by Editorial Staff | Oct 5, 2021 | Proverbs
Hausa Karin Magana, otherwise known as Hausa proverbs are very rich just like their English counterparts. When you hear them, sometimes you wonder how the people that originated them came up with them. They are so full of wisdom as they encompass proverbs on all facets of life.
However, in this piece, we will be limiting ourselves to the ones purely on wisdom. Thus;
112 Karin Magana Full of Wisdom
- Ganin zumar wani, kada ta sa ka zubar da madacinka.
- Ganyen doka daya ya fi na dorowa dari.
- Duk wanda ya ce wutar kara ta kwana, shi ya kwana bai runtsa ba.
- Duk wanda aka gani da tabarma, yana neman wurin shinfida ne.
- Duk wanda yayi noma ya huta da awo.
- Duk zafin tukunya dole a sauke.
- Duk zurfin ruwa akwai yashi a ciki.
- Duk tashin tsuntsu, sai sama ta ga bayan shi.
- Dutsen tsakiyar ruwa bai san ana rana ba.
- Duk abin da mutum ya shuka shi zai girba.
- Duk abinda ka gani a gidan sarki, ya na kasuwa.
- Durkusa wa wada ai ba gajiyawa ba ne.
- Duniya kamun kifi, kowa ya kamo ya sa a goransa.
- Don kai ake hula, har kunne ya samu.
- Dan banza yashi ne ko an dunkula shi baya dunkuluwa.
- Dan hakin da ka raina shi ke tsole maka ido.
- Dan kuka mai jawa uwarsa jifa.
- Dan kuka baya zama dan tsamiya Ciwon da kare yayi idan dan akuya ne sai wuka.
- Ci naka in ci nawa, ba rowa bane halin zama ne.
- Da yayyafi kogi kan cika.
- Da tsohuwar zuma ake magani.
- Da rarrafe yaro kan tashi.
- Da ruwan ciki ake jan na rijiya.
- Ciki da gaskiya wuka bata huda shi.
- Cin loma yafi jiran malmala.
- Barin kashi a ciki baya maganin yunwa.
- Biyan bukata yafi dogon buri.
- Babban goro sai magogin karfe.
- Barawon rakumi daga daddawa ya fara.
- Barewa baza ta yi gudu ba danta yayi raBabban kaya sai gammo.
- Ba’a jan ragama da rigima.
- Bakin karen masoyi yafi farin ragon makiyi.
- Bakin tukunya mai fidda farin tuwo.
- Bakin rijiya ba wajan wasan makaho bane.
- Ba’a maida hannun kyauta baya.
- Ba’a yanka karfe sai da karfe.
- Baka cin zamanin ka ka ci na wani.
- Ba’a kada miya tun dawa na rumbu.
- A rashin uwa ake uwar daki.
- Ayi wanda za’a yi bera ya zubar da garin kyanwa.
- Bani na kashe zomon ba rataya aka bani.
- Ba iya kwanciya aka fi kare ba sai dai abun rufa.
- Baka do gadon mutun amma kana da gadon batun sa.
- Ba ji ba gani auren kurma da makaho.
- Ba maraya sai rago.
- Ba’a fafe gora ranar tafiya.
- A rashin sani kaza ta kwana kan dami.
- Ana yi da kai yafi ba’a yi, sarki ya koma mai anguwa.
- Ba dan tsayi akan ga wata ba.
- Ba domin tuwo akayi ciki ba.
- Ana zaton wuta a makera, sai gashi a masaka.
- Annurin fuska kaurin hanji.
- Ana rabaka da kaya kana nade gammo.
- A ruwa ake dadewa ba a wuta ba.
- Ana sara ana duban bakin gatari.
- Ana bikin duniya ake na kiyama.
- Ana ganin wuyan biri ake daureshi a kwankwaso.
- A bakin tsoho goro kan tsufa.
- A bakin wawa ake jin Magana.
