TEASER

TOZALI, THE EYE LINER MAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION!!! THE UNCOMMON TRANSFORMATION OF AKWA IBOM STATE 

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HEALTH

UNVEILING THE SECRETS OF LEMONS

Lemon is said to be an important fruit that we all need. Many times people take lemon without really caring about what it does to the body. Have you ever thought of the magical benefits of lemon juice in water? Research has shown that lemon juice dropped in room temperature water is very healthy to the human body, especially when taken in the morning on an empty stomach.  The benefits are numerous and it is important to note these facts as it contributes greatly to our daily healthy living. Lemons are known to be rich in citrus which contains vitamins as well as minerals and particularly vitamin C, an essential nutrient that protects the body against immune system deficiencies. we also know the benefits of vitamins to the body; they are antioxidants that boost immune system, protect against diseases and even have cancer fighting properties, which research has further shown. Adding lemon juice to warm water into your diet is an easy way to meet the normal daily recommendation for vitamin C and keeps your body functioning smoothly. One of the health benefits of this is that it hydrates the lymph system. Also here are some revealing benefits of lemons that you would find interesting and too good to ignore.

It refreshes the whole body for good health; lemons are high in potassium. While Potassium is an important mineral that works with sodium for smooth electrical transmission in the brain and nervous system, depression, anxiety, fogging and forgetfulness can often be traced to low potassium blood level. That same nervous system needs potassium to assure steady signals to the heart so your health is improved from the lemon water’s potassium.

Lemon clears the skin: The vitamin C component helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes in the body. Lemon water removes toxins from the blood which helps clear the skin as well. It can actually be applied directly on scars to help reduce its appearance. Lemon is of immense benefit to the skin and it prevents the formation of pimples, acne and other skin troubles.

It aids in digestion: not only will this killer combination relieve indigestion, but it will also help flush out. It encourages the liver to produce bile which is an acid that is required for digestion. Efficient digestion reduces heartburn and constipation.

Lemon helps to enhance mood: lemon energizes you and it enhances your mood. The energy a human receives from food comes from the atoms and molecules in your body. A reaction occurs when the positive charge ions from food enter the digestive tract and interact with the negative charged enzymes.

                                                                                                                                      By Rifkatu Yusuf

NEWS

DOUBLE BLAST ROCKS THE CITY OF KADUNA

The city of Kaduna was in a state of trauma, as two bomb blast occurred claiming over 80 innocent lives.

The Bomb attack was believed to be an assassination attempt on the Former Head of State, General Mohammed Buhari and an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, both however escaped unhurt.

The first blast took place on Isa Kaita road off Ali Akilu road at about 12:30 pm yesterday when the convoy of Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi was returning home after delivering a ramadan tafsir.

The second blast took place at about  2:30 pm about 2 km from the first blast scene at the busy over-head bridge at kawo part of Kaduna town, as General Buhari was making his way out of town.

Kaduna state governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero in response imposed a 24 hour curfew in Kaduna town after the blast.  

LOVE AROUND THE WORLD

WINDOW SHOPPING

 Have you ever had trouble trying not to stare at a girl? Have you ever had trouble ignoring girls, especially when they are pretty? I have, and for me it has always been the dark ones with big eyes. To be attracted to the opposite sex is natural; sometimes it happens without you even being aware. But to try and contain what you do as a result of that attraction is something you have to commit yourself to doing or else, we will all be beasts.

Ok, check out this scenario. My cousin told me he was walking on the street one day when he noticed this woman coming out of a small superstore, holding groceries packed in those big black polythene bags. For a moment, she kept walking ahead of him. He didn't know where she was going but it was obvious that she wasn't going to walk for long holding those bags. She would soon slow down near a flashy car, use a remote to open the boot, and put her purchases inside. And how did he know that she had a car? She was wearing expensive clothes, but that's not all he noticed: she was also elderly. No woman with that combination takes commercial transport. That was solely why he assumed she had a car. And he was right, she went to the store with one and she was just approaching it. Therefore he decided to indulge himself in feasting his eyes on her before she got into her car. 

