Amaranthus viridis (Tete abalaye in Yoruba) is an annual, erect plant which can reach a height of 20–90 cm, branching weakly especially in the upper half. The leaves have entire margins and they are ovate to trapezoid in shape. The inflorescences are terminal and axillary spikes; there are also bunches of flowers at the axils. Amaranthus hybridus is the commercial amaranth widely cultivated all over Nigeria. It is a robust, heavy-branching plant that can reach a height of one metre or more in permissive environments. The leaves are broad, ovate and closely-packed on the main stem and branches making it a typical leafy vegetable. The inflorescences are terminal and axillary as in A. viridis.

The story of the amaranths of our land is not complete without the mention of Amaranthus spinosus (dagunro, in Yoruba). This species is a relative of A. viridis and studies have shown that they interbreed and have indeed produced hybrids one of which is known as Amaranthus lividus and a host of other intermediate plants that combine the characters of A viridis, A. spinosus and, in waste places close to eateries, A. hybridus. The tell-tale character for a plant carrying the genes of A. spinosus is the spine in the centre of the axillary cluster. People who pick A. viridis should watch for spines, even if weak, as a marker to avoid picking plants that have the genetic content of A. spinosus. A spinosus is however a medicinal plant in its own right.



Let us look at some health benefits of eating Amaranth leaves.

Amaranth leaves are a storehouse of essential phytonutrients and antioxidants which help to reduce inflammation in the body and provide an extra boost of nutrition to one’s health.


High in fiber.

They are rich in soluble and insoluble fiber. Eating fiber helps us to reduce weight and ward off heart disease as it lowers the cholesterol in the blood. Amaranths are high in protein and fiber, both of which may help reduce appetite and increase weight loss.

Good for anemics

Iron is needed for producing red blood cells and cellular metabolism. Reap maximum benefits of this powerful punch of iron that amaranth leaves provide by adding some source of vitamin C as it facilitates maximum absorption of iron in the blood. So, you could add a dash of lemon or have the amaranth leaves dish with a glass of fresh orange juice.

Rich in Vitamin A

Amaranth leaves are rich in vitamin A. They are also full of flavonoid polyphenolic antioxidants like beta-carotene, zeaxanthin and lutein which provide a protective layer against oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Vitamin A is also needed for healthy skin and proper vision.

Rich in Vitamin K

This vitamin is needed for good bone health and also plays an important role in blood clotting. It promotes osteoblastic activity and strengthens bone mass. Also, it is beneficial for those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease as it controls the neural damage done in the brain.


Rich in B Vitamins

Amaranth leaves are replete with vitamins of the B group: folate, riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, vitamin B6 and others are all found in this leafy green. They help prevent birth defects in new-born babies and are needed for optimal mental and physical health.

Rich in potassium

The leaves of this wonder plant are full of potassium. The element is needed for good cardiac health. It also controls heart rate in the human body.

Amaranth is gluten-free

The seeds of amaranth plant are used as a grain and can be ground to be made into flour. This is protein-rich flour entirely gluten-free, so it is incredibly beneficial for those who have gluten intolerance.

Rich in protein

Related News
Amaranth leaves and grain are rich in protein, leaving behind even oats as a protein-rich grain.

Receiving protein from a plant source is considered much healthier than obtaining it from an animal source as the former has no or much less fat and cholesterol. Having a protein-rich diet leads to suppression of hunger as they reduce insulin levels in the blood and keeps one feeling satiated.

Amaranth leaves have lysine

Amaranth leaves have lysine, an essential amino acid needed for energy production and absorption of calcium. It also promotes hair growth and good skin. Those who suffer from hair loss or greying will benefit significantly from eating amaranth leaves.

Reduces bad cholesterol

Amaranth leaves are known to lower the bad cholesterol responsible for many cardiac problems.

Rich in calcium

They are rich in calcium and thus beneficial for those suffering from osteoporosis and other bone health problems related to deficiency of calcium.

Easy to digest

Amaranth leaves are offered to those convalescing after an illness or those fasting as they are easy on the digestive system. They are helpful in treating diarrhoea and haemorrhages. Regular consumption has been known to benefit digestion.

