Social media has worked its magic again! The way it keeps connecting beautiful hearts all over is absolutely amazing to see. Anwuli and Kennedy are no exception to this lovely web of fate, and the result is their sweet love story.

Four years ago, the lovebirds followed each other on Instagram. Unknowingly, they both shared a quiet mutual crush, but never acted upon those feelings. Not until Anwuli took the bold step and replied to Kennedy’s post. The conversations that followed were so engaging, and they continued to get closer as the days passed. A month later, they met, and the sparks flew. It kept burning even brighter because not too long ago, Kennedy surprised Anwuli with a breathtaking proposal, and she said yes! Now the lovely duo have officially tied the knot in a beautiful Igbo traditional wedding. Anwuli made a stunning bride in her radiant outfits, with Kennedy looking dapper in his super stylish attire. Their wedding photos are a gallery filled with electric chemistry, sweet love and timeless elegance. We can all agree that they look so good together, and we are thrilled to see their forever set sail. 😍

Enjoy their wedding photos and love story below:

How we met
By the bride, Anwuli:

Kennedy and I met in May 2021. We had followed each other on Instagram for a while, quietly finding each other attractive but never actually speaking, just reacting to each other’s stories like two people pretending not to be intrigued. Then one day, he posted a clip of someone in a Spider-Man suit dancing, and I replied, telling him who I thought it was. We laughed, I complimented his hair, he sent me a picture of mine and asked how many souls I had trapped with it. I told him, “Not enough… obviously you’re still free.” From there, we spoke every single day, sometimes falling asleep on the phone, until we finally met in person a month later. The connection was instant. We fell in love and created the sweetest memories, but life had other plans. We drifted apart yet somehow never fully let go; we always kept in touch because we held a soft spot for each other. In 2023, we found our way back. We started talking consistently again, spending more time together, and on December 24th, 2023, we made it official. From that moment till now, we’ve been inseparable. Loving him has been the greatest joy of my life. We complete each other in ways that feel effortless, and together we’ve built a home where we feel safe, seen, and deeply loved. On September 29th, 2025, he asked me to marry him in the loveliest way, and I said the easiest “yes” of my life. And on November 22nd, we celebrated our traditional marriage surrounded by our closest friends and family.

How we met
By the groom, Kennedy:

I first started talking to Anwuli in May 2021 on Instagram, after stumbling upon a breathtaking photo of her at the beach. Her beauty stopped me in my tracks, so elegant, so effortlessly captivating. I’ve never been the type to rush into online conversations, so I simply followed her page and told myself I would take my time, engage subtly, and get a sense of who she really was before trying to become her friend. She followed me back, and from there we kept things simple and sweet; little reactions, light conversations, nothing too deep, yet somehow full of warmth. It didn’t take long for us to realize how much we had in common. She was a goofball just like me, fun, lively, and full of charm. A month later, we met in person, and everything just clicked. We stayed connected all the way till December 2023, when we finally made things official. Then, in September 2025, surrounded by our families and closest friends, I asked her to marry me, and she said YES. It was one of the most unforgettable moments of my life. Anwuli is kind, beautiful, brilliant, and truly extraordinary. I am unbelievably lucky to spend my life with her. She complements me in more ways than I can count. She is my world, and I am eternally grateful that we get to walk this journey hand in hand.

Credit

Planner: @eventsbybettyb
Bride: @tibi_deaux
Groom: @ken_3dy
Makeup: @fablooksbyanny | @glambylj
Accessories & Handfan: @kayandkaybridals
Bride’s Outfit: @mirah.ng
Groom’s Outfit: @lekside_clothings
Hairstylist @oghairplace | @pee_hairlegance_
Gele @gelebytee_
Mc: @pope_lexis
DJ: @djmarvel_
Palmwine: @__the_bar_man
Decor: @the_sp24eventz
Food: @buffyscookhouse
Small chops: @uptowngrill_smallchops
Drink service: @cheers.ng_
Special effect: @kayliespecialeffect1
Photography: @victorsamuel_photography | @tosinjoshweddings
Videography: @skyfilms_1 | @durrode
Ushers: @fabydiamond_ushers
Event security: @jotems_macho_services

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If you are trying to stop smoking, you may have heard of nicotine patches or gum to help reduce cravings. But how about nicotine pouches? Small, tobacco-free sachets containing a powder made up of nicotine, flavourings and other additives, nicotine patches are placed between the upper lip and gum to release a nicotine buzz without the damage to lungs.

Nicotine pouches were first introduced to the UK market in 2019. Common brands in the UK include ZYN, Velo and Nordic Spirit. Nicotine pouches are similar to snus – loose tobacco in a pouch that is used in the same way as nicotine pouches. Although snus has been used for many years in Scandinavia, it was banned in the UK in 1992. Today’s generation of nicotine pouches are marketed as a way to get the benefits of nicotine without the harmful effects of cigarettes or vapes.

So, are they a helpful tool for those trying to kick the habit?

