Damilola Agubata

<h2>The most surprising news people did not expect to wake up to on Monday, November 4, 2024 is the massive sex scandal involving Baltasar Engonga, the current Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF) of Equatorial Guinea.</h2>

In the various tapes circulating online, Engonga is seen having sexual intercourse with various married women, including his brother’s wife, cousin, the Director General of Police’s wife, about 20 of the country’s ministers’ wives, and a sister of the President of Equatorial Guinea.

According to reports, the 400 sex tapes were retrieved during an investigation of the official for alleged fraud and released online to the general public.

The tapes show Engonga in places like his office, hotels, and toilets recording the act with the consent of his partners.

Reacting to this shocking revelation, multiple social media users have shared their thoughts.

An X user with the handle @official_fayed wondered why the women willingly agreed to be filmed during the act. "The most scary thing from this Equatorial Guinea video is the fact that the sex wasn't coerced," he wrote.

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/7-secret-countries-you-probably-havent-heard-of/htqd69c">7 secret countries you probably haven’t heard of</a>

Condemning the act as a shameful one, a user with the handle @olaMVB wrote, "Again, African leaders are a reflection of African people. It’s simple. I’ve been waiting on those videos from Equatorial Guinea. Now, i wish i could unseen it. It’s difficult to believe that a leader holding a key position in the society could do such…It’s a shame!!!!"

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Again, African leaders are a reflection of African people. It’s simple. I’v been waiting on those videos from Equatorial Guinea. Now, i wish i could unseen it. It’s difficult to believe that a leader holding a key position in the society could do such… It’s a shame!!!!&mdash; @oi_oh_Deliveries (@olaMVB) <a href="https://twitter.com/olaMVB/status/1853368454935351646?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Surprised that Baltasar Engonga is actually married and has six children, @mirexmoses wrote, "The fact that this Equatorial Guinea man had Over 400+ sex tapes despite having this amazing family baffles me a lot. My God!"

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The fact that this Equatorial Guinea man had Over 400+ sex tapes despite having this amazing family baffles me alot . My God! <a href="https://t.co/IJunHtQc90">pic.twitter.com/IJunHtQc90</a>&mdash; 𝑴𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒙 (@mirexmoses) <a href="https://twitter.com/mirexmoses/status/1853444848205942972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Another user @_communicator_ advised Engonga to go for a mental checkup. "Forget about the women in the Equatorial Guinea sex scandal videos..&nbsp;That man needs a proper mental check-up abeg.. fcking people's wives unprovoked like that????"

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/food-travel/heres-the-richest-country-in-africa-no-its-not-south-africa-or-nigeria/4bs38xb">Here's the richest country in Africa - No, it's not South Africa or Nigeria</a>

Equatorial Guinea's Baltasar Engonga embroiled in massive sex scandal. [X]

Ever since the sex tapes leaked on the internet, social media has been buzzing with different reactions to the developing story. It has been described as the biggest sex scandal Equatorial Guinea has ever seen.

Reactions trail leaked 400 sex tapes of Equatorial Guinea official with various married women

<h2>In a time of soaring inflation, love may just come at a cost. Money is considered important for any relationship—romantic, business or familial—to survive or thrive. But having it as a love language where romantic partners surprise each other with wads of cash is another thing entirely.</h2>

<a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/relationships-weddings/valentines-day-2023-5-gift-ideas-your-man-will-love/k0zmk0c">Thoughtful gifts</a> have always been in existence. And the beauty of romance lies in sharing with the one you love and call your own. Definitely, it is up to the people in a romantic relationship to agree on what they would appreciate the most from each other.

That is why there are different <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/relationships-weddings/love-thursday-this-is-how-to-know-your-partners-love-language/c5xndgj">love languages</a> to accommodate various preferences and choices. However, in a situation where money is used as a way to appreciate and show affection to a significant other, there are some considerations to be made.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I hate how the state of this country has made us as a people so obsessive over Money. Don’t get me wrong, Money is good. I love it, You love it but there’s nothing intentional about a pile of cash. There’s simply no thought behind it. Ire o <a href="https://t.co/uHfJOA57oh">https://t.co/uHfJOA57oh</a>&mdash; The singing Designer Is Job Hunting (@stephthefania) <a href="https://twitter.com/stephthefania/status/1851967877487681543?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Should money then be recognised as a love language? If it is used between partners with conflicting love languages, how can the situation be managed so that both parties can reach a middle ground?