I have always thought window shopping was a stupid thing to do. When you see something and you want it, but then you know you don't have what it takes to get it, then don't look. You just keep looking at commodities you can’t buy and you are fully aware that you can’t buy them. It is the same thing with women. When you see a woman or a girl you like and you don't have the backbone to go after her, then why waste your time staring at her until you drool? This is window shopping, and unlike the inanimate commodities in the market or malls, women want you to go for them; show some assurance and if you can’t, then don't stare. Sometimes, even if you have the boldness to walk up to any single woman and court her, you definitely shouldn't conspicuously stare for too long. And here, I hope my readers would not mistake impudence for confidence. I can say 99% of women don't like disrespectfulness towards them.  Even when they are crazy about a man who has that trait, they will always loathe that aspect of him. So please, having the backbone to do something is different from having the cheek to do it, so to speak.

You can’t do anything about being drawn to women, especially when something about them attracts your attention. But you can do something about self control by not looking, or at least not looking for too long; that is the first step towards controlling yourself. The effects of lack of control might not take a toll on you until you see yourself contemplating whether you have an STD, because like it or not, not controlling yourself will make you want to have every woman that meets your fancy, which means many partners. Guarding your gaze makes you avoid problems. It makes you look mature and apparently in control of yourself. It saves you the embarrassment of drooling while you are awake in broad day light. If you would be embarrassed about drooling while asleep then there's absolutely no excuse for you to risk doing that while awake, so don't stare for too long.

In many cases, who is the first to start talking to who, is usually the problem in starting a relationship. Therefore, some men may claim that staring consistently at a woman brought them some luck with opening liners. He stared long and she might have walked up to him and asked him why he was staring at her. Whatever happens afterwards makes history because his response didn’t matter at all, they have already started talking. But a Hausa adage says wani in ya yi rawa ya sami kudi wani in yayi duka zai sha. Plainly interpreted, this means while someone might reap luck from doing something, someone else might just reap bad luck. If one man expressed his love to a woman by staring and got accepted, another man might get a dress down, regardless of whether he was staring because he was smitten or he was staring lecherously, which is more common.

But imagine surreptitiously catching one glimpse and pretending they are not there. That would be cool. You MIGHT have lost a chance of a company of a beautiful woman but you DEFINATELY have escaped being dressed down. In my own imagination, it is better when you just walk up to a woman and tell her she is so beautiful that you can’t stop staring at her. And then you might ask her out. This is better than staring without doing anything.

So here is the message to all the young and elderly men, on the street, at work, sometimes even at home, do not stare too long at what you are not suppose to stare at. For the married men, frankly, if I was married I would certainly not look twice (with that intention all men have while doing so) at any woman other than my wife. Please, uphold the institution of marriage and steer clear of staring at other women. That is how husbands start cheating, by looking and subsequently having fantasies. When she's your wife, you can demand to look every inch of her body and ensure that your demand is being fulfilled. But when you step outside, control yourself. For the single guys, you must definitely be planning to get married someday so when are you going to stop hiding behind those goggles to stare at girls and start realising your plans? You need to control yourself. Self-control makes us look like real men. Ogling and following make us look like he-goats.

                                                                                                                                     by Mukhtar M. Iya

NEWS

MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN NIGERIA 2014

Iheoma  Nnadi, Winner Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2014. The 19 year old Miss Akwa ibom was recently crowned Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2014, after the grand finale held in Bayelsa state. A model signed to boss models south Africa, took down 29 other contestant and won not only the tittle of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria but also the cash prize of N3 million, a brand new KIA car and a chance to represent Nigeria at the upcoming Miss World pageant

TEASER

COMING SOON

TOZALI, THE EYE LINER MAGAZINE SPECIAL EDITION!!! THE UNCOMMON TRANSFORMATION OF AKWA IBOM STATE 

Get ready to grab your copy...

FASHION

      TOZALI TOP 10 BRIDAL ATTIRE

Tozali brings you the list of 10 most gorgeous Bridal attire of all time worn by brides who have been featured in          Tozali, The Eye Liner Magazine.

Bride Maryam Musa 

Bride Hamama Mohammed Abdulmaola

Bride Fatima Ummy Kolo

Bride Zarah Bakura Lawal

Bride Zeenah Ameen Mohammed

Bride Badariya Ahmed Mu'azu

Bride Sadiya Yayale Ahmed

Bride Huda Fadoul

Bride Naja'atu Tukur Mani

Bride Bilkisu Musa Babayo

FASHION

How to dress up with that little black dress

It is often said that you can never go wrong with a black dress. The classic little black dress can go a very long way. Every woman should have a little black dress in her wardrobe. It is the ultimate essential piece of clothing a woman would ever own. The little black dress comes in many styles and you can wear it in several different ways.  Depending on the occasion, you can dress it up or down. A little black dress can move you seamlessly from the office to a party - all with the addition or removal of the right accessories and complementary clothing. But in a world where many women are relying on their little black dress (LBD) to beautify their wardrobe and make them look fantastic, it can be hard to stand out among all the other little black dresses. The LBD is timeless, and it is an essential piece in every woman’s closet. It always does look good and you can wear it every day if you want. Spend a reasonable amount on your little black dress. It's one wardrobe item that you're unlikely to give away. Here are some simple ways you can dress up your little black dress so that you stand out from the crowd.