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is available to buy over-the-counter in the UK. Common brands include Nicorette and Niquitin. NRT comes in different forms such as patches, lozenges and chewing gum. Nicotine pouches haven’t been approved for use as NRT – so why are they becoming a popular alternative to smoking and vaping?

Pouches are heavily marketed on social media and, unlike NRTs, they’re readily available from supermarkets and shops from as little as £5 per box. Social media influencers are sponsored to promote nicotine pouches as “clean”, discreet and convenient. They come in a wide range of flavours, from cinnamon to citrus, which attracts younger consumers.

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Nicotine pouches are placed between the gum and upper lip to release a nicotine buzz without damage to lungs (Getty)

Recent research found that approximately 1 per cent of adults and 1.2 per cent of youths aged 11-18 years old reported currently using nicotine pouches. However, over 5 per cent of adults and more than 3 per cent of youths said they had used these pouches at some point. Although these are relatively low figures, data showsnicotine pouches are becoming increasingly popular in the UK and US.

Unlike NRT, nicotine pouches are classed as consumer products, so are not regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Since they do not contain tobacco, nicotine pouches cannot be regulated by the Tobacco and Related Product Regulations either. This means there is no age restriction to buy them.

Instead, nicotine pouches are governed by the General Product Safety Regulations, which means they are not regulated as stringently as NRT. Companies producing NRTs must apply for a marketing license because medicinal products have to undergo extensive testing to show they are safe and effective. This is not the case for nicotine pouches.

Nicotine acts on receptors in the brain, releasing chemical messengers including the “happy hormone” dopamine. These chemical messengers are responsible for the pleasurable feelings and addictive behaviour that people often experience when using tobacco or nicotine products. The faster a drug is absorbed and activates brain receptors, the higher the addiction potential.

About the author

Dipa Kamdar is a senior lecturer in pharmacy practice at Kingston University.

This article was originally published by The Conversation and is republished under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.

Research shows that nicotine is released more slowly from pouches compared to cigarettes, so it may be less addictive than cigarettes. However,pouches can also vary in the amount of nicotine they contain – evidence shows some have very high levels, higher than cigarettes and NRT.

Pouches can be marketed as a “clean” form of nicotine consumption – but, although they are smoke-free, they can contain other chemical ingredients such as pH adjusters like sodium carbonate, which allow nicotine to be absorbed in the mouth more easily. Pouches do not contain tobacco, which contains many chemicals and cancer-causing agents. However, nicotine on its own can still be harmful.

Common side effects of nicotine pouch use include nausea, vomiting, headaches and heart palpitations. Nicotine causes the body to release of chemicals such as adrenaline and noradrenaline. Studies show increased levels of these can raise heart rate and blood pressure and the heart’s need for oxygen.

Animal studies suggest that nicotine use during teenage years can cause long-term changes in the brain and behaviour as well as an increased likelihood of using other drugs, lower attention levels and mood problems.

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Nicotine pouches have been marketed as an alternative to smoking and vaping (PA)

Young people have more nicotine receptors in the areas of the brain related to reward. This makes nicotine’s effects stronger in teenagers than in adults.

Currently there is not enough evidence to confirm nicotine pouches are harmful to oral health but dentists are concerned about their potential effects. Last year, a review found that oral side effects include dry mouth, sore mouth, blisters on the gums and sometimes changes in the gum area – such as receding gumline – where the pouches were placed. This is similar to side effects of oral NRT. Unlike NRT, which is normally used for a three-month course, pouches may be used for longer – potentially raising the risk of side effects.

Belgium and the Netherlands have banned nicotine pouches because of the potential risks. In the UK, the new Tobacco and Vapes bill will allow the government to regulate the use of nicotine pouches so that they can only be sold to people aged 18 and older. Advertising will be banned and the content and branding regulated.

This could be a welcome move for those concerned that nicotine pouch brands are targeting young people who’ve never smoked. But, for current smokers looking for a product to help them quit, it might be wise to opt for the regulated NRTs – even if the flavours aren’t as appealing.

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As I packed my seven-year-old daughter Liberty’s sleepover bag with her Labubu and toothbrush last week, I thought to myself, “It’s a miracle she’s even going.” This was no ordinary sleepover. Not only was I going too – but it was on an NHS ward in the middle of an outbreak of superflu.

We’d all just had the worst flu of our lives; Liberty and I were better, but her sister Lola, nine, was still spiking a fever of 39.9C. Things weren’t looking good on the NHS front either.

As we set off at the crack of dawn to our local Chelsea and Westminster NHS hospital for her operation, the mutant H3N2 strain had sparked an NHS meltdown with hospitals declaring “critical incidents”. Now, half of all UK hospitals are battling their worst-ever flu outbreak.

An average of 2,660 patients per day were in a hospital bed with flu before we’d even walked through the revolving entrance door on the Fulham Road – up 55 per cent from the previous week. It’s only set to soar this week, with health secretary Wes Streeting warning the service is close to collapse if resident doctors go ahead with a planned strike.

