One of the conversations I had with my new intern was about seed germination.
I explained that seeds do not primarily need nutrients to germinate. This is one of the most common misconceptions among farmers.
For germination to occur, a seed mainly needs:
- Moisture (water)
- Oxygen
- The right temperature
- A suitable germination medium or substrate
That medium doesn't have to be nutrient-rich. It could be sawdust, rice husk, corn cob, cotton waste, cocopeat, or any suitable substrate that provides support, retains moisture, and allows good aeration.
This reminded me of my practical experience at #FRIN, where I successfully germinated Nauclea diderrichii seeds on nothing more than tissue paper soaked with water. There was no nutrient, no compost, just the right conditions for germination.
Why does this work?
Because every seed carries its own food reserve. During germination, the embryo depends on the stored carbohydrates, proteins, and oils inside the seed (or cotyledons/endosperm) to produce the root (radicle) and shoot (plumule).
However, that reserve is only temporary.
Once the cotyledons have given way to true leaves, the seedling begins to photosynthesise, its stored food becomes depleted, and it now requires an external supply of nutrients to sustain healthy growth.
This is why understanding crop physiology is just as important as knowing how to farm.
As an agronomist, I believe every field activity should be backed by scientific understanding. When you know why a process happens, you're better equipped to make the right management decisions.
Great farming starts with understanding the science behind the seed.
I posted yesterday on why a Nigerian will have 30million naira and instead of venturing into business here, he decides to japa just to start from nothing.
It doesn’t sit well with me.
However, after reading many comments, i decided to take cognizance of a menace in Nigerian business set up. It is not insecurity nor government policies, it is UNTRUSTWORTHY NIGERIAN EMPLOYEES.
Prince Isaac Fayose once lamented about how he had to close down his Amala joint business because his staff were brutally dishonest
We have a morally bankrupt human capital base.
The level of staff theft many infant businesses face in Nigeria is extremely high.
I know a guy who opened a restaurant last year but shut it down this year.
Guess the problem?
It wasn’t because people stopped eating food.
Nigeria’s population didn’t suddenly reduce.
It wasn’t even because the cost of ingredients became unbearable.
Not really because of fuel price inflation either.
His cooks were the problem.
They would secretly bring their own rice, meat, and other cooking ingredients into the kitchen.
They would prepare the food and serve it to customers.
This guy saw customers trooping into his restaurant every day, yet his bank account wasn’t growing.
His staff had secretly created their own restaurant inside his restaurant
During stock audits, all the food items would still be complete because they weren’t stealing his ingredients.
They were simply using his kitchen, his tables, his chairs, his electricity, his gas, and his customers to run their own business.
So while sales appeared to be booming, his revenue remained flat.
The secret was eventually exposed when the staff had a disagreement among themselves
The owner became so frustrated that he shut down the restaurant just to protect his peace of mind and keep his blood pressure from rising
Today, those same staff are probably unemployed and blaming the Federal Government for not providing jobs.
Many Nigerians prefer leaving their money idle in the bank rather than investing in a physical business.
They are trying to avoid unnecessary high blood pressure.
Stop stealing from your employer.
If the salary is below your expectations, resign, find another job, or start your own business.
Destroying someone else’s business won’t build yours.
I am Abiola Aremu Ogunlade and
May Nigeria win🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬
@NigeriaStories Owning the papers is one thing. Recovering what’s been destroyed is another.
If businesses can be reclaimed, then those responsible for destroying them should also face consequences.
That’s what justice looks like.
Life don teach me one important lesson.
No be everybody deserve front-row seat for your life.
As you grow older, you learn say peace no be by pleasing everybody.
E dey come from knowing when to shut one door and lock am well.
Some people no hear “No.”
Until you shout am.
Some people no respect your space
Until you defend am.
So before anybody begin quote Shakespeare for me
Understand the message behind the madness.
Not every goodbye deserves grammar.
Some deserve volume.
Have a good week ahead.
5 Important Clauses Every Smart Landlord Should Include in their Tenancy Agreement
Being a landlord in Nigeria is not for the faint of heart. One minute you're celebrating a new tenant, the next minute you're turning into a debt collector or a prayer warrior.