 Start with the right little black dress:  Not all little black dresses are equal; some have more style and suitability than others. When choosing a little black dress, always have these few things in mind:

• For day wear, parties, lunches, and events, wear a fitted black shift dress, with a slashed neckline. Avoid anything that clings to the body and lean towards dresses that skim your body shape. The length should drop just below the knee. This is suitable for the office as well. For office wear, softer fabrics look great in black. And lightweight wool crepe is also a good fabric if wearing a black dress.
• For evening wear, incredible dates, and amazing events: This dress can be slinkier and yet should remain well-shaped. Look for a ruched black dress with straps, close-fitting but in fabric that conceals all, and with a heart-shaped bodice. The length should end on the knee.
• For  casual: A black wrap-around silk jersey, a black linen shirt, and the forgiving stretchy black dress are all suitable for less formal events and home wear.
  

You should wear the dress rather than letting the dress wear you: Black is the ultimate classic colour and the easiest to work with, and if you can wear it well, you can't go wrong. However, black doesn't suit everyone. For example, it can drain pale skin tones or it can simply make some people feel too sober and dour. But this doesn't mean you should avoid little black dresses. If black doesn't suit you, be sure to keep the dress as far from your face as possible (such as using a plunging or deeply rounded neckline and straps instead of sleeves). That way, it won't drain the colour from your face, but you can still benefit from the elegance, simplicity, and backdrop of wearing black.

Choose the right shoes. If you have a versatile outfit, like a little black dress, and you decide to wear it to a reception or other formal events, make sure your shoes can dress it up. Avoid casual shoes, like flats with cutesy embellishments; instead opt for more mature shoes, like a black or silver pump. Dressing up the little black dress with shoes is a significant part of the look because the shoes can provide contrasting colour or style to the dress. Shoes worn with the little black dress should be of very good to excellent quality because they are a feature piece and people's eyes will be drawn to them with your black dress backdrop. Try plain black and unadorned flats for a casual look suitable for the office or an informal event. Classic evening shoes that go well with a little black dress include ballet slipper flats, single-strap sling back sandals, or pumps. Wear bright coloured shoes, such as red high-heeled pumps, to add a bit of excitement.

Use jewelry to brighten up the little black dress. The little black dress provides a magnificent backdrop for showing off your favorite jewelry pieces. Additions that work well include a necklace that fits the neckline style of the dress, with daring earrings. The list is really endless as far as combinations go.

Add a belt to your black dress. Provided the style of the dress can handle the addition of a belt, it can provide a very emphatic contrasting feature on your little black dress.  Select a belt colour, texture, or pattern. The only concern is to ensure that it fits well with the dress as a whole; make sure you check the complete look in the mirror.

                                                                               

 Get a suitable bag. Again, the bag is going to get noticed because the black serves as a backdrop to anything you're holding, so make sure the bag is treated as part of the overall fashion look. The bag doesn't have to match the shoes or other accessories, but it should blend well with the colour scheme. A small clutch bag is a lovely, discreet look. Try a dazzling or sparkling colour to dress it up for the evening. The handbag should be good quality and clean.

 A larger bag can work for casual wear, provided it's in excellent, clean condition.

 Add hair accessories to the list of dress-ups for the little black dress. A well placed hat can be suitable for special events such as race meetings, weddings, royal events, and very warm days. An astutely placed hair bow, floral item, or simple ribbons can go a long way to making a lovely statement with the little black dress.

Don't Forget Makeup: With a black dress, all your accessories should have a colour theme. The same goes for your makeup. Make sure your nail polish, eye shadow, and lipstick match your wardrobe. As an alternative, just ensure that your makeup highlights the best features of your face and gives life to your entire look.