There are now enough flu patients each day to fill more than three whole hospital trusts, according to reports. And to top it all, children’s operations have been cancelled as superflu ravages the NHS.

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The doctor sprinkling gold glitter on Liberty’s snowman design leg cast (Charlotte Cripps)

The pressure is particularly bad on paediatric intensive care units across the UK, The Independent has been told. Cardiac and other operations are being postponed, paediatric wards are full, and intensive care units are unable to move patients out when they are ready.

The idea of getting our own little side room for the night seemed highly unlikely due to hospital overcrowding, and I braced myself to be turned away on arrival. I was wrong. Not only did the NHS continue with Liberty’s operation, but they also threw her a party.

It was hardly an emergency operation. Liberty was born with talipes (club foot), a common condition that affects approximately one in every 1,000 babies born. It’s treated with methods like the Ponseti technique soon after birth using casting and bracing to gently correct the foot’s position. But in Liberty’s case, her left foot started to slowly relapse a few years ago – and I was advised to fix it with surgery before the age of nine.

She was scheduled for a tibialis anterior tendon transfer, often known as a TATT; an operation used to rebalance the muscles of the foot. It involves moving a tendon, a structure that joins muscle to bone, the tibialis anterior tendon, from its normal position at the inside of the ankle towards the outside of the foot.

The transferred tendon is fixed in the new location with a surgical button on the bottom of the foot. The button stays in place for around six weeks, covered by a plaster cast.

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Liberty drinking hot chocolate with her bestie (Charlotte Cripps)

We’d waited months to get the operation date – and it landed just before Christmas. But despite the dire warnings, I wouldn’t have known anything was wrong with the NHS in crisis as we arrived on Saturn Ward – a children’s surgery unit with a new space-themed makeover for children under the age of 16.

It was empty at 7.15am, other than one other child and his parents. We were ushered into a play area where Liberty was allocated a “play assistant” and given coloured pens to design a Christmas tablecloth. We waited less than one hour for the surgeon and anaesthetist.

The ward started filling up as we left for the operating theatre, where I stayed with her until she fell asleep. Two hours later, after I’d paced up and down an empty waiting room for parents, she woke up in the recovery room and waved at the nurses to get me.

None of the nurses or doctors – or even the anaesthetist – looked remotely stressed as the NHS creaked around them under the pressure of a superflu crisis.

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Making my camp bed next to Liberty’s bed in the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital (Charlotte Cripps)

They played quiet classical music to keep everyone calm in the recovery room. Any questions about the superflu were met with a relaxed smile. “Oh yes, the wards are full of it upstairs,” they all told me, but then quietly got along with their jobs.

As we headed into the main children’s ward for our NHS sleepover during the nightmare before Christmas, the festive decorations were being put up – mostly made by inpatients. Care assistants sat around on the floor with boxes of paper swans and detangled baubles to put up around the ward as if no major incident happening. It all seemed in stark contrast to the headlines dominating the news. I knew how bad this mutant strain was, having been reduced to a wreck by it days earlier.

Liberty was wheeled into a dormitory with a screaming baby behind another curtain. They very sweetly then moved us into another dorm with only one other child who was waiting for an appendectomy.

I laid out her Squishmallow blanket on the hospital bed to make her sleepover homely and popped out to get her a chocolate crepe. By the time I returned, a “play assistant” had joined her and was rustling up a load of arts and crafts activities for her to make in bed.

By tea time, Liberty, looking slightly groggy from all the pain relief, was making intricate artworks with a precision-tipped stylus that picked up and placed gems effortlessly onto a pattern. Despite the rest of the hospital drowning in flu, she had on-call entertainment, and I felt like I’d dropped her off at a Montessori nursery, not my local NHS hospital.

Having promised her a slime-making kit as a post-operation present, the nurses brought her cardboard sick bowls and wooden cutlery to mix up the activator glue, glitter and magical liquid together. Her best friend, Sapphire, was even allowed over for a playdate.

Sapphire arrived with her mum, brandishing blind box pink plushy toys, and as I ordered them a Deliveroo Margherita pizza to the room, the nurses popped in to check on how the party was going. By this point, I was pulling out my camp bed to sleep next to Liberty – and the nurses were bringing in tons of clean, laundered sheets and blankets. And as no sleepover is complete without hot chocolate, the nurses ordered us some hot milk and Sapphire’s mum had brought snowman chocolate lollies and marshmallows to dip in.

Feeling a bit peckish later, we ordered cheese sandwiches and yoghurts. The room looked like a bomb had hit it. Slime is always a nightmare, and it was in Liberty’s bed. The nurses ran to the rescue with new sheets. Nothing was too much bother. We fell asleep after I put the radiator on full blast, and I shut the door. It was dark, warm and quiet, and we were left to sleep in until 8am.