- Ba’a sarki biyu a gari daya.
- Ba’a shan zuma sai an sha harbi.
- Ba’a shan zuma sai da wuta.
- Ba’a sayan jaki don a ci sai don daukan kaya.
- Ba’a raina zakin gwandan daci don ba’a bata ruwa.
- Ba’a san maci tuwo ba sai miya ta kare.
- Ba’a sake wa tuwo suna.
- A bari ya huce shi ke kawo rabon wani.
- A bar kaza cikin gashinta.
- Abin bai dace ba, an ga Malami da gatari.
- Abinda babba ya gani a zaune, yaro ko ya hau rimi ba zai gan shi ba.
- Allah Ya fishemu da hawa dokin zuciya.
- Abinda ruwan zafi ya dafa, in an hakura, ruwan sanyi ma saiya dafa.
- Abinda ya bata a duniya in an je lahira a ganshi.
- Abin da ya kori bera ya fada wuta, yafi wutar zafi.
- Abin da sake, an bai wa mai kaza kai.
- Abin da sake an bai wa mai rogo bawo.
- Abin da zuciya ya dauka, gangan jiki ma dole ya dauka.
- Abin da baki ya daura, hannu baya kwancewa.
- Abin mamaki, mai karfi na bara.
- Allah ke ci da maraya ko da mai uba bai so ba.
- Allah na taimokon wanda ya taimaki kanshi.
- Abokin cin mushe ba’a boye mashi wuka.
- Abin fada na mai baki ne.
- Abu a rufe mai raba zumunci.
- Abu kamar wasa, karamar Magana ta zama babba.
- Abu uku su ne maganin zaman duniya, tawakkali, dangana da hakuri.
- An daga sama anyi wa wada sata.
- Ana babbakar giwa wa ke ta zomo?
- Abu namu maganin a kwabe mu.
- Abokin kirki ya fi mugun dan uwa.
- A dade ana yi sai gaskiya.
- A dubi ruwa a dubi tsaki.
- Abokin sarki, sarki ne.
- Abokin kuka ake gaya wa mutuwa.
- A ci baa sayar ba, kwai ya fi doki.
- A ci a rage, shi ne ci.
- A jefar da kwallon mangwaro a huta da kuda.
- A aiki kare ya aiki wutsiya.
- Aiki da hankali yafi aiki da agogo.
- Aikin banza hutun jaki da kaya.
- A kan wanke tukunya domin tuwon gobe.
- Allah ke gyara tuwon makauniya har a ci ba kuda ba gashi.
- Allura a cikin ruwa mai hikima kan tsinta.
- Bari murna karen ka ya kama zaki.
- Bashi hanji ne yana cikin kowa.
- Allaura a cikin teku mai daukanta sai mai dace.
- Alheri gadon bacci ne.
- Alheri ne bakon gishiri a shekara ana lashewa.
- Alhaki kuykuyo ne mai shi yake bi.
- Amfanin sani aiki da shi.
- Ba za’a ci kwado da yaro ba sai ya wanke hannunsa.
- Da walakin goro a cikin miya.
Conclusion
The above Karin Magana (Hausa proverbs) are at your disposal. Feel free to use them anytime you feel like it. You could also tell us more in the comments section. Thank you.
by Aisha Zakari | Oct 5, 2021 | Food & Kitchen
You only need a few ingredients to make your own chocolate sauce/syrup at home and it tastes just as better as the one you buy from the stores. So, what are you waiting for? Try making something new this weekend!
This chocolate recipe gives you a sweet, smooth, goo-ey, and chocolat-ey taste – this is the chocolate sauce you should try at home.
How to Make Chocolate Sauce?
There are different ways to making this chocolate sauce but there are no fancy ingredients – just sugar, cocoa powder, and a few more that is most probably in your pantry. Isn’t that amazing? I’ll be sharing with you four different ways to make this delicious and addicting recipe chocolate sauce.