In all these steps, always remember, it’s a little black dress. If you cover much of the rest of yourself in black the overall look may be gloomy.  There are many benefits to wearing black. For instance, transitioning from day to night is a snap. Black clothing also conceals dirt better. And finally, the less conspicuous nature of black means you can wear it more often than other colours. In addition, it can look expensive even when the dress or other item isn't, it looks slimming, hides tailoring imperfections, and it tends to always be available on store racks. Famous women who have made the most of the black dress include Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Rene Russo, and Ann Margaret.

                                                                                                                                By Rifkatu Yussuf

YOU AND YOUR CHILD

Busy parents: Curious Teenagers! Effects

                                                                                       

Young people generally try drugs for many reasons including relaxation, socializing, curiosity or peer pressure. Alcohol, tobacco and cannabis are the most commonly used drugs by teenagers. Around one in five teenagers have tried cannabis at least once. Adolescence is a confused state for most teens as a lot is happening to them that they cannot explain. Typically,  it is a period of experimentation and parents must be very conscious and careful of what and where they expose their children to, especially for parents who are hardly around due to the busy schedule of their jobs. Irrespective of parenting skills and influence, some teenagers still pick bad habits either from school, friends or even the kind of movies they watch.

 Parents typically worry about their children becoming dependent on drugs such as methamphetamine (speed and ice), ecstasy, heroin and cocaine. However, the more likely threat to any teenager’s health is the use of drugs such as alcohol and tobacco; most parents are still on a cross-road as to if these drugs are just getaway drugs for teenagers, and there is no way a parent can guarantee their teenagers will never take drugs after sometime. Irrespective of why these teenagers get involved in this unhealthy habit, parents must take serious measures to help them get out of it.

Many parents are concerned that if their child tries cannabis, it will only be a matter of time before they progress to other drugs, such as amphetamines and heroin. However, there is no evidence to support the theory that cannabis is a ‘gateway’ drug that automatically leads to the use of other drugs.

WHY TEENAGERS TAKE DRUGS

Young people use drugs for similar reasons that adults do – to change how they feel, either to feel better or different. Other reasons why teenage kids get involved with drugs may include:

• The need to socialize with friends, peer pressure or the need to feel they belong to a part of a group.
• Relaxation or fun: Most teenagers who take drugs do so while relaxing or hanging out with friends, but what they fail to understand is that, this is one of the unhealthiest way for anyone to relax.
• Boredom: Some get into this habit when they are bored and need some form of distraction

·         Curiosity:  Let’s not forget this old saying in a rush, “curiosity kills the cat.” Many teenagers are very curious and would want to try out certain things,  experimenting or wanting to take risks just for the “kicks” they get out of it.

• Psychological or Physical Pain: this is an uncomfortable sensation or feeling and in order to escape from psychological or physiological pain, most teenagers take hard drugs to forget whatever it is they are going through, and the irony of this is they keep on taking these drugs until they become addicted.
  

HERE ARE WAYS TO ASSIST IN PREVENTING DRUG USE IN TEENAGERS
There are no parenting skills or behaviors that guarantee a young person will never touch drugs. However, parents and guardians can  reduce the possibility of a young person experiencing drug problem:

·         Establish and maintain good communication with your children, the better you know your children, the easiest it is for you to guide them towards positive activities. Fostering a close and trusting relationship with your child from an early age enhance and encourage positive behavior and friendship. This can be achieved by asking questions to know what is going on with them and also sharing some personal information about your day.

• Model appropriate behavior such as drinking moderately (that is if you have to), not smoking and not using illicit drugs. Research has shown that the main reason that kids don’t use alcohol, tobacco or drugs is because of their parents and their positive influence, also because they know it would disappoint them. That is why it is so important that parents build a strong relationship with their kids and talk to them about substance abuse.
• Be a positive role model: Demonstrate reasonable ways to solve problems and manage stress without using alcohol or drugs. Always remember that you get the example you set for this kids.
• Encourage a healthy approach to life including good foods, regular exercise and sports, family time out and a vacation when you can afford one.
• Encourage your child to have more than one group of friends.
• Allow your children to take responsibility for their actions and develop good decision-making skills from an early age.
• Keep yourself informed about drugs by reading books, talking to medical practitioners and people who have had some experience with drugs.  Explain the effect of drugs on the body and the legal consequences of using drugs if caught; go as far as explaining to your child how drug use can hurt people in several ways including transmission of AIDS through shared needles.
• Talk to your teenager: Have an open and honest discussion about drugs with your children and if any of your children have tried drugs before, be honest about your disappointment, but emphasize that you still love them.
  

