by Johnson Temiloluwa | Apr 5, 2022 | Business & Finance
The name or brand “Dangote” doesn’t sound foreign to you, if it does then you are not a true Nigerian. I could even push further and say not a true African. But I wouldn’t, let’s stop in my country. Recognizing his name and the facts about Dangote means he is doing something right in the business world, hence, someone with his kind of experience with business has a few things about himself and his business that could inspire every businessman. Recently, I wrote about quotes from Dangote that are nugget worthy and will motivate you. In this article, I’ll share with you facts about Dangote and 15 things about him every businessman should know.
Who is Aliko Dangote?
Aliko Dangote is a 64years old business magnate and the richest man in Africa. He is the founder and CEO of the Dangote Group. He was born in Kano, Nigeria and his education was mostly in Egypt, Cairo.
Dangote comes from a well-known business inclined family, he is the grandson of Alhaji Alhassan Dantata; he was the richest person in Africa at the time he was alive. He ventured into business at the age of 21. Aliko Dangote owns the second-largest sugar refinery in the whole world, the largest cement factory in the world (again), one of the largest flour mills in the world, and the number two largest fertilizer plant in the world.
According to Forbes, Dangote is worth $14 billion and has maintained topping the list of the richest men in Africa for more than 10 years.
Dangote is a quintessential and successful businessman and a philanthropist.
next, I’ll be sharing with you the things every businessman should know about him. They will be factual as I will be adding his words to each point.
Things Every Businessman Should Know About Dangote
There are people who think that because Dangote is from a rich successful business family, he is privileged, and not every business owner can learn from him. This notion is understandable but stay with me, the things I’ll be sharing with you will probably change that notion.
Regardless of your money status or how long you’ve been a business person, there’s something you can adopt into your business from knowing these facts about Dangote.
1. Dangote Understands the Need for Passion
Here’s what he said during an interview with Bloomberg when he was asked to share a business hack.
We had already studied doing 300,000 barrels a day back in 2005. At that time I couldn’t even fathom a larger refinery. I had no financial capacity. Then in about 2010, we paid all Dangote Group’s debts, which amounted to $2 billion…We don’t want to listen to the critics, because their intention is to destroy us. We are using our own money. This is my lifetime project. I have to back it up with my own life to make sure it is delivered.
There is no way you can have a population of 320 million in West Africa and no self-sufficiency. So the first thing to do is food security. We have land, we have water, we have the climate—we shouldn’t be a massive importer of food. With modern farming, you can get 8 to 10 tons per hectare. I believe Dangote Group is in the right position to drive this trajectory.
This statement oozes passion from every angle. He had a huge amount of debt to pay but his passion for what he does as a business kept him going. Among many other things, It takes passion to keep at a business, especially failure to some extent looms.
Also, I believe that before a business, there’s a person behind it, and there’s a passion driving the business in the person. Do you get it?
2. Dangote is Hungry for Success and Confident While at it
In the interview he had with Bloomberg, he said a lot of inspiring things and I’ll point out one of them again.
Beginning in 2020 our major investment will be in the U.S. and Europe… Beginning in 2020, 60 percent of our future investments will be outside Africa, so we can have a balance.
Let’s say that by 2025, I’m looking at [putting in] between $20 billion and $50 billion [in Europe or the U.S].
Our business strategy has always been like that, yes. We don’t want to be No. 2 in anything that we do. We want to be No. 1. Worst case, we can be No. 2 but targeted to become No. 1
Put in mind, this was a well-successful man already. Everyone knew how successful he was but, he was hungry for more success and it kept him on his toes to do more, be more, and have more.
3. Provide Valuable Goods and Services
When Dangote was asked why he chose to be involved with cement. His reply would shock you;
I think actually what I figured out was looking at the entire African continent, especially sub-Saharan, and saying, “What do we actually produce?” What I learned is that the majority of African countries imported cement. The better way, I thought, would be to empower Africa – to meet our own infrastructural needs so that we could be more self-sufficient.
Personally, I think this is where business owners get it wrong. They provide a service that is not a solution. Dangote realized a sector that was lacking and built a business up from there. Dear business owner, before venturing into a business, make sure to find what solution it will provide.
4. Dangote is Thoughtful
There’s a trend that goes on around business owners which is taking up an interest in selling what is trendy and popular. Dangote thinks otherwise and he did differently. Here’s what he said:
The majority of people here made their money through oil. But Dangote has never ever dealt in oil, which is to prove that you don’t have to be in oil. In Nigeria, oil has really damaged our thinking. Everyone is thinking about oil, oil, oil. And we are one company that has made a success without doing that.
Business owners, you do not have to follow the trend of what other business people do. Look carefully, there’s something else to be done. Think deeply, relating to the previous point, there is a solution that people need, you just have to find it.
5. Dangote Is Bold and Daring
There’s a saying that, “only a bold man makes the bold moves”. Before a business gets successful, an entrepreneur must have taken a move that was out of their comfort zone. Can you think of yourself as being bold? No? A business person should be able to do this and this is one of the facts about Dangote that I find really inspiring as someone that is interested in business.
We make a lot of bold moves, which other people find really difficult to take. We always dream very big, and we’re committed to investing in Africa… the only way to move Africa forward is for people like us to take very bold moves. I never worry about being too bold. In business it’s good to be aggressive, but with a human face.
The above statement is what Dangote said in a recent interview.
6. Dangote is Consistent
What makes a business known for the value it has to offer is the consistency in the running of the business.
Dangote says:
To hold on to consistency, find ways to remove hitches that come with entrepreneurship.
7. Dangote Appreciates People and Hire the Smart Ones
I always make sure I hire people smarter than me.
A business only thrives when there are various heads with different brilliant task execution. Dangote is aware of this so he hires smarter people, that way, things get done with the help of these people’s brains.
8. Dangote Wants to Make People Happy
He said:
My grandfather once told me the soul of business is not making money, it is making people happy and I have held on to it
9. Dangote Embraces Competition
Don’t kill the competition. Competition is healthy for businesses. It keeps you the entrepreneur on your toes.
He sees competition as an opportunity to be better and do better.