Chocolate Sauce Recipe I
In making this chocolate sauce, a little bit of work and attention will be given to the pot for a while as you keep stirring so as to avoid burning and ending up with zero results and a messy work area.
Ingredients for Chocolate Recipe I
¼ cup of cocoa powder.
¾ tablespoon of sugar or more.
A pinch of salt.
1 cup of water.
½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Procedures for Chocolate Recipe I
- In a bowl, sieve cocoa powder and sugar together to remove all lumps and traces of dirt.
- Mix till well combined.
- In a pan over medium heat, add in water and salt.
- Pour in the cocoa mixture and bring to a boil till sugar is completely dissolved. Give this a stir.
- Allow to cook till it begins to thicken.
- Reduce heat and leave to simmer. Stir constantly.
- Remove from heat, add in vanilla extract.
- Stir this and let it cool.
- Transfer this to a container or a jar. Tada. This is how to make a chocolate sauce but optimum attention is required here.
- Refrigerate if needed.
Chocolate Sauce Recipe II
The method in how to make this chocolate sauce is different from the first. In this one, there is a twist which is the incorporation of flour. This is to give it a thick texture and a glossy look, the same job as the butter.
Ingredients for Chocolate Recipe II
¼ cocoa powder
2 teaspoons of flour
2 pinch of salt
1 cup of milk.
2 teaspoons of sugar
2 tablespoons of butter
½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
Procedures for Chocolate Recipe II
- In a bowl, sieve cocoa powder, flour, salt, and sugar to remove lumps and traces of dirt.
- Give this a mix.
- In a pot over medium heat, add in a cup of milk and butter.
- Allow to melt and dissolve completely.
- Add in vanilla extract.
- Give this a stir.
- Add the cocoa mixture to the pot and stir again.
- Cook on low heat for 5 minutes till it begins to thicken.
- Turn off heat when thick.
- If too thick, add more milk and if too thin, cook for 2-3 more minutes for perfect consistency.
Chocolate Recipe III
This is the simplest and easiest method on how to make a chocolate sauce as you won’t overwork yourself or even be in the kitchen. You could do this over the counter or in the dining area. Let’s get to the ABC method.
Ingredients for Chocolate Recipe III
1 cup of icing sugar
2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
3 tablespoons of milk
Procedures for Chocolate Recipe III
- In a bowl, add in a cup of icing sugar.
- Add cocoa powder and vanilla extract.
- Give this a mix.
- Add in the milk but spoon after spoon so you can mix this gradually till you get a perfect combination.
Chocolate Sauce Recipe IV
This is another simple method as you’ll only need chocolate bars! It’s pretty easy to make this chocolate sauce.
Ingredients for chocolate recipe IV
Chocolate bars
Butter
Milk (optional)
Procedures for Chocolate Recipe IV
- In a pot over heat, add in water and leave to boil.
- Turn off heat.
- Crush or break chocolate bars.
- Pour these bars into a bowl that can withstand heat.
- Place this bowl over the top of the pot and allow the heat to penetrate the bowl so as to melt the chocolates.
- Add in butter as it begins to melt.
- Add in milk if you wish to.
- Give this a stir.
Recipes That Goes With Chocolate Sauce
Indulge yourself with this sweet sauce as you drizzle over pancakes, waffles, and even brownies. This sauce can even be eaten with doughnuts or used as a filling. In addition, this can be spread over bread, cakes, cupcakes, and ice cream.
Ways to Serve
The chocolate sauce should be served cold.
Occasions to Serve Best
This sauce can simply be made any day to enjoy and relax. It can be eaten with other confectionaries for lunch and dessert.
Health Benefits of Chocolate Sauce
Chocolate sauce is mostly made out of cocoa powder which is gotten from the cocoa bean. Cocoa beans have antioxidants also known as flavanols which have been proven to help lower inflammation and blood pressure. In addition, they help in improving blood flow to the heart and in blood clotting.
How to Store?