Some of the things you can do if your partner gifts you cash include:

It costs nothing to say a 'thank you'. Even if it's not your cup of tea, the thought also counts. People tend to spend money on whom they love and/or respect. And if your partner—who is caring and considerate in so many other ways—gifts you cash, don't take it as an indictment of your relationship.

It's very easy to get comfortable in a relationship and forget the little gestures that go a long way in making it a successful one over an extended period of time. If you don't fancy cash, still document it. It helps you to remember the things that can easily skip your mind so that you don't take your partner for granted.

Granted, you'd prefer they become more hands-on around the house or wake you up with daily words of affirmation. But if you don't tell them that you value other things just as much or perhaps even more than the cash they gift you, they will never think they need to adjust.

It's a relationship because both of you are in it. So, hear them out. What reasons do they give for gifting you cash? They may have a cute, little note attached to it. Or they add a bouquet of flowers but somehow, money steals the shine because it is, well, money. So, let them also tell you what they think. And both of you can come to a mutual agreement.

Every relationship is unique. Find what works for you and drown out the noise.

When two people who are in love with each other enter into a relationship, exchange of gifts is one of the ways they can express the affection they feel for each other.

Can money be a love language? - What to do if your partner gifts you cash

<h2>Popular socialite and crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, is allegedly in detention currently.</h2>

According to a new video shared and posted on the Instagram page of social media activist, Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, the crossdresser has been arrested at the Seme border while on the verge of departing the shores of Nigeria.

VeryDarkMan noted that the Nigerian Immigration Officers have arrested Bobrisky who is now in their custody. He also dared the crossdresser to respond and refute the claims.

"Bobrisky has been Arrested this morning at the seme border while trying to enter BENIN REPUBLIC to escape the current investigation by the house of reps. He is allegedly being held be the Nigeria immigration…MAKE WE WAIT FOR BOB TO DEBUNK. Cho Cho Cho," VeryDarkMan published as caption.

In the video, he also alleged that Bobrisky hid in his car and sent someone to help him sign his international passport.

"Bobrisky was arrested this morning at Seme border post on his way to escape to Benin Republic. He sent someone to help him sign his international passport, and he hid in his car. The Nigerian immigration service is currently holding him," he said.

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/celebrities/i-did-not-defame-falz-or-falana-bobrisky-breaks-silence/lgy6qrk">I did not defame Falz or Falana - Bobrisky breaks silence</a>

This revelation brings a new twist to the ongoing investigations about Bobrisky allegedly paying a bribe to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/celebrities/bobrisky-breaks-silence-did-he-really-give-naira15m-to-efcc-officers/m99n5vq">Bobrisky breaks silence over alleged ₦15m bribery of EFCC</a>

As of the time of this report, Bobrisky is yet to respond or acknowledge the allegations.

Very Dark Man calls celebrities 'disgusting' for donating money to Bobrisky [TLIG media]

In a new development, Bobrisky has reportedly been arrested at the Seme border during a recent attempt to flee the country.

Nigerian Immigration 'arrests' Bobrisky during attempt to flee Nigeria

<h2>The news of Kanye West's divorce from Australian model and architect, Bianca Censori seems to have taken a nosedive as the couple have been publicly spotted together arm-in-arm.</h2>

Sources close to the American rap and business mogul earlier revealed that the couple's 22-month-old marriage had hit the rocks, according to a TMZ report.

They also claimed that Ye himself and Bianca were already sharing the news of their split to close associates and insiders. To add to that, Bianca was alleged to have already travelled back to Australia to spend time with her family.

It appears the rumours are far from the true reality of things, as the couple have been spotted together publicly with no sign of a breakup. Rather, in the video that has since made the rounds on social media, the lovebirds appear closer and happier together.