10. Dangote Is a Big Dreamer but Knows the Importance of Starting Small
To build a successful business, you must start small and dream big
Any business has its early beginning which is definitely small. He encourages starting small with the hope that it gets big and better.
11. Dangote Makes Tough Decisions to Keep His Company Afloat
If I had challenges in my company, I would not hesitate to sell assets to remain afloat, to get to the better times, because it doesn’t make any sense for me to keep any assets and then suffocate the whole organization.
He is aware and knows when certain risks should be taken.
12. Dangote is Patient
You could easily tell that hard work and perseverance go hand in hand with patience. We often hear people say patience is worth it, yet we don’t practice it. I did and look how well it worked out for me.
Dear business owner, be patient. It takes time to build anything.
13. Dangote Makes Adequate Research About Business
The most dangerous thing for an entrepreneur to do is to actually go into a business that he does not understand fully.
Do not, I repeat, do not venture when you don’t understand. This is one of the facts about Dangote that I find admirable. Every business owner should do this
14. Dangote Started to Build With Ambition
If you don’t have ambition, you shouldn’t be alive.
Ambition is basically what you want from life. Dangote chose the business part and he followed through with it.
15. Dangote Knows When to Sleep
I cannot stress this enough, it’s okay to be passionate about your business but know when to sleep. Know when to rest and build the body. Dangote says:
Exercise is better than any medicine I can take; exercise and sleep.
Don’t wait until you fall sick, If the richest man in Africa prioritizes exercise and sleep, who are you not to?
Conclusion
Every single point and fact about Dangote in business can increase your process as a business owner, you just have to take what you need and make use of it.
While you are here, this is the best time to read the effective qualities every entrepreneur should have.
I wish you a successful business. Cheers to your growth!
FAQs
What is Dangote slogan?
“Building prosperity and self-sufficiency.”
What is Dangote full name?
Alhaji Aliko Dangote
How much does Dangote make in a day?
Dangote makes around 15 million a day
What is Dangote’s position in the world?
He is the richest man in the continent of Africa for 1, 2, 3…11th year. Yes, you are seeing right.
What type of company is Dangote?
Dangote is a Nigerian multinational industrial conglomerate and its position is the largest corporation in West Africa and also one of the largest in Africa.
What has Dangote done for Nigeria?
The list is quite lengthy but the most notable and world-recognized one is this; In the year 2021, Dangote (Cement sector) moved to erect the biggest cement plant in Africa in Southwest Nigeria. With this, It made Nigeria a cement exporting country.
Who gave Dangote money to start business?
His uncle; Sanusi Abdulkadir Dantata gave Dangote money to start business. Dangote was the one that actually requested the loan.
by Abdulsalam Yunusa | Feb 9, 2022 | Health & Wellness
The use of toothpaste for maintaining the fresh breath, preventing tooth decay, tooth stains, and gum disease (gingivitis) has been practised for a very long time now.
It will interest you to know that apart from the above uses, there are several other amazing facts about toothpaste that you have probably never heard of before. Are you ready to know those facts? Strap on your seatbelts and we will journey with you all through.
11 Surprising Facts About Toothpaste
1. Do Colour Codes On The Tube of Toothpastes Mean Anything?
For quite some time, there has been a false claim about toothpaste colour codes in circulation. According to the claim, consumers can decide on which toothpaste to buy by studying the colour code to know which ingredients were used to make the toothpaste.
The colour code is a small coloured square at the bottom of your toothpaste. It is usually green, blue, red, or black – some of the most common colours used by toothpaste brands. The colours are used to claim that the formulation of the toothpaste is as follows:
Green: Contains only natural ingredients
Blue: Natural ingredients with some additional medicine
Red: natural ingredients and chemicals
Black: purely made of chemicals
This is entirely false! The colours are nothing but marks deliberately put on the toothpaste tubes during production to show light beam sensors the exact place to cut, seal or fold during the automated process.
To know the formulation of the toothpaste you intend to buy, just read through the pack and you will see the ingredients it contains.
2. Toothpaste Contain Seaweed!
Do you know that most toothpaste contains seaweeds?
Seaweeds are a group of plants and algae that survive on water bodies. Most toothpaste brands use seaweeds as part of their ingredients.
Also, seaweed is a thickening agent, so it stabilizes toothpaste, thereby making it consistent on your toothbrush whenever you squeeze it out of the tube.
The toothpaste we know today was not always like this. Before it was turned into a paste, the evolution began from the Egyptian toothpowder made from powdered ashes of Ox hooves and burnt eggshells; and the Greek toothpowder containing crushed bones and oyster shells.
This continued to the 19th century with additional ingredients like chalk, salt, and charcoal.
4. Most Toothpastes Contain the Same Set of Active Ingredients
While there are a lot of different toothpaste brands today, each advertising to try and convince you to buy their product, it will interest you to know that most toothpaste contains the same set of ingredients.
The ingredients in most toothpaste are as follows:
Abrasives e.g. hydrated silica, calcium carbonate
Detergents e.g. sodium lauryl sulfate
Fluoride compound e.g. sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride
Preservatives
Binders
Abrasives help to remove stains and deposits on the surfaces of teeth; detergents break up and wash the stains; fluoride helps in tooth decay prevention; preservatives increase the lifespan of the toothpaste while binders increase consistency.
Specially formulated toothpaste contain additional ingredients. Your dentist will recommend one for you if you have sensitive teeth or tartar on your teeth.
5. Toothpastes Can Clean Surfaces Other Than Your Mouth
These are some of the most interesting facts about toothpaste. After reading this, you will realize how useful toothpaste can be in your house and even at work.
You can clean glass surfaces, wooden items and more with your toothpaste.
6. Toothpastes Can Relieve You from Skin Irritation and Acne
Rubbing a small amount of toothpaste on your skin after an insect bite or sting can bring you immediate relief from the irritation before you can get a definitive treatment – if needed.
Toothpaste has been used for some time to treat acne. Some amount of it dabbed on your pimples and allowed overnight can help clear your pimples, especially when you continue for some days. For this purpose, it is recommended to use toothpaste that does not contain gels.