If you suspect or discover your child is taking drugs, the earlier you respond, the more likely you can convince that child to stop. That is why you must pay attention to changes going on in your child. There are no specific signs or behaviors that can tell you a young person is definitely using drugs. Uncharacteristic behaviors such as mood swings, a drop in school performance, different friends and a changed appearance may indicate drug use.  But they could also indicate other issues that are not drug related. If for any reason you suspect that your child is using drugs, here are some helpful tips to approach the child:

• Try not to react on your first impulse. If possible, give yourself time to think over the best way to address the issue
• Try as much as you can to resist the urge to snoop or search your child’s room or belongings for evidence, because if he/she sees you doing that, that child will become all defensive and at that point the atmosphere might be a bit tensed for you to bring up such discussion.
• Research drugs so that you have the facts on what to say and what not to say, because the truth is most of these kids get involved with  drugs without the slightest knowledge of the effect it has on their health. Monitor your child closely to see if you can get any useful information and just because you may have had one or two conversations about drug use doesn't mean that your child is changing his or her behavior. Keep tabs on what your child is doing. If rules are broken enforce consequences that might help.
• Make it a discussion rather than an interrogation: when discussing with your teenage child on such issues, raise your concerns calmly with the child when you both feel relaxed. Work through your emotions in advance so that you can remain calm. State clearly what you suspect and why and ask your child about it.
• If you find out that your child is taking drugs, don’t issue ultimatums. But set firm boundaries about what you expect about drug use. Emphasize that your home is a drug free zone and you expect  your own child to be drug free also. Make it clear that if the child continues against your wish, you will not be happy.
• Try to educate your child on the health and lifestyle risks of drugs
• You may have to accept that an older teenager will not stop taking the drug no matter what you say. In such cases you should seek professional help, the sooner you and your child can get help, the easier it will be to solve a drug problem; the longer you wait the harder it gets.
• If your child gets into trouble with the police or has to go to court, support them but let them cope with the consequences such as paying their own fines even if it means doing odd jobs in order to  foot the bill, that will serve as a lesson to them.

  This article is provided for educational and information purposes. It is advisable to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to medical questions and if possible get some tips and medication on how to help teenage children who take hard substance.

                                                                                                                                By: Esther Peters

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REAL ISSUES FOR REAL WOMEN

“My baby”- a personal experience. 

 

It was past 10 at night when I started feeling the contractions. I informed the senior wife as I didn’t want to alert my husband to a false alarm. As it was my first pregnancy, I was nervous and excited.

Our husband however, caught a hint and came to my room where we were deliberating. He wouldn't take risks he said, so off we went to our neighbourhood clinic. As was usual, I was taken in for examination. Being my first experience it was so awful that I can't describe the feeling.

She told me the baby was still far off so, I could wait or go home. I decided to go home. But around 1a.m, my water broke so I had to return to the clinic.

My labour wasn't very active, so that by 4pm I had to be put on a drip to Induce active labour. It continued till the next morning. The next morning, the doctor examined me a number of times; simultaneously taking the foetal heart beat. Before the last examination, he told me that if he found that the baby hadn't progressed significantly, then I would have to undergo a caesarean section.

After yet another harrowing examination, he explained to me that I had to undergo a caesarean section immediately. I was shocked but not utterly. For a long time before then I had thought that a woman could never undergo a caesarean section if the scan showed that the baby's head was positioned downwards. This opinion got changed when I was told of a woman's experience. While she was at home, the baby's head had already started coming out. But when she got to the clinic, she was unable to push. So she had to be operated upon.

Knowing this, I was still surprised, but not completely. I was also disappointed because I wanted to experience the fascinating process of delivering naturally. Though I was also relieved to know that the labour pain would soon be over. Then I was happy, that finally the 9months wait was over. I would behold my baby and begin a new life as a mother.

They disinfected my pubic area and shaved it. Then I was carried to the theatre. I was still experiencing painful contractions even though I was no longer on a drip.

I was injected in my spine. They told me I would be awake during the process. This frightened me. I couldn't imagine seeing all that blood. They reassured me, but I was still afraid.