By the time I returned, a ‘play assistant’ had joined her and was rustling up a load of arts and crafts activities for her to make in bed

Charlotte on her daughter’s NHS slumber ‘party’

Breakfast was a buffet in the parents’ room – fresh fruit and cereal. It was as if we were staying with friends. I didn’t hear or see any sneezing – and nobody wore masks. It was as if the superflu didn’t exist – and we were in some pink bubble.

A teacher turned up from the hospital’s education department to offer Liberty a day of lessons, which she declined, preferring to play in bed with a play assistant one-on-one, as and when needed.

The surgeon visited us. All had gone well, he said, and we could leave after we’d seen the physio. “How long will that take?” I thought – knowing waiting times in the NHS can be huge at the best of times. We’d had a nice time, but I still wanted to get home. Yet, unbelievably, the physio turned up like the genie out of Aladdin’s bottle 10 minutes later, complete with crutches and a walking frame.

A doctor then hurried into the room with good news: they’d located the festive Christmas cast clay and could wrap it around the boring white cast on Liberty’s left leg. Her face lit up. Not only that, there would be some gold glitter to sprinkle all over her cast to give it a Christmas glow.

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Liberty enjoying a pizza party after her operation (Charlotte Cripps)

I couldn’t quite believe this was the same NHS I’d been reading about that was at breaking point. He returned 20 minutes later, out of breath, and proceeded to cover her cast in a dark blue snowman print and to shake the glitter on top so it sparkled. The medication arrived without delay –and we left the ward.

How did they pull off the best sleepover during a flunami? Like maternity care, it’s a postcode lottery and I’m not sure my experience would be replicated across the UK. The flunami has put an incredible strain on hospitals up and down the country, which is why I was so surprised by my experience.

As we left and the nurses waved us off jollily, I thought, I never hear anything positive about the NHS – and now I’ve experienced it at its best. It might be buckling under superflu, but they managed to make a small child’s operation at Christmas almost fun. That is quite something – a miracle, maybe?

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Halloumi is a salty, chewy cheese that’s mouth-watering when grilled, seared, baked or fried – but it comes with a risk.

The staple in salads and Mediterranean side dishes could be sneakily raising your blood pressure, according to experts. That’s because of the cheese’s high sodium content.

“One ounce of halloumi cheese provides 90 calories, seven grams of total fat, four grams of saturated fat, six grams of protein, and 669 milligrams of sodium, which is 28 percent of the recommended daily maximum, registered dietitian Toby Amidor recently told Parade.

That’s around the same amount of sodium you get from eating a slice of pizza.

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Eating halloumi cheese could be spiking your blood pressure and leaving you at risk for poor heart health, experts say. (Getty Images/iStock)

What’s the damage?

Eating excess sodium leads to an increase in how much blood has to move through the blood vessels that connect to the heart, as well as shrinks those vessels.

The result is strain on your heart within just 30 minutes, according to the American Heart Association.

Still, most Americans consume more sodium than they should.

The recommended daily amount is 2,300 milligrams, but the average American consumes 3,400 milligrams of sodium a day. That’s the equivalent of about one and a half teaspoons of salt per day, Harvard Medical School notes.

As a result of that and other factors, nearly half of all American adults live with high blood pressure.

The cost of salt

High blood pressure puts people at a greater risk for life-threatening cardiac events, such as stroke and a heart attack.

Nearly 800,000 Americans suffer a stroke each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and one in six deaths from heart disease were due to stroke in 2022 in the U.S.

Approximately 805,000 people have a heart attack in the U.S. annually, and there are more than 919,000 deaths related to cardiovascular disease each year.

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Halloumi is incredibly versatile and experts say it’s not that bad for you – in small amounts (Getty Images for Taco Bell)

So, what’s a halloumi-obsessed foodie to do?

Well, in small quantities, the cheese isn’t actually that bad for you.

“On most packs of halloumi, the recommended serving size is only 30 grams (so is the nutritional value), which is good to bear in mind when cooking,” Ellie Bain, Gousto’s registered nutritionist and dietician, told Men’s Health.

A serving of 30 grams has 330 milligrams of sodium, according to the American University of Beirut Medical Center.

Made of sheep’s and goat’s milk, halloumi contains critical nutrients such as protein and 20 percent of the daily recommended amount of calcium in an ounce, said Amidor.

It has zinc and vitamin A, as well, which both have immune health benefits. Vitamin A is crucial for vision and zinc helps the immune system.

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Is it too late to reconnect the cord?

For the first time in eight years, traditional cable providers saw an increase in subscribers. The rise came during third quarter of 2025 amid soaring streaming service fees.

Over 303,000 subscribers returned to traditional cable providers in Q3, Light Reading reports, citing MoffettNathanson’s latest Cord‑Cutting Monitor report.

Industry analysts attributed the increase to a combination of factors, most notably reduced subscriber losses among traditional providers and strong performance from internet‑based services known as virtual multichannel video programming distributors (vMVPD).

Despite the encouraging figures, analysts warned that the gain may be temporary.