Dirty fingernails can also be cleaned using toothpaste. There are reports that it is effective for this purpose.
7. Toothpastes Can Remove Offensive Odors from Your Skin
Sometimes, coming in contact with fish, garlic, and onions in the kitchen can leave your hands with an offensive smell that is difficult to remove by just washing with soap.
Here is what you can do.
Wash your hands first with soap or detergent, then rub some toothpaste on your hands, allow it for some time, and then rinse. You can also try it for other offensive smells on your skin.
8. Toothpaste Can Make Your Jewellery to Sparkle
It is a Saturday or Sunday morning, you have an important event to attend and you are already running late, then you realise that your jewellery has lost its sparkle but there is no time to take it to the jeweller for cleaning. Well, toothpaste to the rescue.
When you add some toothpaste to a soft-bristled brush or cloth and use it to polish your silver or even diamond jewellery, in no time, you will have sparkling clean jewellery right in front of you. Amazing right?
However, you should exercise caution while polishing your pearls, as this might scratch or even damage them.
In addition to polishing your jewellery, you can also polish your silver kitchen utensils and ornaments, using the same procedure above.
9. Toothpaste Can Polish Your Bathroom Too
Just as you can use toothpaste to clean your kitchen utensils, jewellery, and ornaments, you can do the same to the items in your bathroom.
It does an amazing job cleaning your bathroom sinks, mirrors, glass doors, faucets, etc. giving them the sparkling look.
Whenever any of the above is stained, you can squeeze some amount of toothpaste on the area, allow it for some time and scrub it off.
Toothpaste has the added advantage of deodorising your drain as well.
10. What Toothpaste Can Do To Your Fabric
When your clothes are stained with ‘tough’ stains from soup, coffee, juice, or other food and household items, you might no longer need to use expensive stain removers for that.
To do this, apply some toothpaste to the stained area, allow for some time and rub vigorously. By the time you wash the cloth, the stain is likely to disappear or at least, reduce by a large extent.
11. Toothpaste Can Help Clean You Walls
Regardless of the number of books you buy for your kids, some might still choose to use the walls of the house for their crayon arts. Toothpaste, therefore, serves to keep your walls clean.
To clean the crayon markings – as well as other stains, apply some amount of toothpaste (preferably white) using a wet cloth and then wash off the residue.
You can also use it to fill small holes on your walls, and as an adhesive to stick your posters to the wall. And when used for this, it has no damaging effect on your wall.
FAQ
Q: How effective is herbal toothpaste?
A: A lot of the ingredients of herbal toothpaste are yet to be scientifically declared as effective in teeth cleaning, nevertheless, it has been used for quite a while, and people have attested to its effectiveness.
Q: Which toothpaste brand is the best for me?
A: Toothpaste basically contain the same active ingredients; also, there are different toothpaste formulations for different conditions (e.g whitening, tartar, tooth decay). Your dentist should help you choose the best one for you.
Conclusion
Now that you have read up to this point, we believe that you have learned amazing facts about toothpaste, and have realised that they can be used for several other purposes apart from teeth cleaning.
Do you know more of such facts about toothpaste? Please do not hesitate to share with us in the comments section below.
We would love to hear from you.
by Editorial Staff | Feb 5, 2022 | Facts
Food is any substance that can be eaten by a living thing to stay alive. Most importantly, food is a very crucial component of human survival, we need food to grow, stay energized, and be productive. However, food not taken in the right proportion has detrimental effects on the body. Similarly, when cooked wrongly. Therefore, this article contains 100 facts about food.
Fun Facts About Food
1. Antioxidant in apples is one chemical substance that can extend a person’s lifespan— This chemical neutralizes free radicals that have been linked to a variety of diseases.
2. Research shows that dark green veggies have more vitamin C compared to light-coloured red veggies.
3. Honey has an infinite lifespan. In other words, it doesn’t get spoiled.
4. Apple keeps you more awake and alert compared with coffee. Apple contains about 13 grams of natural sugar. These vitamins are released slowly throughout the body, making you feel more awake.
5. To improve your mood, eat some bananas— This is made possible because it contains lots of nutrients like vitamins B6, fibre, tryptophan, iron, protein and more.
6. Rubbing the inside of a banana peel on a mosquito bite keeps it from itching— This is due to the natural oils found within the banana’s skin.
7. Majority of the vitamins and minerals found in eggs are concentrated in the yolk.
8. Apple can last as long as a year, still looking fresh, if properly kept in a cool place.
9. Some dairy products are made from seaweed like in puddings, chocolate milk, chewing gum, jams and jellies.
10. Fruits and vegetables are low in calories and fat. Hence, they are a healthy diet for weight loss and maintenance.
11. Globally, strawberries are the only fruits with seeds on the outside.
12. An ostrich egg is equivalent to twenty-four chicken eggs.
13. Sardine fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids which prevent heart attack.
14. Surprisingly, the outer waxy coat of a cucumber is capable of erasing ink stains. It contains cleaning chemical content.
15. Did you know that potatoes can absorb and reflect radio wave signals? Because of the potatoes’ water content and chemistry.
16. 60% of the human gene is similar to that of a banana.
17. Did you know that chewing coffee beans can help eliminate bad breath? Yes, because coffee resists the bacteria that leads to bad breath.
18. Milk supplies calcium to the body which strengthens the bone and teeth.
19. Too much intake of ice cream causes toothaches. This is due to worn down enamel, exposing the dentin and causing pain when your tooth comes into contact with hot or cold foods and beverages.
20. Banana is a great source of fibre, potassium, and vitamin C.
Healthy Facts About Food
21. Garlic is one of man’s earliest medicines, it’s diverse in its function. This includes easy digestion, easing arthritis symptoms, calming nausea, relieving menstrual cramps and lots more.
22. 60% of the body’s blood glucose is utilized by the brain.
23. One of the many benefits of omega-3 fatty acids is that it helps fight inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
24. An average strawberry has about 200 seeds.
25. Did you know that cucumbers are 96% water? Hence, you can stay hydrated on cucumbers.
26. Cucumber is capable of removing the fog on bathroom mirrors that appear after bathing.
27. Eventually all bananas we eat are cloned from a single plant in southeast Asia.
28. Medically, cayenne pepper helps prevent asthma. It contains capsaicin, this substance helps reduce wheezing and clears airways to help you breathe comfortably.
