the ladies competing for the N90m prize money in the sixth season of the BBNaija show.

However, the young lady was already famous on social media even before stepping into Big Brother’s house.

Fans of the Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) show were slightly taken aback after the show’s host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced a lady identified as Liquorose as one of the female contestants going into Big Brother’s house.

A handful of people knew they had spotted the face somewhere but their memories were only jogged after she mounted the stage and identified herself as a dancer.

This young and pretty lady is a member of the popular Girls Got Bold (GGB) dance crew popular on social media for their energetic moves to trending songs.

A visit to their official Instagram page shows that the group has over 400k with each member having nothing less than 300k followers.

Liquorose, on the other hand, now has about 881k followers from over 700k before she was announced as a BBNaija contestant.

From indications, she is going to make history as the first Shine Ya Eyes housemate to hit the 1m count on IG.

While Liquorose is mostly known to dance alongside her group members, her Instagram page shows that she’s also a force to reckon with when she’s dancing solo.

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Meet Graca Machel the Only Woman who served as the First Lady of 2 Nations

by Women Times on

Graca Machel the great woman. She’s the  only Woman In The World Who Has Served As The First Lady Of 2 Countries. She’s indeed a star.

Graca Machel is a Mozambican politician and humanitarian. She is a widow of former presidents of both Mozambique Samora Machel and South Africa Nelson Mandela.

She is an internationally renowned advocate for women’s and children’s rights and was made an honorary British Dame by Queen Elizabeth ii in 1997 for her humanitarian work.

Machel is a member of the Africa progress panel, a group of ten distinguished individuals who advocate at the highest levels for equitable and sustainable development in Africa. As a panel member, she facilitates coalition building leverage and broker knowledge and convenes decision-makers to influence policy and lasting change in Africa.

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