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For the first time in almost a decade, cable providers saw a bump in subscribers. (Getty Images)

Much of the growth was concentrated in the period coinciding with the start of the NFL regular season, a historically strong quarter for pay TV as millions of sports fans subscribe to access live games, and those trends could abate once the football season ends.

The overall subscriber count for pay TV, which encompasses cable, satellite, telco and vMVPD services, rose to an estimated 64.77 million in Q3, reversing a year‑on-year loss of 274,000 and marking a notable improvement in an industry long beset by cord‑cutting.

The annual rate of subscriber decline also eased, improving from ‑6.4 percent to ‑5.8 percent.

Within the traditional segment, cable and satellite providers still saw net losses, but at significantly reduced rates compared with the previous year. vMVPDs, led by services such as YouTube TV, contributed the bulk of the industry’s net growth, adding roughly 750,000 subscribers and pushing their total to more than 21 million.

Streaming services, once cheaper than cable, are getting more expensive. On average, U.S. viewers pay for four streaming services, spending $69 a month, up 13 percent from last year, according to Deloitte’s 19th annual Digital Media Trends report, published in March.

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The rise coincides with the start of the NFL regular season. (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Cable or satellite TV costs about $125 per month, but many streaming subscribers are frustrated by extra fees for new movies and regional sports blackouts.

Streaming blackouts happen because certain networks or channels have exclusive rights to show games in a team’s local area. This means other streaming services can’t show those live games in that region, often meaning subscribers must additionally pay for add-on services to watch their home teams.

Nearly half of streaming subscribers feel they pay too much, and 41 percent think the content isn’t worth the cost, according to the Digital Media Trends report.

Additionally, 60 percent said they would cancel if their favorite service raised its price by $5 per month.

One X user posted about the sky-high costs of streaming in October, asking if it was worth it to switch to cable after they claimed to be paying a monthly fee of $91 forYouTubeTV, $12 for Netflix. $15 for HBO Max and $10 for Peacock.

“Like the whole point of streaming was to cut down on cable costs. They became the evil they sought to destroy,” they wrote.

One person replied, saying that they valued cable for its “consistency of channel lineup and no service interruptions. “

“I never cut the cord bc in the end it was never truly much of a cost saver once you add back all the rest of the streamers and premium channels you want,” they responded.

Someone else, however, noted about the enticing variety of content across streaming services,” The problem with cable is that there’s nothing on it now, so what are you even paying for?”

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The Showmax Original reality series, The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, brings together women from across the continent for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Brazil. This spin-off follows the success of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: South Africa. Now, housewives from Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa embark on a new chapter under the Brazilian sun, bringing drama, glamour and sisterhood to new heights.

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa premiered on Showmax on Friday, November 28, 2025, and joining this spin-off is Princess Jecoco from The Real Housewives of Abuja.

In this exclusive interview, Princess shares her emotions when she received the call to be on the Ultimate Girls Trip, what she enjoyed, what viewers can look forward to, and the friendships she formed on the journey.

Enjoy the conversation!

Hey Princess. How are you feeling?

Hello BN. I feel good and fine. Thank you.

What was your first reaction when you got the call to join the cast of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa?

Honestly, I was so excited and a little shocked. It felt like such a huge honour being invited to represent Nigeria, Abuja specifically, on a continental trip is no small thing. I knew it could be a powerful moment for me, but also for my city. I felt a little nervous, because I wanted to make sure I showed up as my authentic self. I accepted because at the end of the day, it’s a vacation.

Having been away from the reality TV scene, how were you able to prepare yourself to be back in the spotlight? 

Over the past couple of years, I focused on self-work, on balancing my businesses and my family life. Mentally, I journaled, prayed and really reaffirmed who Princess Jecoco is, not just the housewife version, but as a lawyer, a mother, a cultural ambassador. When the call came, I felt stronger and more grounded than before.

Did you feel the need to assert yourself early, or did the group naturally make room for your presence?

It was a mix of both. I think my energy tends to be big, so there wasn’t a shortage of me making my presence felt. But I also respected the fact that this was a girls’ trip: it’s about camaraderie, laughter and real conversations. I didn’t walk in with the intention of dominating, but I also wasn’t going to shrink. I made space with confidence, not aggression. So yeah, they definitely made room for my presence. 

How did this trip differ from The Real Housewives of Abuja, and what did it, if at all, reveal about your personality in navigating dynamic relationships?

On RHOAbuja, you’re more rooted in your day-to-day business, family, and local power dynamics. On Ultimate Girls Trip, there’s vacation energy, which brings out a different side of people who are more relaxed, more spontaneous. For me, it revealed how adaptable I am, how I could hold my thoughts in deep conversations, but also be goofy, playful and vulnerable. It showed how I navigate when things are less structured.

It revealed that I’m a very emotional person. See, I cried a lot on this trip. That very bold and feisty Jecoco got overly emotional on this trip.