Fights cancer

This is because they contain flavonoids that have anti-cancer properties. A study shows that flavonoids can prevent the occurrence of cancer cell division thus showing promise of reducing cancer risk by about 34 per cent.

Amaranthus viridis however has higher medicinal values, a decoction of the entire plant is used to stop dysentery and inflammation.
The plant is an emollient and vermifuge. The root juice is used to treat inflammation during urination. It is also taken to treat constipation.

Yellow and green dyes can be obtained from the whole plant.

The leaves are diuretic and purgative and used as poultices (fresh or as dried powder) to treat inflammations, boils and abscesses, gonorrhoea, orchitis and haemorrhoids.

Amaranthus viridis is used as traditional medicine in the treatment of fever, pain, asthma, diabetes, dysentery, urinary disorders, liver disorders, eye disorders and venereal diseases. The plant also possesses anti-microbial properties.

In Nigeria, an infusion of the whole plant is used to purify the blood and the pounded root is applied against dysentery. In Côte d’Ivoire, the sap is used as an eye wash to treat eye infections and for treating convulsions and epilepsy in children. In DR Congo, the sap is said to act as a vermifuge, being effective against filaria, as an emmenagogue and to relieve heart troubles. The leaves are believed to have febrifugal properties. Ash of Amaranthus viridis plant is rich in soda and occasionally used to make soap.

Amaranthus viridis has been used in Indian and Nepalese traditional system to reduce labour pain and act as an antipyretic (Kirtikar and Basu, 1987). The Negritos of the Philippines apply the bruised leaves directly to eczema, psoriasis and rashes etc. (Quisumbing, 1951).

Other traditional uses range from an anti-inflammatory agent of the urinary tract, venereal diseases, vermifuge, diuretic, anti-rheumatic, antiulcer, analgesic, antiemetic, laxative, improvement of appetite, antileprotic, treatment of respiratory and eye problems, treatment of asthma (Anonymous, 1988; Arshad and Khan, 2000).

Furthermore, the plant possesses antiproliferative and antifungal properties as well as production of ribosome inactivating protein, β-carotene (Kaur et al, 2006; Sena et al, 1998) and antiviral activities (Obi et al, 2006).

Due to the fact that Amaranthus viridis (Tete abalaye) has a higher medicinal value, I will go for it anytime any day.

Someone traπsferred ₦7.2 mill!on to my account by mistake. I reported it. I wish I didn’t. Because that single act of “doing the right thing” almost cost me my life.- Man, whose bank a¢¢ount was used for moneylaundary opens up

THE STORY BEGINS: It was a rainy Thursday afternoon in Abuja. NEPA had taken light. I was ly!ng down, pressing phone with low battery, when I got an alert: ₦7,200,000
Description: “Lands/Final Payment.” I blinked twice. Thought it was a scam.

I checked my mobile app The money was real.
No call, No email, No explanation. Just 7.2 million chilling in my account like it paid rent.

I waited 2 hours. Still no call. I asked a friend who’s a banker. He said: “Guy, e fit be wrong traπsfer. Just report it before they involve EFCC.” Reluctantly, I called my baπk.

They told me to come to the bran¢h. I went the next morning, met with the braπch manager, and explained everything.
They froze my account immediately. “We’ll investigate,” they said. Cool. I thought I did the right thing. I was wrong.

Two days later, two men showed up outside my gate. They weren’t wearing uniforms.
One had tribal marks. The other had a thick Igbo accent. “Are you Ibrahim?”
“Come with us.” I asked who they were.
One just flashed a card: "CID - Special Fr∆ud Unit."

They took me to a dingy office in Wuse. No proper chairs.Just heat, files, and stares.
They said the money was linked to a land scam in Apo. That someone used my account as a mule. I laughed. I thought it was a joke.
Until they showed me the CCTV.

There was a video of a man entering a bank
Using MY account number to make a deposit.
I had never seen him before in my life. But the way he filled my details on the teller…Like he knew me.