29. Research shows that eating peanut butter can help lower body cholesterol. This is due to the high amount of unsaturated fats in peanut butter.
30. Globally, there are over 600 different types of strawberries. Broadly classified into June-bearing, everbearing, or day-neutral.
31. Avocados contain more healthy fat than any other fruit— It contains both monounsaturated fat, saturated fat and polyunsaturated fat.
32. Blueberries are the best sources of effective antioxidants in the world.
33. Lamb has high Omega-3 fatty acids. This helps protect the heart.
34. Medically, almonds improve metabolic health. Naturally, almonds are highly nutritious and rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
35. Studies reveal that those who eat seafood food, especially fish, tend to live longer and reduce their risk of illnesses.
36. Studies show that people who eat the most full-fat dairy have a lower risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
37. Research proves that beans contain proteins, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are good for the brain and muscles.
38. Broccoli is best eaten raw or lightly steamed. This is because overcooking leads to nutrient loss.
39. Eating cayenne pepper equalizes the blood and promotes blood clotting. This is because it increases circulation and improves blood vessel strength.
40. Eating blueberries boost cognitive ability and prevents cardiovascular diseases.
Weird But True Facts About Food
41. Medically, watermelon juice helps reduce the level of muscle soreness— This is attributed to an amino acid found in watermelon called L-citrulline.
42. Did you know that apples, pears, and peaches are all in the Rose family?
43. Vitamins B-2 and B-12 are found in eggs and help in generating red blood cells in the body.
44. Eggs provide a good amount of choline, which is important for cell membranes.
45. The oil in peanuts is one of the ingredients in making dynamites— Its oil is converted to glycerol, which in turn can be used to make nitro-glycerine, an ingredient for dynamite.
46. Antioxidant lycopene which is packed with tomatoes reduces the rate of so many cancers like skin, lung bladder, and prostate cancer.
47. Medically, broccoli contains a chemical known as sulforaphane that increases testosterone.
48. The best way to stay hydrated naturally is by consuming watermelon.
49. Constant consumption of blueberries cures hypertension faster in women. It helps lower blood pressure.
50. Tea drinking exercisers lose more weight compared with non-tea-drinking exercisers— It contains catechins which boost metabolism and break down fat rapidly.
51. The DHA Omega-3 acids in turkey, improve brain function and prevent the fat cells from growing in size.
52. Eating beans is good for your heart function— Folate, antioxidants, and magnesium found in beans can help lower blood pressure.
53. Coconut oil contains a chemical that cures Alzheimer’s disease. This is a disorder involving loss of mental function resulting from the brain tissue change.
54. Beans is one of those foods that dissolve slowly which helps you stay fuller without feeling hungry for long.
55. You’re likely to pick quality food products when you go shopping on Monday or Tuesday since it’s rare for the crowd to shop on that day.
56. Mustard boosts the body’s metabolism— Mustard seeds are low in calories and are packed with antioxidants.
57. Walnuts contain nutritional value good for the body— It has healthy Omega-3 fats. Furthermore, It helps in reducing inflammation and improving heart function.
58. Magnesium found in cashews helps the body get rid of constipation, insomnia, and muscle cramps.
59. Women who eat high-quality chocolate have 32% lower risk of developing heart failure than those who don’t.
60. Turmeric helps improve cognitive coordination in the body. This is attributed to curcumin found in turmeric that helps clear Alzheimer plaques.
Mind-Blowing Facts About Food
61. Sadly, excessive caffeine intake leads to insomnia and heart palpitations. Caffeine is a chemical with stimulant effects found mainly in coffee, tea, cola, cocoa.
62. Eating more slowly gives the brain time to perceive when you are full.
63. Studies show that eating slowly also reduces the number of calories consumed. Eating slowly permits thorough chewing which helps reduce calories intake.
64. Eating eggs in the morning with or as your breakfast keeps you full and prevents high consumption of calories in the later meal.
65. Eating high protein meals decreases the level of ghrelin, the hunger hormone.
66. Cooking a meal at home lowers obesity risk and improves diet. Homemade meals utilize fresh ingredients compared with processed ingredients used in cooking at restaurants.
67. High Omega-6 can lead to inflammation and cause diseases like heart attack and cancer.
68. Eating from a small bowl makes your food portion appear big. It further prevents overeating which may result in obesity.
69. One of the best natural energy drinks is green tea. It contains healthy bioactive compounds which improve productivity.
70. Storing fresh herbs naturally with water will last longer than those stored in the fridge.
71. Some people feel soup tastes better a day after preparation. I’m one of those people, what about you?
72. Oatmeal helps you stay fuller than you think, and prevents mid-interval meals like junk food.
73. To get deeply flavoured foods, don’t overcrowd the pan. Ingredients will be unevenly distributed when the pan is full.
74. Did you know that cold temperatures compromise the flavour of potatoes, onions, unpeeled garlic, and peaches?
75. Oftentimes, going late to the market guarantees you a large number of foodstuffs, since most vendors are in haste to close for the day.
76. Addition of coconut oil to boiling rice increases the rice resistance to starch which slows rapid digestion.
77. You get to feel full by eating pasta left overnight and reheated compared with freshly prepared pasta.
78. You’ve heard it over and over; sugar causes havoc to the body, so, keep your sugar intake low.
79. Sugar found in energy drinks is more corrosive to your teeth— Its sugar content can erode your enamel making your teeth vulnerable to decay and cavities.
80. Recently, research shows that taking too many energy drinks could destroy your liver. Although it causes acute liver injury, the exact chemical for this is still under investigation.
Random Food Facts
81. Research shows that eating from a small bowl increases the feeling of satiety and reduces energy intake for those who want to lose weight.
82. Oatmeal has lots of fibre and helps balance every meal. It serves as a stabilizer.
83. Research shows that hot dogs may be harmful to your body. It contains harmful chemicals like Sodium phosphate, corn syrup, sodium, sodium nitrite that increases the chances of heart disease, kidney disease, and weak bone.