The first cut was painful, and then the second cut too. I couldn't bear it so I protested. They bulged and injected me through the drip. Before long, I had blanked out. In fleeting consciousness, I felt it as I was being carried and laid on the bed. Then I heard the baby's cry. He made It. Alhamdulillah! I could move my limbs and mouth. Eventually I could open my eyes so I motioned for my baby to be brought closer. He had curly black hair. I asked for his sex and was told he was a boy. When I regained full consciousness, I was told he had been taken to the Intensive care unit.

 A few days later, a family friend and doctor in the company of my husband, mother and 2 others, gave me the news that I had lost him after delivery, due to some complications after birth.

Painful! Really painful! But as a Muslim I could not but absorb the words of comfort drawn from Islamic principle that were uttered by the sister In Islam who broke the news. I still remember her words of comfort, forcing its way to my heart. It was likened to the struggle of limbs with a deep bloody wound struggling from receiving healing from the certain yet stinging mentholated spirit.

With time my heart yielded, I felt the sting as well as the pause in my concurrent weeping.

What a memory! Mummy... Mummy I cried as I held on to her.

Then I shan't forget too, by God's will, those words of comfort.

Dr Adigun knew the Importance of the words I needed. So, despite being a woman and mother herself, she didn’t allow herself to be overcome by emotion.

She encouraged me that I wasn't a failure. But that rather, I was successful, because when a parent loses their child, the parent is rewarded with Al-jannah. She also said that that moment was the moment to declare my faith. I had to accept Allah's decree that supersedes our will. She explained that I shouldn't wait till much later when I’d exhausted my tears and grief. She said my submission had to be Immediate. Amidst her words of comfort came torrents of fresh tears. I couldn't help it. She implored me not to think of the 9months of pregnancy.

Alhamdulillah, the tears ceased for the moment. I requested for a meal and soon I ate.

I got back home after a few days. A week after the surgery, I went back to the clinic to remove only the plaster, my stitches were not the kind you removed. They also cleaned my wound. Soon I became ill with malaria and felt faint one day. I went for blood transfusion-a pack. Afterwards I drank ugwu leaves juice alternated with malt and milk.

A lovely matron and friend of the family came around frequently. She taught them how to massage my breast without forcing the milk out. I remember shedding a few tears when I saw my breast milk fall.

 Anyway, Alhamdulillah, the full breast soon subsided as well as the malaria and the ache from the wound. I gradually regained my health and appetite.

That's my story. Painful Induction; a caesarean section; no baby.

But you know what? I'm alive plus many a woman with such experiences have had baby/ies) afterwards and Insha’Allah I'll be rewarded by Allah.

                                                                                                                                      

BEAUTY

YOUR SECRETS TO A BEAUTIFUL SKIN

Natural beauty starts with beautiful skin. you can learn how to maintain your skin in a healthy way and give it that luminescent glow that makes natural beauties so attractive. Diet and exercise are as important as using gentle and effective cleanser and moisturizer. there are just few steps which you can follow to achieve a wonderful result.

Grab your copy of Tozali magazine vol 7 No 5 & read more...

ACCESSORIES

"Shambala" male Bracelet Nigeria's newest trend   

I’m not one who fancies jewelry on men. For me, once I have my wrist watch and my cufflinks, if necessary, then I’m good to go. But now, we are beginning to see that even if you don’t buy the idea, you can successfully buy into the trend.

Throughout 2013/2014 we have seen bracelets take off and develop into a go-to accessory for style-conscious men, not only in the western world but now also here in Nigeria, where it is popularly known as "Shambala". From wooden beads to leather cuffs to metal bands, there is currently a wealth of options to actually choose from for those men who aren't afraid to confidently adorn their wrists.

Of course, just like any controversial trend, there are those who wouldn't give this new trend a chance; they tend to view the entire concept as feminine and a complete turn off to the opposite sex. That being said, it seems a large number of us are coming around to the idea of male bracelets.

I took the luxury of asking various friends, colleagues, and people at random,  and here are some of their opinions on this new male trend in Nigeria;

Henry Oqua: I’m not a fan of male jewelry but I’m a fan of wristwatches, sunglasses, cufflinks and the "Shambala" male bracelet. But I don’t wear it on the same wrist with my wristwatch. I wear it on the other. I hate it when I have a watch on one wrist and nothing on the other. My other hand feels naked and that was why I originally started wearing bracelets. I like the mixture of the different styles especially that of leather and metal giving me a rebellious look; and I like to coordinate them with my outfit.