They interrogated me for 6 hours. No food, No call, No lawyer. One of them said: “Look, if you’re lying, you’ll spend your life in Kuje prison.” That’s when it hit me: Somebody set me up.
Turns out the man in the CCTV is part of a network that uses random innocent accounts to launder money.
My account had been dormant for a year before I reactivated it last week. They found it through a compromised banking agent.
I was eventually cleared. But not before they froze all my other bank accounts for two weeks, seized my laptop, and made me report daily like I was a criminal. All because I did the “right thing.”
Wanna hear the crazy part?
The guy who actually stole the money was arrested…And released three days later. Word is, his brother is a senator.
I lost 4 freelance jobs. Missed rent. And until today, my neighbors still whisper:
“That’s the guy that almost went to ja!l for money launder!πg.” Even though I was innocent from day one.

Moral of the story?
In this country, being innocent won’t always save you.
Your best defense is proof, prayers, and power.
I only had two out of three.

If you ever receive strange m0ney in your ac¢ount, don’t just celebrate or ignore it.
Screenshot.
Report it.
But lawyer up first.
Because in Nigeria?
The system isn’t built to protect honest people.

A SNAKE IN THE ROOM!

I was in my room last night when my neighbour
started screaming... "Help! Help! Snake ooo! "

I ran to her room with a strong wood in my hand.
When I dashed into her room, I saw a very big snake facing my neighbour inside her
sitting room and other neighbours joined me with their heavy sticks.

We all started shouting, "Today is the end of your life, you evil snake!".
I wanted to be a hero that night, so I first of all ran to the snake to hit it with my wood. It turned and faced us with red
eyes. Then, I said if I count 1 to 3, we should hit the snake at once which we all agreed. I started counting, 1...2....3 go! Then, Peeeeeeeem! NEPA seized the light and deep darkness covered the room.

Omo come and see stamped in the room, the worst part was that non of us remembered where the door was located. My neighbors and I were just jumping haphazardly like reggae dancers on stage because we didn't know whether the snake was close by. Some people climbed chairs while some climbed the center table. Me I found myself on top of the fridge. We were just hitting one another with our sticks thinking it was the snake! If somebody mistakenly touch another person a heavy wood will hit the person with immediate alacrity.

As I was standing on the fridge, few seconds later something soft touched my ankle! Omo I didn't waste time in hitting the thing with my big stick! Immediately, I heard cry in the room Somebody was shouting "Jesus! My head oo! Who hit me?" It was then I realized that I had hit a human being. I moved blindly forward to console the person then I mistakenly fell from the fridge and my hand touched something that looked like somebody's kneel! Almost immediately a heavy wood landed on my hand I shouted "Blood of God who hit me" Papa Emeka shouted "Jesus Jerry no vex na me, I think say na the snake touch me.

Few seconds later Nepa restored power supply and everywhere became bright again. I looked up and saw papa David hanging on the ceiling fan.

Buy our solar and enjoy without NEPA. Take advantage of the nature.

Papa’s Secret Assignment

Papa Emeka told Mama he was going to the pharmacy. But instead of buying Panadol, he bought 2rouble

He thought nobody would see him when he sneaked into Comfort's room for quick massage and small gist. After the session, he tried to zip up and zoom out like a ninja. But Comfort held his shirt like NEPA holding light during football.

Where you dey go?! You don finish, now you wan run? Oya pay me or I shout

Papa Emeka stammered, Calm down now, i get the money, I just dey count change

Before he could explain, little Junior, on his way from school, shouted, Hey Mama! Look! That’s Papa

Mama froze like garri in rainy season.

WOOUHHH

Papa fainted. Comfort let go. Mama dropped her basket. Junior smiled.

And just like that, pharmacy waka turned public disgrace.

If your waist dey itch, don’t scratch am in public

THE DEVIL CALLED ME FRIEND – PART 11
#KikisHauntedPen Original (100% Naija Pidgin × Dark Laughter × Spiritual Gutter )

That early momo, breeze no even blow.
Bird wey try chirp near my window begin cough.
Na so atmosphere serious reach.

I dey sit for chair like sacrificial lamb wey don overhear the prayer point.

Tega message enter:
“Guy, I dey outside the uncompleted building. Wetin sup?”

My heart jump like NEPA bill.

Devil just dey stretch for my back like gym instructor.
“Osas, you don nearly reach gate. Small push remain.”