84. Artificial sweeteners increase hunger hormone in the stomach. This includes Saccharin, Acesulfame, Sucralose among others.
85. Sunflowers seeds are the best alternative to chewing gum, it also provides you with vitamin E.
86. Unsweetened yoghurts are healthier for the body. It benefits gut bacteria and boosts the immune system.
87. Oftentimes, dairy products lead to belly bloat. Belly bloating occurs when the gastrointestinal tract is filled with air or gas.
88. Consumption of hydrogenated oils regularly causes heart disease— It increases your bad cholesterol and lowers your good cholesterol.
89. Low intake of nuts and seeds increases the risk of stroke and type 2 diabetes. Interestingly, nuts are full of unsaturated fatty acids, phytochemicals, fiber, vitamin E, folate, calcium, potassium and magnesium.
90. Ultra-processed foods are highly overeaten which can lead to excess calorie consumed and weight gain
91. Coffee intake increases longevity but minimizes your intake per day(not more than 4 cups). Most importantly, avoid high sugar additives.
92. Ginger and turmeric have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may help improve your overall health.
93. The bacteria in your gut are collectively called microbiota and are important for your overall well-being.
94. Disruption to gut bacteria leads to obesity and digestion problems.
95. High-fiber food improves gut bacteria— Certain bacteria in your gut can digest fiber, which stimulates their growth.
96. Drinking water is the best way to stay hydrated—it’s free of calories, sugar, and additives.
97. Vitamin D improves bone strength, boosts the immune system, and reduces symptoms of depression.
98. Did you know that high protein intake boosts the metabolic rate in your body? This is due to the high thermic effect of protein.
99. Extra virgin olive oil is the best vegetable oil for cooking—its unsaturated fats and powerful antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties.
100. You can calm queasy feelings by eating ginger— Ginger contains gingerol and shogaols which has anti-inflammatory properties and may improve digestion.
by Editorial Staff | Feb 3, 2022 | Facts
Northern Nigeria is a region situated towards the north side of Nigeria. Interestingly, these regions possess certain characteristics that differentiate them from other regions of the country and the world at large. These differences span across the lifestyle of its inhabitants, historical features, and happenings that took place in this region. Hence, to aid an easy understanding of northern Nigeria we have compiled 100 facts about northern Nigeria.
Interesting Facts About Northern Nigeria
1. Northern Nigeria is the most endowed region in the country with many tourist attractions. This includes the Emir palace in Kano, Chappal Waddi in Taraba, Yankari Game Reserve, and much more.
2. Nigeria North occupies 80% of Nigeria’s landmass, it’s four times larger than the South.
3. In 1967, Northern Nigeria was broadly divided Into North—Eastern States, North-Western States, Kano State, Kaduna State, Kwara States, and the Benue—Plateau State, each with its own Governor.
4. The Nok civilization, ancient culture in prehistoric times, associated terracotta statues, and megaliths have been discovered in northern Nigeria.
5. The northern part of Nigeria is known for its primary export of goods from historical times. Most especially, leather, gold, salt, clothes, kola nuts, and animal hides.
6. Some of the current states once existed as Kingdom long before now like Kano, Katsina, and Zazzau (Zaria)
7. The Hausa architecture in the North is the most beautiful during the medieval age as seen in the design of ancient mosques and palaces.
8. Northern Nigeria gained self-government on 15 March 1957 with Sir Ahmadu Bello as its first premier.
9. The main source of revenue for Northern Nigeria is cotton and groundnut industries, tin and steel mining.
10. Cement industries and leather processing industries constitute the main manufacturing sector of the North.
11. Northern Nigeria although religiously and ethnically diverse has its majority of Muslims, especially the Hausa speaking tribe.
12. Kano state was traditionally founded by a blacksmith named Kano from the Gaya tribe who in ancient times came to Dallas Hill in search of iron.
13. Kano is a home for numerous traditional industries that includes leather tanning and decoration, mat making, metalworking, tailoring, pottery manufacturing, and local dye pits for cloth and leather used for centuries.
14. Northern Nigeria comprises 19 states. North Central – Benue, FCT, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau. North East – Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, Yobe. North West – Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Jigawa,, Zamfara.
15. The richest person in Africa and the richest black person in the world is from northern Nigeria, Kano state—Aliko Dangote. He had an estimated net worth of US$12.7 billion as of September 2021.
16. The Arewa Knot is an ancient traditional symbol associated with northern Nigeria particularly the Hausa-dominated areas.
17. An average man from the north is always glued to his radio in search of current information.
18. According to Lord Luggard, “the north is the most literate part of Nigeria.” There are 25,000 Quranic Arabic schools with about 250,000 pupils in the North.
19. Kumbwada village in Kano is the only part of Northern Nigeria where only females can rule, an ancient curse keeps men off the throne.
20. Usman dan Fodio(1754—1817) was trained in classical Islamic science, philosophy, and theology. He has written over 100 books on society culture, religion, governance, and politics.
21. Did you know that Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau states have the highest populations of Christians in Northern Nigeria?
22. In 1851 Kano state made 10 million sandal pairs and 5 million hides for export every year.
23. One of the largest cities in Africa is located in the north—Kano state.
24. Katsina State was formed out of Kaduna state on September 23, 1987, by General Gbadamasi Babangida.
25. Katsina state is known as the “Home of Hospitality” because of the courtesy and politeness of its inhabitants.
Fun Things About Northern Nigeria
26. The system of “Sarauta” beginners in Katsina state. This system is a title awarded to men and women in Hausa land who have served the community positively, although it varies from rank to rank.
27. Did you know that Islamic religion came into the north through Katsina state? This was due to the arrival of Wangarawa Dyula scholars and merchants in the 14th century into the state.
28. Historically, “Kusugu Well” in Daura once had a giant snake that prevented residents from fetching water on specific days of the week. Fortunately, it was killed by Bayajidda during the reign of Queen Daurama.
29. Katsina Teachers College was the first higher learning institution established in Northern Nigeria in the year 1923.
30. Salt, diamonds, graphite, potash, and many more natural mineral resources are located in Katsina State.
31. The Kanuri-speaking tribe is more concentrated in Borno state.
32. Interesting physical features can be found in Borno states like Black cotton swamps, volcanic Biu Plateau, and Borno plains.