How important was it for you to represent your city and culture in a way that felt real and not performative?

So important. Being from Abuja and being deeply invested in my Igbo heritage (as president of Umu Asa Cultural Association), I feel a responsibility. When I go on a global (or continental) stage, I want people to see me, not a caricature. I made sure to bring my culture, my values, even my accent, my humour, everything that makes me who I am.

Did anyone reveal a different side of themselves off-camera that viewers won’t immediately expect?

Yes, and I think that’s the beauty of filming a trip like this. There were moments when people let their guards down. Someone who seemed very poised could suddenly get emotional, or someone who seemed reserved could be the loudest in laughter off camera. Those quieter, more human moments are what I hope people will notice more than the dramatics.

However, there is one cast member who was just too much on camera. She’s cool off camera but always does the most as soon as the camera comes on. It was really annoying because we all wanted to have fun, but she was like the bad egg that still wanted to be in the pack. Almost everyone had fights with her. I’ve never seen anything like it.

Share one behind-the-scenes moment in Brazil that captured the true Girls Trip chaos

There was one night when a few of us just stayed up talking under the stars, wine in hand, after eating, and we had a spontaneous dance party outside, music blasting, and the next thing you know, we’re all dancing barefoot to Brazilian beats. That was real, unfiltered, joyful chaos.

Who gave you the best banter or back-and-forth energy on the trip?

Honestly, there were a few. But I think the best was with someone who wasn’t afraid to call me out in a funny way. That kind of banter keeps things genuine. It’s not just shade; it’s playful, witty, and rooted in knowing each other enough to push and pull. That’s the kind of energy I love.

Ultimately, my girl, Mariam. We understand each other mostly because we are Naija babes, so it was really easy. My girl Annie, too, we are so similar in so many ways, so banter was nice.

Did you form any new friendships on the trip?

Absolutely. That’s the most magical part of something like Girls Trip. Beyond the cameras, I connected with women from different parts of Africa. We laughed, we cried, we shared stories about home, beauty, motherhood, and business. Some of those relationships, I believe, will outlast the show.

What should fans brace themselves for in this season, without giving out spoilers?

Get ready for high energy, big laughs, and some real talk. There will be moments of tension, but also genuine sisterhood. I think fans will see me outside of my comfort zones emotionally and socially, but also more grounded than ever. And yes, there will be surprises: things that will make you gasp, but also things that will make you smile.

New episodes of RHUGT Africa will drop every Friday.

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To the futuristic strains of The Human League’s “Electric Dreams”, the first of a new generation of Nissan electric cars is revealed to the world’s media on Line 2 of the company’s huge Sunderland plant.

A teal blue third-generation Nissan Leaf is to be built in significant numbers for British and European markets, with the only other production centre being at Tochigi, Japan which supply Asian, American and other markets.

A new electric battery plant will be running alongside, operated by AESC., a subsidiary of Chinese giant Envision. It is the largest such “gigafactory” in the UK. Taken together they represent one of the biggest investments in British manufacturing in recent years. UK sales of the strikingly styled model will begin in late 2026.

Further new Nissan electric products will follow, including an all-new Juke, also to be built in Sunderland. Although much of the engineering for the new Leaf took place in Japan, it should help protect the 6,000 jobs in the UK factory, plus many more in the UK supply chain.

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The Nissan Leaf comes in teal blue (Supplied)

Indeed, according to Shunsuke Shigemoto, Nissan’s Vice President for Powertrains and Advanced Engineering, the workforce at Sunderland Is “key” to their decision to transition the factory and associated battery plant into an EV hub – praising its efficiency and flexibility to produce various electric, hybrid and petrol variants according to consumer demand.

Mr Shigemoto suggests the new model will help raise production in Sunderland back up to near its capacity of half a million vehicles per annum.

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Nissan’s vice president hopes the new model will help raise production back up to capacity in Sunderland (Supplied)

However, the political uncertainty has left a bit of a cloud over the start of production ceremonials in the North East. In the past few days the Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch, has said that she would scrap the zero emission mandate and the plan to end sales of new petrol cars by 2030 and hybrids by 2035.

An even greater degree of scepticism about electric cars is on display at Reform UK, and there are heavy hints emerging from the EU that it too may well push the zero emission target down to 90 per cent of new cars to be green – and postpone the deadline to 2040.

Although the Sunderland operation is agile enough to cope with such disruption, it would certainly make the half a billion pounds spent on an electric future look unfortunate.

Friederike Kienz, vice president for sustainability said of rumours about a future UK government scrapping the EV target: “Regulation is only one element in uptake and transformation…will it lower the pace? Yes. Policy is a factor, and seen very, very clearly in Norway” (where heavy invectives have succeeded in mass EV conversion).

She stressed that it was most important that an electric future remains the “endgame” even if the pace of change varies. In Sunderland, they are hoping the electric dream really does come true.

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Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more

Multiple popular salad dressings have been recalled due to contamination concerns.