I stand.

“Guy, this no feel right. Tega no even do me strong thing like that.”

Devil snap finger.

Immediately, memory flash —
Tega dey laugh with my ex inside Keke, dey chop suya wey I buy for her birthday.
Tega dey tell guys say I no get future.
Tega even block me when I beg am for loan last year.

I grit teeth.

Devil whisper,
“Osas... wickedness dey sweet more when e look innocent.”

I waka reach building.

Tega dey stand, dey scroll phone.
Smile still dey him face. He no know say him smile go expire soon.

I carry knife.
Na small one — e resemble butter knife, but e dey spiritual charged like generator wey drink Hennessy.

As I approach, my leg cut plank.

GBAAM!

Tega turn.

“Osas?”

I freeze.

Devil dey shout inside me like background music:
"Do am! Do am now! One stab, na Level 4. Two stabs, na Benz upgrade."

But my hand no gree move.

Tega walk near.

“Guy, I no know why you call me come here, but I miss you sha. We suppose settle all those small beefs.”

Something prick me.

Conscience.

Devil hiss.

“Osas, this your conscience dey too do gatekeeper. You wan miss glory?”

I step back.

Tega hold my shoulder.

“Wetin happen? You dey cry?”

Tears wey I no plan begin fall.

Suddenly... time pause.

I no dey joke.

Everything freeze.

Wind no blow.

Dust hang for air like movie.

Then Devil step forward.

Him eye red like generator switch.

“Osas... you dey fumble. You no dey break covenant like say na SIM card.”

I shout.

“I no fit do am!”

Devil raise hand.
Cemetery silence.

Suddenly, ground shake.

A dark hole open under Tega foot.

He scream.

“OSAS!”

I try grab am—but hand pass air.

He fall enter.

Hole close.

Just like that.

Devil clap.

“Well done. You no do am... but you let am happen. Contract still active. Blood still flow.”

I fall for ground.

Breathe no steady.

Devil bend near my ear.

“Level 4 unlocked. Welcome to 'Silent Guilt.' That one dey eat your peace like termites.”

I crawl back go house.

Mirror no show my face again.
Now e dey show Tega face.
Crying. Screaming. Every time I look am.

Mama knock for door.

“Osas, I dream say person wey trust you fall into hole because of you. Wetin happen?”

I no fit answer.

My soul dey boil garri.

And Devil just dey lounge with my remote control.

He sip tea.

“Don’t worry, Osas. Na just beginning.”

TO BE CONTINUED...
#TheDevilCalledMeFriend
#Level4Unlocked
#ThisFriendshipGetBodyCount

The first night I saw my best friend with my husband, I did what they never imagined... They were both in the bedroom...
.
MY BEST FRIEND STOLE MY MAN

CHAPTER 1

If somebody had told me that the person who would destroy my life was the same person I used to share my clothes and secrets with, I would have laughed in their face.
But now, the only thing I laugh at is my own stupidity.

My name is Amaka, and my wedding was in two weeks.

I had the man. I had the ring. I had the aso-ebi colors picked out. I had my best friend by my side — or so I thought.

It was a hot Wednesday morning in Enugu. I remember clearly because NEPA had just brought light and I was dancing in my towel, holding my phone and playing “Baby Riddim” by Fave. My cheeks were hurting from smiling too much. Obinna, my fiancé, had just sent me money for my gele and shoes.

“Nne, I want you to look like a goddess that day,” he said. “The whole world must know you’re mine.”

God knows I loved that man.

Chiamaka, my best friend since secondary school, was sitting on the bed, scrolling through her phone and laughing at a meme.
“See this one,” she said, turning the phone to show me a picture of a bride whose makeup looked like she fought with a clown.

I laughed. “Chia, that can never be me. My makeup artist is charging sixty thousand.”

“Ehen? So now you’re a big girl, eh?” she teased, throwing a pillow at me.

We laughed like that for minutes. Two friends. Two sisters. Or so I thought.

I didn’t know she was laughing because she already knew something I didn’t.

That morning, Obinna called. His voice was deep and warm. “Have you eaten?”

“No,” I smiled. “Waiting for you to bring me food.”