Simply pour this sauce in a jar or a container and refrigerate.
Conclusion
Ta-Da! That’s your own homemade chocolate sauce right there in 4 different ways. Everyone loves chocolate, for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and even dinner. I suggest you try this over bread and in doughnuts. Enjoy!
Comment below when you make this or intending to!
You could also check on 2 different ways of making your caramel sauce.
by Abdullahi Malumfashi | Oct 5, 2021 | Facts
Northern Nigeria has many Emirs, some of who have been on the throne for a long. Emirs are an important link to the people, a great source of preservation of the history and culture of the people as well as play their roles in peacebuilding, peace and serving as mediators in conflict. In this list, we will be looking at the top 15 longest-serving Emirs in Northern Nigeria.
Join me!
Longest Serving Emirs and Chiefs from Northern Nigeria
13. The Late Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammadu Mera
The late Emir of Argungu Alhaji Muhammadu Mera, is one of the longest-serving monarchs from northern Nigeria, having spent 37 years on the throne.
Born in 1932, Emir Muhammadu Mera was the 32nd Emir of Argungu. Mera studied in Middle School, Kaduna College as well as the Katsina Teacher Training College. He was later awarded a scholarship by the defunct northern Nigerian Government to study in the UK.
Upon his return, he became a councillor of Education in the Regional Government. He was appointed the District Head of Argungu in 1955. In 1959, upon the death of the Emir, he was appointed the 32nd Emir of Arugungu, the throne of his ancestors.
He died in 1996 and was succeeded by his son, Emir, Alhaji Samaila Muhammadu Mera.
12. Sarkin Katagum Alhaji Umar Muhammadu Kabir Umar (Baba Umar Faruk), The 12th Emir of Katagum
The late Emir of Katagum, Alhaji Umar Muhammadu Kabir was one of the longest serving Emirs in northern Nigeria having served for 37 years. He is also one of the most loved.
He attended Bauchi Middle School in 1948 and later studied Local Government Administration in 1950. The late Emir was also the Head of the Bauchi State Development Board as well as the Chairman Board of the Governing Council of College of Islamic and Legal Studies, Misau between 1986 to 2001.
The late Emir was appointed in 1980, upon the demise of his father and the recommendation of the Council of Kingmakers. During his reign, he used his wealth of experience and connections to bring development to his Emirate.
He died in December 2017 aged 89.
11. Emir of Daura Muhammadu Bashar of Daura
Muhammadu Bashar, the 59th Emir of Daura was one of the few who lasted long on the throne.
He was born in 1926 to the ruling house of Daura being the grandson of the Emir of Daura Malam Abdulrahman. The late Muhammadu Bashar attended Katsina Middle School, Barewa College, Kano School for Arabic Studies as well as the Institute of Administration Zaria. He later attended the South Devon Technical College in the United Kingdom.
Muhammadu Bashar first started as a scribe in Daura, before gaining promotion to Assistant Chief Scribe in 1950. He later got elected as a member of the Northern House of Assembly in 1951. He became the Wamban Daura as well as appointed as a Minister of Economic Planning in the short-lived First Republic.
Muhammadu Bashar was appointed the Emir of Daura in 1966, one of the most respected traditional intuitions in the country.
He reigned for 41 years, and died in 2007.
10. The Late Emir of Lafia, Isa Mustapha Agwai I
The late Emir of Lafia was born on the 15th of February, 1935 In Kofar Kaura in Lafia. He attended the Institute of Administration of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria in 1958 where he obtained a Diploma in Accountancy.
After that, he joined the service of the Lafia Native Authority as an assistant treasurer. He later held the title of Dangaladima and the district head of Obi.
Agwai was named the Emir of Lafia on 15th May 1974, having defeated numerous other contestants. He served for 43 years making him one of the longest serving Emirs in Northern Nigeria.