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/kanye-west-adds-lagos-to-2024-touring-shortlist/e5250b3">Kanye West adds Lagos to 2024 touring shortlist</a>

They even wore matching all-white outfits and cuddled all the way through their shopping adventure in Tokyo on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Bianca Censori and Kanye West spotted together in Tokyo today. 🇯🇵 <a href="https://t.co/hNmEhU5CY6">pic.twitter.com/hNmEhU5CY6</a>&mdash; Rap Daily (@RapDaily) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapDaily/status/1843698147614478583?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Censori herself is even captured closely on camera smiling as she holds Ye's head through the escalator. She continues the public display of affection as they head towards Dover Street Market Ginza, a boutique in a lavish area of Japan's capital city.

Everything seems to indicate, therefore, that the couple are still together and in love. The speculations of a divorce may have held water because the father-of-four was seen alone and unaccompanied in Japan during the last couple of weeks.

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/celebrities/kanye-west-apologies-to-kim-kardashian-for-any-stress-he-may-have-caused-her/m79pksp">Kanye West apologies to Kim Kardashian for any stress he may have caused her</a>

A new twist has developed in the ongoing divorce speculations between Kanye West and his 29-year-old wife, Bianca Censori as they make public appearance together in Tokyo.

Kanye West and wife, Bianca silence divorce rumours with public appearance

<h2>With nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, B6, and magnesium, carrots are packed with benefits that your body needs to function properly.</h2>

If you’re looking for a drink that can improve your health and is also good for your taste buds, try carrot juice. It is easy to prepare. All you need to do is:

<ul><li>Get a sufficient quantity of carrots</li><li>Wash them properly with clean water</li><li>Blend them together and sieve out the pulp</li></ul>

Or if you have a juicer, even better. It’s best to make the juice yourself in your kitchen if you can. However, there are a variety of options from brands at the supermarket if you want a quick fix. These are some of the changes you will notice when you start drinking carrot juice regularly.

If you typically fall sick during the rainy season or easily catch a cold or the flu, then drinking carrot juice means fewer visits to the doctor or pharmacist. The concentration of vitamin C in it will help to boost your immune system and keep your body strong enough to fight minor colds and infections.

With the amount of vitamin A present in it, you’ll notice a difference in your eyesight if you consistently drink carrot juice. This is a major benefit if your job requires you to stare at screens all day.

Sunburn is a major problem, especially if you have to commute daily to work. But with carrot juice, that is no longer a challenge. It is packed with antioxidants that can help to protect your skin from UV rays and damage from free radicals. The nutrients in this healthy drink will make your skin glow from within.

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/how-to-make-carrot-and-ginger-shots-for-glowing-skin/gygtx55">How to make carrot and ginger shots for glowing skin</a>

A good way to keep your body hydrated is to drink water, experts say. And proper hydration is needed to avoid constipation. But drinking carrot juice instead of just water can also give your body the hydration it needs to keep your bowel movement healthy. There are 7.4 ounces of water in one cup of carrot juice with 8 ounces. There is also sodium in that cup of juice which is a vital electrolyte that helps your body to adequately absorb the hydration.

<h3>What is the ideal amount of carrot juice to drink daily?</h3>

Moderation is still key, though. You are at risk of carotenemia if you drink too much carrot juice. Carotenemia causes your skin to have a yellowish tint as a result of too much beta-carotene in the blood. Only drink 4 ounces of carrot juice or no more than half a glass a day to avoid the risk of consuming too much vitamin A or beta-carotene.

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/beauty-health/carrot-side-effects-of-the-vegetable-to-the-body-system/4cbn1d">These are side effects of eating too many carrots</a>

Even if you regularly eat carrots just as vegetables or add them to your salads and meals during your preparations, you can still enjoy the benefits of carrot juice.

Drink carrot juice daily to see these changes in your body

<h2>Potential health crisis looms when traditional medicine practitioners are left to run amok on social media with little to no regulatory checks.</h2>

When 32-year-old Kolapo discovered that he had stage three haemorrhoids, he was devastated. He underwent lifestyle changes for two years until his surgery—and even after it. But before he finally resorted to having the hemorrhoidectomy done, he had tried several herbal remedies, including a popular brand associated with aphrodisiacs on Instagram.

