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Why Lagos Street Food Remains the City’s Beating Heart

  By Bilesanmi Itunuoluwa  Walk through any corner of Lagos and you’ll find the same thing: the irresistible aroma of street food wafting through the air. From the smoky suya stands in Ikeja to akara sellers at dawn in Surulere, street food isn’t just about eating,it’s a culture, a language, and for many, a survival strategy. A Culture of Quick Bites Street food thrives because Lagos never sleeps. Workers rushing to catch the BRT grab puff-puff and a sachet of water, while nightlife lovers cool off with roasted corn and pear at midnight. Unlike fancy restaurants, these meals are affordable and accessible, cutting across class and status. “Sometimes I don’t even cook,” laughs Kunle, a banker. “By the time I get home from work, I just stop at my favorite suya spot. It’s faster, cheaper, and honestly tastier.” More Than Food—It’s Economy According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s informal food vendors contribute billions of naira to the economy annually. For many w...
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NIJ Students Turn to Social Media for Study Support Amid Rising Data Costs

By   Bilesanmi Itunuoluwa   Students of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) are increasingly turning to social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and TikTok for academic support, despite rising internet data costs in Nigeria. Interviews with several undergraduates revealed that group chats and short educational videos have become informal learning hubs, often replacing traditional library visits “WhatsApp study groups have helped me more than any textbook this semester,” said Akinwunmi Islamiat, a second-year student. “But the problem is that data subscription now takes almost half of my monthly allowance.” Nigeria has seen a 20% increase in mobile data tariffs since early 2025, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), raising concerns about the affordability of online learning. Lecturers, however, expressed mixed reactions. While some welcome the creativity of students using YouTube tutorials and Instagram reels for academic purposes, others ...
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More Than Just a Period: The Silent Struggles and Strength of Menstruating Girls and Women

By Itunuoluwa Bilesanmi Every month, for billions of women and girls across the globe, a silent rhythm flows beneath the surface of daily life — menstruation. It's natural, essential, and universal. Yet for many, it remains surrounded by stigma, misinformation, and neglect. While society moves forward with technological advancements and gender equality campaigns, the period still pauses the lives of millions in painful and silent ways. The First Flow For 14-year-old Zainab Yusuf, her first period came as a shock. "I thought I was injured," she recalled with a shy smile. "Nobody told me what to expect. I was scared." Zainab, like many girls in rural communities in Nigeria, had not received proper menstrual education. It wasn’t until her mother explained that it was part of growing up that she began to understand. In many parts of the world, menstruation is still treated as a taboo topic — not to be discussed openly. This lack of open conversation leads to confusi...
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Excitement Builds as NIJ Students Prepare for 2025 Students’ Week

Students of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Lagos, are in high spirits as preparations intensify for the 2025 Students’ Week, set to begin on Monday, July 7 and run through Saturday, July 12. The week-long event is packed with various themed activities aimed at celebrating student creativity, culture, and unity within the campus. The celebration kicks off on Monday, July 7 with Career Day. Students have been instructed to dress in outfits that reflect their dream professions, adding a touch of inspiration and creativity to the day. On Tuesday, July 8, attention shifts to tradition as the campus hosts Ojude NIJ—a cultural festival where students showcase their native attire, cultural displays, and tribal pride. Wednesday, July 9, is dedicated to Sports Day. Interclass competitions in football, volleyball, and other games are expected to bring students together in healthy rivalry and physical fun. By Thursday, July 10, all eyes will be on the Mr. and Miss NIJ Pageantry,...
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