Chiamaka raised her eyebrow and whispered, “Tell him to bring for both of us o!”

Obinna chuckled over the phone. “Alright. I’m coming with your favorite — nkwobi and cold malt.”

When the call ended, Chiamaka looked at me with a sly smile. “You’re lucky o. This your Obinna, he’s sweet die.”

I nodded. “He is.”

She stood up. “Let me go bath. I want to look fine before he comes. You know your man likes seeing fine girls.”

We laughed again.

But in that laugh, something shifted.

I didn’t catch it then. But now, thinking back, I see it clearly. The way she looked at me. The way she said “your man.”
There was something in her eyes that wasn’t there before.

That evening, when Obinna came, I noticed he didn’t hug me the way he used to. It was quick. Cold. His eyes darted around like he was hiding something.

He handed me the nylon bag. “Your food.”

“Thanks baby,” I smiled, trying to hold his hand.

He pulled it away too fast.

Chiamaka came out wearing a short gown that hugged her in all the wrong places. Her makeup was too much for a simple evening, but she walked like she was on a runway.
Obinna’s eyes followed her for a second too long.

I noticed.

I pretended not to.

We all sat in the parlor and watched a movie. But Obinna laughed at jokes that weren’t funny. He barely looked at me. When Chiamaka stood to go get water, his eyes followed her again.

My heart skipped.

Something wasn’t right.

That night, I couldn’t sleep. I lay on the bed while Chiamaka snored beside me. I stared at the ceiling and asked myself one question:

“What if love is not enough?”

To be continued….
Oluchi Onyeaghala

2025
Nigeria is still shouting
UP NEPA
what a shame

Nokia 3310 in Nigeria: The Phone That Ruled the Streets

Background

Released globally in 2000, the Nokia 3310 hit Nigeria at a time when GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) had just been introduced. MTN and Econet (now Airtel) were just starting to roll out SIM cards at high prices — and if you had a Nokia 3310 in your pocket, you were automatically respected.

⸻

Why Nigerians Loved the Nokia 3310

1. Built Like a Tank
• “If it falls, na floor go break!” — this was the popular joke.
• People dropped it from bikes, balconies, or buses and picked it up like nothing happened.
• It was rechargeable once, used for days — battery life could go 3–5 days on one charge.

2. Snake Game Craze
• “Snake II” wasn’t just a game — it was competitive culture.
• People boasted about their high scores and even used the game to woo love interests.
• “If you get snake skills, girls go dey reason you.”

3. Customization
• Nigerians loved to personalize their phones with:
• Flashing keypads
• Antennas that lit up
• Printed body cases with colors or cartoons
• Monophonic ringtones downloaded from magazines or shared via codes

4. It Was a Status Symbol
• If you brought out a Nokia 3310 at an event, you had “arrived”.
• Used by businessmen, lecturers, and big boys in clubs.
• Seen as a symbol of trust, stability, and class.

⸻

Life with Nokia 3310 in Nigeria
• You had to go to MTN Connect centers to get a SIM — SIM cards were once ₦20,000–₦30,000!
• Call cost was high; so people used “flashing” (one ring, cut call) to pass messages.
• Sending one SMS was ₦15–₦20, so you compressed whole paragraphs into 160 characters.
• Phone charging became a business — especially in rural areas with no NEPA (power supply).

⸻

Nostalgic Street Scenes
• Students hiding 3310s in waistbands to avoid theft.
• People charging their phones at cybercafés or shops with generators.
• Phone repair guys in Computer Village (Ikeja) becoming celebrities for fixing 3310s with cheap parts.
• “Call center” umbrella vendors offering 3310s to make calls for ₦10 per minute.

⸻

Durability Tests Naija-Style
• Sat on? Still working.
• Fell in water? Dry it under sun or put in rice — boom, back to life.
• Used as self-defense during a robbery? Still ringing.

⸻

Popular Slang and Phrases Back Then
• “Your phone strong pass Nokia 3310?” (meaning: nothing beats it)
• “E get snake?” – asking if someone’s phone had Snake II
• “Make I borrow your phone flash my guy” – very common
• “You dey flex 3310, you no small!”