“Nothing worked. Not even the herbal concoction I bought from this very popular brand on Instagram. I spent ₦25,000 to buy the product and this was after I watched famous content creators in a skit advertising it as the complete cure for pile. The claims they made were, of course, exaggerated but I was completely convinced at the time that it was genuine. Why else would these creators leverage their brand that they worked so hard to build if the product was inauthentic?” he told Pulse Nigeria.

<h3>The culture passed down&nbsp;</h3>

While Kolapo’s experience may be similar to other people who have fallen prey to the bogus claims of traditional medicine practitioners in promotional online materials, the fact remains that herbal mixtures have been a regular staple healthcare solution from time immemorial in Africa.

“Traditional medicine works. I have used orthodox drugs in the past for some serious ailments but they did not work at all because I kept experiencing the symptoms as I did before starting any drug. I had to go to the market, buy some herbs and leaves and boil them together so that I can get complete healing,” Kehinde, 50-year-old mother-of-five shared with Pulse.

Writer and content creator, Anita also had this to say, “My sister ordered a herbal drink from her friend in Enugu to treat an infection, including malaria and typhoid. It cost ₦17,000 but it did not work at all. It did nothing. Zilch. Instead it seemed to have brought the symptoms to the surface for her. Now she has to treat it with Western medicine.”

And the reason for this is not far-fetched. These herbal mixtures promise complete cure in addition to easy accessibility and affordability. “My sister who has now sought Western medicine for the treatment of malaria, typhoid, and infection (which she tried to cure with the herbal drink but failed) was given a quote of ₦40,000 for injections and drugs at the hospital,” Anita further shared.

More recently, government agencies like the Department of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines of the Federal Ministry of Health &amp; Social Welfare and the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board have also sprang up. Similarly, practitioners have joined forces to form unions like the Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association of Nigeria and Association of Integrative Medicine Practitioners.

However, these bodies have failed to meet expectations with regard to comprehensive and strict regulatory policies for the assessment of production quality and testing, and most especially, verification of claims made by practitioners using social media to market their products.

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/fg-set-to-strengthen-traditional-medicine-for-health-coverage-minister/2j4f4dw">FG set to strengthen traditional medicine for health coverage - Minister</a>

While they have recorded a few physical victories in terms of <a href="https://traditionalmedicine.lagosstate.gov.ng/2024/01/24/traditional-medicine-board-takes-action-against-unethical-practice/">shutdowns</a> and sanctions, the problem remains that practitioners have been allowed to engage in a free-for-all on social media for far too long. In a brief chat with Pulse, Dr Adebisi Olusegun of the Association of Integrative Medicine Practitioners, revealed that majority of them do not have the licence to practise the trade. “I can boldly tell you that most of the people who advertise unverified herbal remedies or traditional medicine on social media are not real—about 90% of them are not. Some of them do that purposely because of money while others inherited the trade from their great grandfathers,” he said.

This image was generated using the AI model DALL·E

Thousands of people have bought and ingested unverified herbal products from social media only to end up with deep regrets due to their inefficacy or worse, dangerous side effects. “I had an encounter with someone who bought an aphrodisiac on social media. After using it, he had a prolonged erection, what is known in medical terms as priapism. He was in pain for almost one week before he sought medical attention. Mind you, there are toxicological concerns too. Some of these products can have adverse effects which may affect vital organs such as the liver, heart and kidney,” Patrick Iwelunmor, Editor, Pharmanews and Gatefield Pro-health Journalism Fellow shared with Pulse.&nbsp;

“I am aware that the indiscriminate use of the social media space by traditional medicine sellers can be misleading and in fact harmful. This is because most of their claims are unsubstantiated. Secondly, there is the problem of dosage and administration which could have been settled if they were NAFDAC registered. Any traditional medicine not registered by NAFDAC is considered fake and substandard,” he added.

A digital-savvy traditional medicine practitioner. This image was generated using an AI model.

“They will not tell you the truth. They will give you the impression that even without changing your lifestyle, if you take their herbal medicine, it will solve your problem. And it is not true. The whole idea of going for surgery is so scary for so many people that they will keep trying different herbal remedies hoping that it will work. And these herbal practitioners know that their medicine cannot cure these conditions, especially at a later stage. Maybe at the initial stages of the ailment, it can work. But when a person’s pile (haemorrhoids) has entered stage three or a woman’s fibroid has become so big enough that you can even feel it, it cannot work. The worst part is that they will keep giving the impression that there is no side effect and their product can cure it. But in reality, that is not true. Do you know what that is? It’s called false advertising,” Kolapo concluded.

ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/herbal-medicine-is-the-assured-solution-as-ailments-resist-orthodox-drugs/2n3jktf?utm_campaign=pulse-nigeria-page-post&amp;utm_content=article-fresh&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_term=cde-twitter-fresh-article-1242">Ailments resistant to orthodox drugs, herbal medicine is the assured solution</a>

Relevant agencies need to enforce thorough regulation on false advertising by herbal medicine practitioners. They should not be allowed to make absolute claims, especially on social media. Stiffer sanctions should also be applied.

“I share the view that the social media space should be seriously regulated for those marketing traditional medicines. Even in the conventional pharmaceutical product marketing, you cannot advertise or market your products without getting approval from NAFDAC and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON). The same system should be adopted for social media marketing of traditional medicines. Medicine is highly scientific and deals with empirical knowledge. That something worked for me does not mean it would work for everyone. While orthodox medicine is highly based on scientific procedure, most traditional medicine sellers base their claims on speculation. Hence, the reason we have to be very careful,” Iwelunmor noted.

Traditional Medicine is still valued and cherished [DailyPost]

Regulatory institutes have their work cut out for them, with the rise in unchecked claims on social media by unverified practitioners.

Who is regulating traditional medicine practitioners on social media?

<h2>Hydroquinone is a popular active ingredient in skin lightening creams that acts as a tyrosinase—enzyme responsible for melanin production—inhibitor in the skin. It is typically applied topically, directly to the surface of areas affected by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).</h2>

Stubborn dark spots that don’t go away despite how hard you’ve tried can be a nightmare. Your shelf is stacked with empty bottles of products promising to help you get rid of those pesky, little (maybe not-so-little) unwanted guests and you’re yet to see improvements. Now you’re down to trying hydroquinone as a last resort.

Any further steps taken without knowing how to correctly incorporate it into your skincare routine can land you in even bigger problems than what you set out to treat. Here is where you need to slow down for some much-needed dermatologist-approved advice.

Apply hydroquinone only on problem areas [Healthline]

Sunburn causes hyperpigmentation [Healthline]

The correct way to use this active ingredient is to limit your application to only the areas affected by melasma, sun spots, and/or dark spots. That way, you can effectively target the hyperpigmentation and even out your skin tone without being at risk of some harsh side effects like exogenous ochronosis and dryness.

<h3>Use with a gentle cleanser&nbsp;</h3>

Because of the powerful effect that hydroquinone can have on your skin, only use it with a gentle cleanser that contains soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, chamomile, and ceramides. Beware of actives in your cleanser when using hydroquinone.

Always use sunscreen after you’ve applied the skin lightening agent on your face or body. But make sure that it contains at least SPF 50.

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/beauty-health/the-best-ways-to-deal-with-hyperpigmentation/tmsgrct?utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=so">Skincare Secrets: The best ways to deal with hyperpigmentation</a>

You can irritate your skin when you incorporate benzoyl peroxide into a routine that contains hydroquinone. Dermatologists recommend leaving out any peroxide products completely to avoid dryness or other kinds of irritation.

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/beauty-health/hydroquinone-what-you-need-to-know-about-this-controversial-skincare-ingredient/gt94r3p">What you need to know about this controversial skincare ingredient</a>

This is the standard and ideal procedure for any skin care product you buy. Even though hydroquinone is approved in only a 2% concentration from over the-counter (OTC) products, it’s best to follow dermatologists’ advice by always applying a new product on a clean patch on your skin—preferably your wrist or forearm—before introducing it to your routine.

<h3>How long does it take to remove hyperpigmentation with hydroquinone?</h3>

It typically takes about six weeks of daily use before dark spots begin to fade. Use consistently for 12 weeks to see favourable results.

How to get rid of hyperpigmentation [JamaicaHospitalMed]

While there have been age-long controversies surrounding the use of hydroquinone, experts have agreed that it is an effective lightening agent for clearing dark spots. It should, however, be used in moderation.

Here's the correct way to use hydroquinone for hyperpigmentation

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