33. Borno is the second largest state in Nigeria in terms of landmass( 72, 609square kilometres)
34. Did you know that there are descendants of the Arab people in Borno state known as shuwa Arabs?
35. Current Yobe state emerged from Borno state.
36. The only five stars rated hotel in the North-Eastern part of Nigeria is located in Borno state—Deribe hotel in Maiduguri.
37. Feldspar and Magnetite are mostly found in Borno state.
38. The popularly known Chad Basin National Park is located in Borno state. The park has a total area of about 2,258 km2.
39. Northern Nigeria states are vast in agricultural practices due to abundant fertile land and favourable climate compared with other regions.
40. Kaduna state was named by General Murtala Muhammad in 1976.
41. In the North, the most prestigious learning institutions are concentrated in Kaduna state. This includes Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria Defense Academy, Air Force Institution of Technology and more.
42. Sadly, the assassination of Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and Northern premier took place at Kaduna. He was killed by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu an Igbo Nigerian Army officer.
43. It’s believed that Kaduna derived its name from the Hausa word for crocodile, Kada.
44. The Nok Culture appeared in northern Nigeria around 1000 BCE and vanished under unknown circumstances around 500 CE, thus having lasted for approximately 1,500 years.
45. Beginning from the late 1950s, Kaduna state became the major industrial, commercial and financial center for the northern states of Nigeria.
46. The largest wildlife park in Nigeria is found in the North—Gashaka Gumti in Taraba state.
47. Mambilla plateau in Taraba Is the highest point in Nigeria, standing at about 1,600 meters above sea level.
48. Chappal Waddi in Taraba is the highest mountain in Nigeria which stands at 7,936ft above sea level.
49. Still to date, antiquities from the Ancient Nok civilization can be found in galleries and museums across the world.
50. Did you know that the River Benue divides Adamawa State into almost two halves?
Shocking Facts About Northern Nigeria
51. The popularly known Vernacular Architecture (VA) is found in Northern Nigeria. It’s also called Tubali in the Hausa language.
52. Ancient paintings which date back to the Neolithic period can be found in Dutsen Habude Jigawa state.
53. One of the largest cattle markets in West Africa is located in Jigawa state—Maigatari international cattle market which supplies about 2 million stock of cattle during weekly trade.
54. Niger state houses the three major hydro-electric power stations in Nigeria namely: Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro stations respectively.
55. Niger state is the largest state in Nigeria based on the landmass, approximately 8.6 million hectares.
56. Interestingly, the famous River Niger is located in Niger State.
57. Niger is the largest producing rice and sugarcane state in Nigeria.
58. I’m sure you’ve heard about Guarara waterfall, it’s one of the most attractive sites in Nigeria and it’s found in Niger State.
59. Northern Nigeria is the home of Africa’s oldest dye pit, located at Kofar Mata in Kano state—which has been in existence since 1498.
60. The most irrigated state in Nigeria is located in the North, Kano state to be precise. It has more than 20 dams providing about 2 million cubic meters of water to support agricultural and industrial activities.
61. Surprisingly, the annual production of grain in Kano state exceeds 4million metric tons with an estimated value of N721.20b—that’s a lot!
62. Kano state is the most populous state in Nigeria according to the 2006 census with an estimated population of 4,103,000.
63. Did you know that Gidan Rumfa Emir’s palace is the oldest continuous site of authority in Nigeria? It’s the palace of the Emir of Kano and was constructed in the late 15th century.
64. The oldest museum in Nigeria is situated in Northern Nigeria, Jos, Plateau state. The Jos museum was established in 1952 by Bernard Fagg.
65. The warrior Queen Amina of Zazzau was known for building walls around every territory she conquered.
66. Recently, many of those walls built by Queen Amina are still standing, known as Amina’s wall.
67. Did you know that Queen Amina was the first woman to lead the kingdom of Zazzau to war?
68. Surprisingly, the Northern Knot, Arewa insignia has Christian origins from the church Celtic knot as investigated by Ibrahim A. Waziri.
69. The popularly known Arewa Knot is also called ‘Dagin Arewa’ or ‘Tambarin Arewa’.
70. The second largest University in Africa is found in Northern Nigeria known as Ahmadu Bello University Zaria founded in the year 1962.
71. Did you know that Lokoja was the first administrative centre of Nigeria because it was the first settlement of the British in Nigeria?
72. Research shows that the Arewa Knot is similar to the historic 6 pointed star seal of Solomon which Is also known as the star of David.
73. Did you know that Sultan Siddiq Abubakar III was the Sultan for 50 good years? He served as the 17th Sultan of Sokoto between 1938 and 1988.
74. Did you know that the first Mayor of Enugu city was a Fulani man from northern Nigeria In the person of Mallam Umaru Altine from old Sokoto province.
75. The first Teachers Association in Northern Nigeria was formed by Aminu Kano in the year 1948.
Truths About Northern Nigeria You
76. Throughout history Aminu Kano was the first presidential candidate to choose a female running mate.
77. Gaskiya Tafi Kwabo, a journal that was owned by the Nigerian government was the first notable Hausa newspaper that came into existence.
78. Sir Ahmadu Bello also known as the Sardauna of Sokoto was one of the politically influential men in the whole of Northern Nigeria.
79. Sir Ahmadu Bello was among the few selected individuals who redrafted the Richards Constitution.
80. The Arewa Knot is thought to represent Northern Nigeria’s power and political identity.
81. As a result of Sir Ahmadu Bello’s contribution to humanity the Nigeria N200 note carries His portrait.
82. Tambola dance is one of those popular dance moves within northern Nigeria.
83. The Hausa movie industry is popularly known as the Kannywood industry.
84. Rahama Sadau is the first northern actress ever to be featured in Nollywood Movies
85. In Northern Nigeria, Eid Kabir also known as ‘Babban Sallah’ or ‘Sallan Layya’ is celebrated by Muslims.
86. Miyan Karkashi interpreted as Sesame leaves soup is commonly consumed by the Hausa-speaking tribe in Northern Nigeria.