He died in 2019 aged 84 after spending 44 years on the throne, making him one of the longest reigning Emirs in Northern Nigeria
9. Emir of Zaria, Shehu Idris
The late Shehu Idris was one of the most respected traditional leaders as well as one of the longest serving Emirs in northern Nigeria. Before he was appointed the Emir, he was a Private Secretary to the former Emir, Muhammadu Aminu. He was also the Dan Madamin Zazzau.
The late Emir was appointed in 1975 and went on to spend 45 years on the throne. Under his reign, his Emirate witnessed significant development and got transformed into an urban area.
Shehu Idris died on 20 September 2020, aged 84.
8. Emir of Kontagora, Saidu Namaska
The late Sarkin Sudan, Alhaji Sai’du was a descendant of the legendary Shehu Usman Danfodio as well as Nagwamatse, the founder of the Kontagora Kingdom. He was born in 1937.
The deceased worked with the Nigeria Police Force in 1961, as well as with the State Judicial Services. He was appointed to the throne of his ancestors in 1974 and reined for 47 years before his demise in 2021.
He was the longest serving Emir in northern Nigeria before his death.
The late Emir of Kontagora died aged 84.
7. Sultan Sadiq Abubakar III
Sir Siddiq Abubakar III, was the important Sultan of Sokoto between 1938-1988. The Sultan was a descendant of Usman Dan Fodio, through his grandfather Mu’azu. He was appointed by the British because of his trust and support of the public. He so far proved them right.
Sir Saddiq Abubakar III died in 1988 aged ’80s having been on the throne for 50 years. He left behind 52 children, three of which became Sultans themselves.
6. Emir of Kagara, Alhaji Salihu Tanko 51
Another Emir from Niger state, the late Salihu Tanko was one of the longest serving Emirs from northern Nigeria. He was first appointed a District Head of Tegina in 1971 before he was upgraded to a second class chief of Kagara in 1982. He was later elevated to a first-class Emir in 1991.
The late Emir was born on 5th April 1930. He ruled for 50 years until he died in 2021 aged 90.
He has been described as a ‘symbol of humility and patience’
5. Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero 52
The legendary Ado Bayero is synonymous with the title of Emir of Kano, having to be on the throne for 52 years. He was the son of the Emir of Kano Abdullahi Bayero.
Having attended the Kano Middle School as well as the School of Arabic Studies in 1947, he joined the Native Authority. He became in charge of the Police Force, the popular “Wakilin Dan Doka.” He was also briefly the Nigerian Ambassador to Senegal during the First Republic.
Ado Bayero was appointed upon the death of Muhammadu Inuwa. His time as Emir of Kano coincided with the rapid changes in the country as well as in the region. He also witnessed many reforms to the Emir’s Council. Ado Bayero survived an assassination attempt in 2013.
He died in 2014 aged 83 and was one of the most respected Emirs in Northern Nigeria.
4. Emir of Daura Abdulrahman, 55 Years
One of the oldest and longest serving Emirs in northern Nigeria, Abdulrahman was the Emir of Daura Abdulrahman between 1912 to 1966.
He spend 55 years on the throne and was succeeded by his grandson Bashar.
3. Attah of Igala Aliyu Obaje, CFR
The late Attah of Igala in present-day Kogi state was not only one of the longest serving Emirs in northern Nigeria but in the whole country as well.
Born in 1920, Obaje was the 26th Attah of Igala. At the time of his appointment in 1956, he was the youngest person to be named the Attah. He went on to rule for 56 years, before his death at the age of 102.
Until his death, he was a First Class Chief, the paramount ruler of Igala as well as the Chairman of Kogi State Traditional Council and one of the most respected monarchs in the country.
2. Lamido of Adamawa Aliyu Mustapha Barkindo
The late Lamido of Adamawa Dr Aliyu Musdafa was the 11th Lamido, appointed by the Governor of Northern Nigeria Sir Bryan Sherwood in 1953. He was a direct descendant of Modibo Adama, the founder of the emirate.