Ibrahim Magaji: I wear only black wooden beads "Shambalas" cos they are more masculine. I only wear them with my wristwatch; I feel they are an extension of my wristwatch. I can only wear one piece - not a fan of too much accessorizing. I wear them to make a bold statement.

Aminu Baba: I am strictly a wristwatch person; they are just unorthodox for my taste, like boot cut jeans.  I find them to be a little bit feminine, but it may not be necessarily wrong for a guy to wear them and guys are wearing ones with skulls now, desperately trying to make them more masculine.

Fatima Yaro: I think it's cool; accessories complete a person's look/outfit. Also, Shambalas are not limited to a particular gender; it’s unisex. And to me, guys that wear it have style.

Sajida Buhari: I think for guys to wear them, it’s a sign of immaturity and somehow ‘razz’.If necessary, a guy should wear only one piece with a watch and of mature colours.

Ahmed Alkali: In my opinion, I think male bracelets are a must-have accessory, especially when dressing casual. Just make sure it's in natural earth tones, a bit rugged and manly. It usually adds uniqueness to an outfit. One should just know when to wear it. 

And to the average style conscious man who buys the idea and wishes to explore the world of wrist-wear or "Shambala" as popularly called, what are the key styles available this year?

Metal bracelets

Metal bracelets represent the most masculine wrist-wear option, largely due to their military connotations, especially the ID bracelets.

ID bracelets retain a sense of masculinity and convey a notion of tasteful rebellion with their sleek appearance. As they tend to be quite distinctive and chunky, they are best worn as a solo piece. The best way to wear them is on your free hand rather than weigh down the same wrist with both your watch and metal bracelet.         

As with everything, it is important to wear it with confidence; especially with metal bracelets, work under the concept that less is more. No one wants to give off the appearance of a hoodlum.

Beaded bracelets

Beaded are the most common styles of male bracelets. This specific style seems to be head and shoulders above others here in Nigeria, in terms of popularity.

It ranges from ethnically inspired wooden beads to high end crystal/ebony version, to statement plastic styles. The range of designs currently in offer is vast and provides something for every person's taste.

What makes them more appealing is the fact you can put together variety of styles to create a look that is completely unique and suited to your taste and compliments your outfit. Alter beads size, material and colour to create your own individual look. Whether you opt for timeless and monochromic, or bold and statement making, the beads bracelets can be used to inject an unexpected pop of colour into an outfit.

Nautical Trend Bracelet

It is no surprise that the nautical influence has been applied to men's jewelry. The nautical themed bracelet is the perfect finishing touch to any maritime or military themed outfit.

The nautical concept has been applied to wrist-wear in several different ways in recent seasons, from type of fasteners, to the use of rope and cabling, to the inclusion of nautical themed motifs and emblems.

Leather and Woven bracelets

Men are already used to wearing leather on their wrist in the form of wristwatch straps, so leather bracelet is not so much of a big step and maybe more appealing, especially to coming around to the idea of "Shambala" wearing. The positive aspect of leather bracelet is that it remains a sense of masculinity. Leather as a material is also refined and versatile. So depending on the size and style of the bracelet, it can maintain a sense of formality whilst at the same time appearing roguish and rebellious. Contrary to metal bracelets, leather can compliment and contrast beautifully with wristwatches.

Woven bracelets

The woven bracelet is another style that is currently experiencing resurgence in popularity, and they are often found in leather. The good thing about a woven bracelet is that fabric versions can be relatively cheap and come in a wide range of bright colours, should you want your accessory to pop and act as a point of reference for the whole outfit. Again, woven bracelets can be stacked and even combined with leather or beaded versions to create an interesting, visual effect without becoming too scruffy and unkempt.

In fact, whilst researching this article the woven variety appeared to be the second most popular style (after beads) and were worn by all types of men – from young street style muses to more mature professionals.

So there you go, proof that bracelets can be a stylish, considered accessory choice for the modern gent. And Of course, there will always be naysayers and critics but, as with all controversial fashion choices, generating a bit of controversy seems to only increase the popularity of a trend.

As always, we want to know what you all think. Are you already a keen bracelet wearer? Or do you shy away from jewellery altogether in order to avoid creating fussy, overdone wrists? Is there one type of bracelet that you feel deserves more recognition than any of the others? Is this the season you are going to finally give wrist-wear a go? Or is it still a "No No" for you?
                                                                                                                      By Mubarak Yaya Abubakar