Ventura Foods recalled 3,556 cases of its salad dressings last month, according to an enforcement report from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The recall was issued because of a potential foreign object, specifically black plastic planting material, in the dressings’ granulated onion.

The recall was upgraded to a Class II, meaning that consuming the product could cause significant health consequences, as of December 4.

Affected salad dressings were distributed to seven different retailers and food courts across 42 states.

The recalled items, manufactured by Ventura Foods, include Hidden Valley Buttermilk Ranch, Caesar Dressing from Costco Service Deli and Costco Food Court, Pepper Mill Creamy Caesar Dressing, Pepper Mill Regal Caesar Dressing, Italian Salad Dressing, and Creamy Poblano Avocado Ranch Dressing and Dip, and Ventura Caesar Dressing.

Salad dressings sent to retailers and food courts across 42 states have been recalled (Getty/iStock)

Specific products can be identified by their SKU numbers here.

While there haven’t been any illness reported to date, consumers with the affected dressings are urged to throw them away immediately or return them to the place of purchase.

The dressing recall comes a month after Costco removed two Caesar salad products, which were supplied by Ventura Foods, from shelves. In November, the retailer issued a notice to shoppers about a Caesar Salad and a Chicken Sandwich with Caesar Salad, which were being recalled due to the “presence of plastic foreign material in the salad dressing of these items.”

The affected products have the Sell By Dates between October 17, 2025, and November 9, 2025. The Chicken Sandwich with Caesar Salad can be identified by Item Number 11444, while the Caesar Salad can be identified by Item Number 19927.

Meanwhile, in October, Coca-Cola voluntarily recalled three packages of Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, and Sprite that were produced and distributed in Texas by Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, LLC—a subsidiary of global bottler Arca Continental. The recall was issued because some of those cans may contain small metal fragments that could cause internal injury if swallowed.

However, the recall was limited to products distributed in Texas, specifically in the McAllen/Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio areas. A Coca-Cola spokesperson also said that all affected products were removed from store shelves by October 10 “out of an abundance of caution.”

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Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more

Children who have difficulty separating themselves from their parents are sometimes referred to as “Velcro kids” – a reference to the company that makes the fastener famous for its temporary adherence.

On social media, parents have used the term to share frustrating – and sometimes endearing – moments of clinginess. Examples include when a toddler attempts to break into the bathroom to try to reach a parent or when a child attaches themselves to a parent’s leg while walking around a shopping center.

Even teenagers can express similar “Velcro” behaviors – in one video shared online, a teenager gently uses his foot to touch a parent while lounging on the couch.

But children who have a habit of following their parents around, touching them constantly or becoming upset when they’re apart can provoke some to ask: Is this a phase or an unhealthy attachment style?

Psychological research indicates it’s normal for infants and toddlers to attach themselves to a parent and become upset when they’re apart because they rely on parents for food, comfort, safety, cleanliness and other basic needs.

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At the height of the pandemic, many parents reported being emotionally exhausted by their children’s constant presence and demand for attention (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Studies also suggest that a baby’s lack of object permanence, or the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they’re not directly seen or felt, contributes to their negative emotions when a parent walks away – even for a second.

But research has not found a correlation between a baby’s attachment style and their clinginess as a toddler or child.

Separation anxiety can increase throughout childhood as children go through environmental and lifestyle changes.

“A baby who seemed content to explore independently or was not in distress when separated from a parent may become clingy later due to developmental changes or life stressors such as starting school, adjusting to a move, or a family change,” Dr. Danika Perry, a pediatric psychologist at Nemours Children’s Health, told Parents.com.

Even as they grow into adolescence, children may seek out their parents’ reassurance or comfort, resulting in “Velcro” behaviors such as wanting to stay in constant communication or following parents around the house.

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Children who have a habit of following their parents around, touching them constantly or becoming upset when they’re apart can provoke some to ask: Is this a phase or an unhealthy attachment style? (Getty Images)

While most children’s clingy patterns are temporary, being in the throes of it can cause parents emotional exhaustion.

“Over time, the constant lack of personal space can contribute to burnout, anxiety, or feelings of guilt. This can also affect relationships with partners or other children,” Perry said.

So what can parents do?

Parents who are emotionally exhausted due to their child’s clinginess can set boundaries by enlisting the help of a partner or other adults they trust, according to the Child Mind Institute. Setting expectations for a child to say “goodbye” to the parent and then allowing another person to take over can give some reprieve and help children practice

Clinical experts suggest that other caretakers can redirect children’s attention away from missing a parent by giving children a task, setting up a fun activity and rewarding them for separating.

There are some situations where “Velcro” behavior can be a symptom of separation anxiety disorder, a type of anxiety disorder diagnosed by a doctor. But those behaviors are more intense than traditional clinginess, interfering with daily activities and mood.

Children with separation anxiety disorder have a constant fear of separation that can manifest in nightmares, intense tantrums, constant worry about something bad happening to a parent, refusal to participate in activities or attend school, headaches, and stomach aches, according to Mayo Clinic.