Barkindo ruled for 57 years until he died in 2010. He was responsible for many developments in the Emirate, among which include the increase in the number of district heads, the founding of the Aliyu Mustafa College Yola and many more.
He was one of the most respected and longest serving Emirs from northern Nigeria. The late Lamido was survived by his son Muhammad Barkindo Aliyu Mustafa.
1. Chief of Kagoro Gwamna Awan
The late Chief of Kagoro was not only the longest serving emir in northern Nigeria, but the longest serving monarch in Africa as well, having reigned for 63 years. He reigned between 1945 – 2008.
Born in 1915, Gwamna Awan attended Elementary School in Toro and worked at the Sudan Interior Mission (SIM) Elementary School in Kagoro. He later joined the Native Authority and became an Assistant Scribe.
Upon the death of the then Chief, Gwamna Awan was appointed in 1944 and became the only Christian monarch in the whole southern part of Zaria.
He died in the early hours of 1st October 2008.
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by Abdullahi Malumfashi | Oct 4, 2021 | Facts
Most northern kingdoms are mostly ruled by men. The kingdom of Kumbwada is one exception. Only females can sit on the ancestral throne.
No one dare sit on the throne. The only ones who did so died mysteriously within weeks of ascending the throne.
Where is Kumbwada Located?
Kumbwada is located in Sabon Kabula in Munya Local Government Area of Niger state. The throne is situated in Dangunu Emirate Council. Kumbwada is an ancient town with a rich history.
The ancient city was conquered by Princess Magajiya Maimuna of Zaria, some two centuries ago. That is when the curse on male rulers started.
Why Men Can’t Rule in Kumbwada
When Maimuna left her brother in charge of Kumbwada as the ruler, he immediately fell sick and died within weeks. The same happened with another brother. That was when princess Magajiya decided to stay and rule herself. She reigned for 83 years.
Many believe this to be a curse placed on any man who ever dared sit on the throne. The mere thought of doing such is enough to cause great harm to one.
According to late Sheikh Aminudden Abubakar, a popular Islamic scholar in Kano and founder of Da’awah Foundation; “Once there is evidence of the use of black magic in any situation, Islam considers it a deviation which must be reversed,”
This seems to be the only explanation in a region where it is alien to see females rule.
Who is the Current Queen of Kumbwada?
Hajiya Hadiza Ahmed is the current queen of Kumbwada Kingdom. She has been on the throne for over 20 years.
Queen Hadiza, fondly called ‘Magjiyan Kumbwada ‘ by her subjects inherited the throne from her late grandmother, who reigned for 73 years. She died aged 113. That is quite impressive for a monarch in northern Nigeria.
Currently married, she however still discharges her marital duties.
I’m the chief here but I discharge my domestic duties as a wife and mother. However my husband knows his limits, royalty is royalty,” Magajiya was quoted to have said.
How The People of Kumbwada React to a Female Queen
The people of Kumbwada have no trouble accepting Hajiya Hadiza as a ruler. In fact, to many, it is a divine act that can’t be changed.
We can’t live without a leader, and the fact that any male rulers that ascend the throne die quickly and mysteriously while female rulers reign for many years makes our case a peculiar one. This is an exceptional situation none of us can change.
Musa Muhammad, the chief imam of Kumbwada
The queen performs mall the duties normally entrusted to the male rulers. She settles disputes over farmlands and petty theft as well as settles marital disputes. She doesn’t take lightly to cases of domestic violence. The queen once threatened to imprison a man for beating his wife.
“Men sometimes say the women provoke them, so that is why they beat them,” she says. “I tell them that there’s no justification, whatever happens.”
This apparently worked, as there are no longer cases of domestic abuse in Kumbwada.
The Heir Apparent to the Kumbwada Throne
Magajiya had five children, three of which are girls. It is widely believed that a queen becomes barren immediately after she ascends the throne. Now married to a businessman, Magajiya had 5 children from her previous marriage, three of which are girls.