To save yourself from "had I known," your tenancy agreement needs to be more than just a piece of paper, it needs to be your shield.
If you want to sleep well at night while your property makes money, here are 5 "must-have" clauses to include.
1. The "No Auto-Renewal" Clause
Many landlords make the mistake of letting a tenancy just "continue." Instead, state clearly that the tenancy is for a fixed term (e.g., 12 months) and expires automatically.
The Gist: When the time is up, the contract is dead.
Why it's smart: If the tenant has been showing "color" or giving you headaches, you don't need a long story. They either sign a fresh agreement (if you still want them) or they pack out. No "implied" stay.
2. The "Late Payment is a Dealbreaker" Clause
Nigerians can be creative with excuses: "My bank app is down" or "The person sending the money is in a meeting." You need a clause that says late payment constitutes a fundamental breach of the agreement.
The Gist: If rent isn't paid within a specific grace period (say 7 days), the landlord has the right to start the recovery process.
Why it's smart: It removes the room for long arguments. The moment they miss the deadline, the agreement they signed already says they are "at fault."
3. The Rent Review Clause
Inflation is hitting everything, and your property value shouldn't be left behind. Don't wait until the rent is due to surprise a tenant with a 50% increase - that's how "vawulence" starts.
The Gist: State clearly that rent will be reviewed after a certain period (e.g., every 2 years) or upon renewal.
Why it's smart: It sets the expectation early. The tenant knows from Day 1 that the price isn't stagnant, so they can’t claim "unfairness" later.
4. The Right to Inspect (With Notice)
Once you hand over the keys, you can't just barge in because "it's my house." That’s trespassing. However, you also don't want them turning your living room into a warehouse or a poultry farm.
The Gist: Include a clause that allows you to inspect the property at reasonable hours, provided you give 24 to 48 hours' notice.
Why it's smart: It keeps the tenant on their toes. They’ll maintain the place better knowing you’ll be coming around to check things out legally.
5. Maintenance & Damage Liability
This is where the biggest fights happen. Who fixes the pumping machine? Who handles the cracked wall?
The Gist: Clearly define "Wear and Tear" vs. "Tenant Damage." Usually, the landlord handles structural issues (roof leaks, major plumbing), while the tenant handles consumables (bulbs, sockets, broken windows, tap heads).
Why it's smart: It prevents that awkward moment where a tenant tells you to come and change their bathroom lightbulb with your own money.
At the end of the day, a good agreement isn't about being "wicked"; it’s about protecting your investment and your mental health. If a tenant is shivering to sign these, that’s your first red flag!
#BSATProperties
This post is medical misinformation.
Claim
“Soak your feet in hydrogen peroxide before bed and see what happens.”
Reality (evidence-based)
There is no credible medical evidence that soaking feet in hydrogen peroxide provides systemic health benefits, detoxification, improved circulation, better sleep, or disease treatment.
Why this advice is wrong
1. Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical irritant
It is an oxidizing agent, not a wellness therapy
Prolonged skin exposure can cause:
Skin irritation
Chemical burns
Delayed wound healing
Whitening and cracking of skin
2. No “toxins” leave the body through the feet
Detoxification is performed by:
Liver
Kidneys
Lungs
The skin (including feet) does not eliminate systemic toxins
3. Any “bubbling” or sensation is misleading
Hydrogen peroxide reacts with catalase in skin → releases oxygen bubbles
This is a chemical reaction, not proof of toxins leaving the body
4. Risk is higher in diabetics
Diabetic patients often have:
Reduced sensation
Poor wound healing
Foot soaks with peroxide can cause unnoticed skin injury → ulcers → infection
When hydrogen peroxide is appropriate
Limited, short-term wound cleaning (and even this is now discouraged routinely)
Not for daily soaking
Not for “detox”
Not for general health
Bottom line
> Soaking feet in hydrogen peroxide is ineffective at best and harmful at worst.
This is a classic example of:
Appeal to authority (“doctor says…”)
Misuse of a chemical reaction
Wellness misinformation on social media