87. The name Nigeria was derived from the northern region coined in Lokoja, Kogi state. It was named by Flora Shaw when she gazed at the magnificent River Niger at Lokoja.
88. Kogi state in North Central is a junction state that leads to about 10 states within Nigeria.
89. The two greatest Rivers that cut across Nigeria are located in the North—River Niger and River Benue.
90. The largest steel and iron industry in Nigeria is located in Kogi state— Ajaokuta Steel Company and Agbaja iron mine.
91. Presently, the Arewa Knot is one of those features that depict unity among the northern states despite the diversity in tribe and culture.
92. Benue state is the most endowed state in Nigeria in terms of agricultural produce which includes yams, rice, cassava, potatoes, maize, millet, cocoyam, and lots more.
93. 70% of Nigeria’s soybeans production comes from the North, Benue state.
94. One of the highest waterfalls in Africa known as Farin Ruwa is found in Nasarawa State.
95. Africa oldest known boat ‘Dufuna Canoe’ is found in Nasarawa State
96. The biggest Game Reserve in west Africa is found in Northern Nigeria —Yankari Games in Bauchi.
97. Zamafara state was the first state in Nigeria to adopt Sharia Law, an Islamic legal system.
98. The Hausa Bakwai kingdom was established far back in the 7th to 11th centuries.
99. The Bayajidda legend was officially recognized under the Islamic government and institutions that were newly established after the 1804 Usman Dan Fodio Jihad.
100. The Gobarau minaret was built in the 15th century in Katsina. The minaret is believed to be one of West Africa’s first multi-story buildings and was once the tallest building in Katsina.
by Editorial Staff | Feb 2, 2022 | Facts
Cryptocurrency is designed for digital transactions and it’s based on blockchain technology. However, in recent times crypto is being traded and used as a means of generating money. Sadly, this means of digital trade has not been embraced or deemed legal by many countries. Oftentimes, it’s because of the high risk surrounding the entire process. But those who seem to be making profits from it testify that it’s worth the time, energy, and effort. So, we compiled 100 facts about crypto to help you understand what exactly it means.
What Everyone Needs to Know About Fintech
Interesting Facts About Cryptocurrency
1. A cryptocurrency uses an online ledger with strong cryptography to secure online transactions— Ledger is a record-keeping system while cryptography is a secure communications technique.
2. Currently, there are more than 7,300 cryptocurrencies in existence.
3. According to Bitcoin protocol the limit is set at 21 million.
4. Blockchain is a decentralized technology spread across many computers that manage and record transactions.
5. Did you know that Ethereum fees are called gas? This is simply the cost necessary to perform a transaction on Ethereum.
6. Did you know that crypto kitties are one of the first blockchain games?
7. Recently, Dogecoin is one of the money-generating cryptocurrencies in the market, it had high returns as well as the high risk involved.
8. Surprisingly, the creator of Bitcoin remains anonymous— Satoshi Nakamoto is the pseudonym who penned the original Bitcoin whitepaper, however, his true identity isn’t known.
9. Elon Musk has impacted the world of cryptocurrency more than anyone else— He is the founder, CEO and Chief Engineer at SpaceX and more. He has over a 55million followers on Twitter, hence, his positive tweets about cryptocurrencies influence the market positively and vice versa.
10. Cryptocurrencies have been banned by most countries like turkey. This is because it’s under no supervision by any legal company.
11. The leading cryptocurrency mining country is China.
12. The price of cryptocurrency is extremely volatile— This minute it’s high and the next it falls low beyond expectations.
13. Oftentimes, cryptocurrency miners pay taxes for every crypto gained. These are certain fees paid to the government other than transaction fees.
14. If you happen to lose the private key to your crypto wallet, the chances of getting it back are close to never. A Crypto wallet is where your coins are stored and only you have the access to it.
15. Although cryptocurrency is secured, it’s still exposed to crypto scammers. Hence, beware.
16. The introduction of new cryptocurrencies is on the increase.
17. Anyone can create a crypto token using an existing blockchain like Ethereum.
18. The creation of crypto coins requires a new blockchain— This is a system that maintains records of transactions in cryptocurrencies.
19. ICO stands for “initial coin offering”
20. ICO is a fundraising method, utilized by companies who want to offer products and services. It’s related to cryptocurrencies and blockchain space.
21. The Bitcoin whitepaper was released on 31 October 2008 by an anonymous person or group that goes by the pseudonym ‘Satoshi Nakamoto’
22. The popularly known Bitcoin cryptocurrency came into existence in 2009.
23. Initially, Bitcoin was launched as an alternative to traditional banks following the 2008/9 economic crisis, which affected the economy negatively.
24. Bitcoin is the most popular cryptocurrency mined today.
25. Surprisingly, you can buy a fraction of Bitcoin— 0.00000001 BTC.
Fun Facts About Cryptocurrency
26. Cryptocurrency transactions are more secure than traditional payment systems. This is because it makes use of the ledger record system.
27. The smallest unit of account for Bitcoin is known as ‘a Satoshi’ or ‘SAT’— Named after Satoshi Nakamoto, the creator of the protocol used in Bitcoin cryptocurrency.
28. Interestingly, anyone can contribute to the development of Bitcoin—it’s an open system.
29. Did you know that the Bitcoin blockchain has never been hacked? This is because it had a tight security system.
30. Anyone with internet access can mine Bitcoin irrespective of the government bans— Bitcoin may be banned physically but not digitally.
31. The addition of newly processed blocks to the previous chain of transactions is the term “Blockchain”.
32. Those who process block networks are called miners.
33. What you receive after mining is a crypto coin.
34. Majority of cryptocurrency came into existence through mining— A process of generating cryptocurrency.
35. The amount of Bitcoin reward per block is cut in half every 210,000 blocks, which happens roughly every four years.
36. Sadly, once the 21 million Bitcoin limit is reached, no more Bitcoin will exist— Generally, 21 million is the limit for Bitcoin.
37. The largest Bitcoin wallet belongs to Huobi Exchange with an estimated value of $2.2billion— It’s a Seychelles-based cryptocurrency exchange founded in China and has branches in other countries.