Medical professionals determine a child has separation anxiety disorder by looking at the intensity of a child’s reaction and the frequency they occur when separating or potentially separating from a parent.

Once diagnosed, doctors can provide a treatment plan that could include therapy to help a child learn coping mechanisms and understand the root of the fear, lifestyle changes to make a child more comfortable with separating, and, in some cases, medication.

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The international prestige cognac, Martell, continues its legacy of audacity with the unveiling of two monumental experiences, The Swift Ascendant and The Martell Voyager, under its bold new campaign, Martell On The Move.

Together, these unveilings mark a defining moment for Martell, a celebration of audacity in constant motion, where art meets exploration. From the Martell Box to the Martell Tower, the journey now continues with Martell On The Move.

The Swift Ascendant: Experience the Wings of Audacity 

Standing14 feet tall, The Swift Ascendant, a monumental sculpture created in collaboration with renowned Nigerian contemporary artist Dotun Popoola, featured by CNN in 2024, represents the next evolution of Martell’s audacious journey.

Created entirely from recycled metal, the piece transforms discarded materials into a soaring emblem of renewal. It’s a striking fusion of art, sustainability, and cultural expression, symbolizing Martell’s belief that true refinement comes from reinvention, and that luxury today must be both bold and responsible.

Evane Chenuet, Marketing Director, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, shared:

“The Swift Ascendant is a living expression of Martell’s audacious spirit, a reminder that purpose and creativity can move together. In partnering with Dotun Popoola, we’ve transformed waste into wonder, showing that meaning and mastery define the new language of luxury.”

Michael Ehindero, Managing Director, Pernod Ricard Nigeria, commented:

“The Swift Ascendant and The Martell Voyager together symbolize motion, Martell’s relentless pursuit of new horizons. As a brand, we’ve owned the land and the sky; now, we take to the land and sea. This is Martell’s audacious evolution, one that connects art, culture, and creativity in powerful, meaningful ways.”

Dotun Popoola, artist and creator of The Swift Ascendant, added:

“Every piece of metal in this sculpture has lived another life before this one. It’s a story of rebirth, proof that creativity and sustainability can coexist beautifully. Seeing it unveiled alongside The Martell Voyager is witnessing audacity in motion.”

The Martell Voyager: Make Waves with Audacity 

On the same evening, Martell extended its audacity beyond land to the seas with the unveiling of The Martell Voyager, a first-of-its-kind floating experience designed to bring Martell’s sophistication to Lagos’ waterways. Illuminated against the night sky, Martell Voyager invites Nigerians to “Make Waves with Audacity,” a bold expression of discovery, craftsmanship, and celebration that reflects Martell’s drive to push boundaries and reimagine luxury experiences.

As the Swift Ascendant begins its journey across cities, audiences are encouraged to spot the installation when it appears and share their sightings online as it continues its bold artistic path through Abuja, Port Harcourt, and additional destinations yet to be revealed.

The Martell Voyager made its first sightings at Lulu and Mako which started from 22nd November and will continue with the 30-day journey across Lagos until the 31st December 2025, sailing through Lagos Motor Boat Club, King Fisher and Terra Foam.

From 22nd November to 31st December 2025, the Martell Voyager will embark on a 30-day journey across Lagos, sailing through Lulu,Mako, Lagos Motor Boat Club, King Fisher and Terra Foam.

From land to sea, Martell On The Move is a tribute to those who dare to look higher, think deeper, and live audaciously.

Join the journey. Spot and share images of The Swift Ascendant and the Martell Voyager when you see them. Follow the Wings of Audacity. Make Waves with Audacity.

About Pernod Ricard Nigeria

Pernod Ricard Nigeria is the local affiliate of Pernod Ricard, a global leader in wines and spirits.

Pernod Ricard holds a comprehensive portfolio of premium and luxury brands, with 16 out of the top 100 spirit brands in the world, including Jameson Irish Whiskey, Beefeater Gin, Martell Cognac, Seagram’s Imperial Blue Whisky, Imperial Black Whisky, Absolut Vodka, Ballantine’s Blended Scotch Whisky, Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet Scotch Whisky, Inverroche Gin, Olmeca Tequila, Malibu Liqueur, and GH Mumm Champagne.

About Martell

Founded in 1715 by Jean Martell, the House of Martell is the oldest of the great cognac houses and a symbol of audacity, mastery, and refinement. For over three centuries, Martell has celebrated those who dare to move differently, guided by curiosity, courage, and the pursuit of excellence. At the heart of the House stands The Swift, Martell’s timeless emblem of freedom, vision, and forward motion. It represents a spirit that never stands still, a commitment to rise above convention and redefine what refinement means in every era.

From the iconic Martell XO to the boundary-breaking Martell Blue Swift, every creation reflects a legacy of craftsmanship and an invitation to live boldly, purposefully, and with audacity. For more information, visit martell.com or follow @martellnigeria

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