Idris, the oldest child is also the heir apparent to the throne of Kumbwada. While her oldest son is still alive and pays his courtesy every day at the court, he has no intention of succeeding his mother.
“He won’t survive it”, his mother says.
Instead, the oldest daughter is always at her side grooming her for the task that lay ahead of her.
Magajiya also believed there has been a failure of leadership in Nigeria, specifically by men.
It’s my most ardent wish. I think the problems in Nigeria have become intractable. Let’s try a woman. Men have failed.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that the queen of Kumbwada is successful and well-loved by her citizen, she still has some regrets.
My only handicap is that I don’t have a Western education, because, in my time, people didn’t educate their daughters. I’m not educated in a modern way, but in the traditional way, I have wisdom in my dealings with people. I’m proud to say that it would be hard to find someone educated who could rule as well as I can.
The queen, currently in her late seventies is still hale and going strong. What do you think of the ancient kingdom of Kumbwada? Tell me in the comments!
by Aeesha McOsei | Oct 1, 2021 | Health & Wellness
Every packaged food item comes with a food label, giving different information about the food. Common food labels provide information on what you need to know about that food item. It is important to scan through the food labels on food products to equip yourself with what makes up the food. Furthermore, you could also learn about the production date and whether the food is certified or not.
Common Label on Food Products
1. Nutritional Facts
This is a block of information that gives the most detail about the food item. In summary, it tells you all you need to know about the food’s benefits. This section is divided into three categories:
Serving Facts
This tells you the amount of the stated serving that is available in any food item. It is NOT a recommendation of how much food you should eat. This information is given either in grams, units, etc.
Calories
If you are counting your calories for weight gain or loss, this piece of information is vital for you. The stated amount is the number of calories you would get from each serving about.
For instance, if the label says 230 calories per serving of 1 cup and you consume two cups, then 230 x 2 = 460 calories. 460 calories is the total amount of calories consumed.
Nutrients
This table will show you all the nutrients or some prime nutrients present or absent in that food item. The company may give the figure in microgram (mg) or grams (g). This section is, in fact, vital if you have a deficiency of a nutrient or you are avoiding one.
Do know that each value given is for one serving of the food if you are eating more than one servings them multiply as I did above. Some of the nutrients commonly given are fat, sugar, carbohydrates, sodium, fiber, etc.
Recommended Daily Value (RDV):
Companies express this piece of information in percentage. It is telling you how much of the servings of that food contribute to your recommended daily diet.
Ensure to compare these details with other food you will eat during the day to get enough nutrients.
2. Ingredients
When you look at this section, you see every raw material used to make the food item. It also contains information on the preservative, additive, food colour, etc.
This section will also show you possible allergens. Companies write allergen in bold letters or bright colours. Make sure you check the ingredients of the food item you buy if you are allergic to some raw material, or if you are staying away from preservatives present in food.
3. Dates
This section contains Manufacture Date, Expiry Date, Best Before Dates, etc. These dates tell you the production and expiry period of your food.
Learn more on the difference between the dates and what you should do when your food exceeds its best before date.
4. Manufacturer Details
This will include the name of the manufacturing company, address, and contact details. It also includes details like production license, marketer details, etc.
5. Certification
All food products must come with a certification of some sort for authentication. The most common certification in Nigeria is NAFDAC. Make sure the food item you are buying is NAFDAC-certified to guarantee safety and quality, and a Halal certificate to confirm that the food item is permissible for consumption for Muslims.
Some other certifications include MAN, Organic Certification, Vegan or Vegetarian Certification, Animal Cruelty-free Certification, etc. If you follow a type of diet, make sure to check the labels to confirm the authentication from certifying bodies for that diet.
6. Others
These are details that do not fit into any section. For example, the total weight of the food item, cooking instructions, storage advice, etc.
Conclusion
Labels on food products are attached to food items for a reason. Make sure you read and comprehend them for your safety and those around you.