38. BTC represents Bitcoin Core’s ticker symbol, better still an abbreviated form of Bitcoin.
39. Did you know that the first commercial Bitcoin transaction was for pizza? On May 22, 2010, Florida-based Laszlo Hanyecz traded his Bitcoins to get two pizzas from a local pizza store.
40. Profit is the main reason many trade cryptocurrencies— Oftentimes, crypto has high returns.
41. Ethereum is beyond a coin, it can be used to execute smart contracts— Smart contracts are designed with terms of the agreement between buyer and seller. Its code exists across the decentralized blockchain.
42. More than 15,000 different cryptocurrencies are traded publicly.
43. Interestingly, many view cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin as the currency of the future. In other words, they believe it will be legalized someday.
44. Central banks can’t regulate cryptocurrencies supply— Central banks are banks owned by the government of a country.
45. 0.00000001 BTC is the smallest account for Bitcoin.
46. To buy cryptocurrencies, you’ll need a “wallet,” an online app that can hold your currency.
47. Real money can be used to buy cryptocurrencies.
48. Cryptocurrencies operate on software networks, where myriad computers run separate copies of the same program.
49. Networks of computers running separate copies of the same program in bitcoin parlance, it’s a “decentralized” network.
50. There is no middle man practice in cryptocurrencies— Crypto transactions are between a buyer and the seller only.
51. Cryptocurrencies are used for asset transfer— assets are valuable property.
52. Transactions using cryptocurrencies are more confidential— Secret!
53. In cryptocurrency each transaction you make is a unique exchange bet. This is achieved because it’s decentralized and offers a large amount of anonymity.
54. In cryptocurrency you are the sole owner of your wallet, with no interference.
55. There are currently over 1200 unique cryptocurrencies or altcoins in circulation worldwide.
56. Cryptocurrencies transactions are highly secured. Hence, fraudulent activity is minimized.
57. Cryptocurrencies transaction charges are less compared with the traditional financial system.
58. Digital data transfer and the internet are the media facilitating the exchange in cryptocurrencies.
59. By using cryptocurrencies, cross-border transactions can be carried out without complications— It has no specific country currency attached.
60. Cryptocurrencies transaction systems are transparent. This implies that it shows you detailed information about every transaction.
surprising Facts About Cryptocurrency
61. Did you know that If you want to entrust the responsibility of maintaining your crypto wallet to a third party, you must pay for the service?
62. To some extent one cryptocurrency price influences another and vice versa.
63. Did you know that when you perform a transaction in cryptocurrency, you cannot reverse it? That’s the way it was designed. However, it can only be refunded by the person receiving the funds.
64. Decentralization in cryptocurrencies involves only two parties in the transaction—the sender and receiver.
65. Cryptocurrencies have high transaction speed when compared with traditional banks that take up to 3 working days.
66. Oftentimes, cryptocurrencies are subjected to cyber security breaches— This is a hack method that leads to unauthorized access to computer data, applications, networks or devices.
67. Cryptocurrencies lack inherent values, therefore subjected to frequent changes— Their prices aren’t fixed.
68. There is a high risk involved in cryptocurrency because it isn’t under any regulations.
69. Recently, lots of businesses are beginning to accept cryptocurrencies as a form of payment.
70. To carry our payment using Bitcoin you must have a corresponding wallet app on your smartphone beforehand.
71. Cryptocurrencies make it easier for users to manage, access, and transact money.
72. Transactions using cryptocurrencies are flexible and easy to carry out. Anyone can mine cryptocurrency following the laid rules.
73. Blockchain technology is behind cryptocurrency security— A record of past and current transactions.
74. Certain cryptocurrencies are quite expensive to purchase— This includes Ethereum (ETH), Maker (MKR), PAX Gold (PAXG), and Binance Coin (BNB).
75. The continuity of cryptocurrency isn’t guaranteed, although we hope for the best. This means it can crash at any time.
76. Cryptocurrencies are said to encourage criminal activities due to the anonymity involved.
77. According to the experts of cryptocurrency, there is no buyer protection or other legal claims and protections around its transaction.
78. To avoid great loss, have a motive for engaging each trade—greed shouldn’t be a motivator in cryptocurrency.
79. Cryptocurrencies trade isn’t always a win-win trade, there are also losses involved.
80. In cryptocurrency trade, your gain can multiple within minutes, similar to your loss. Hence, be mindful of your trade decisions.
Fascinating Facts About Cryptocurrency
81. Cryptocurrencies gain is a gradual process. It’s never a quick money scheme.
82. You must be knowledgeable about the cryptocurrency network to be able to carry out a successful transaction.
83. Your investment should be based upon affordability, not cheap price.
84. High return equates to high risk— It’s a 50/50 trading principle.
85. The higher the daily trading volume, the more suitable an asset is for long-term investments.
86. Long-term investment cryptocurrencies include Ethereum(ETH), Factor (FCT), Monero (XRM), and Dash.
87. Cryptocurrencies are unpredictable!
88. It’s always advisable that you trade with more than one cryptocurrency, because if one crypto coin price falls you can be sure of another.
89. Many investors are attracted to ICOs because of high returns.
90. Always have a strategy for trading cryptocurrencies. For instance, it’s wrong to trade with all your funds.
91. To make it again, learn from other investors’ mistakes. You can’t succeed alone. Therefore, always check out the mistakes of others and learn.
92. Set a limit to the amount you invest in cryptocurrency.
93. As a beginner be careful how you trade with bots. Oftentimes, there are just scams in disguise.
94. Always carry out a background check before investing in any cryptocurrencies opportunity.
95. You can buy and sell your cryptocurrency.
96. Reliable crypto wallets include Ledger, Trezor, Exodus, or MetaMask.
97. Emails persuading you to click on links or install spyware on your computer might be a scam in disguise. Ensure you verify!
98. It’s risky to invest too much in one single cryptocurrency— Diversify!
99. As a beginning, ensure you get a mentor to put you through to avoid making irreversible mistakes.
100. Trading cryptocurrency for gain isn’t all that easy. It takes practice with time to achieve meaningful gains.
