Dear all,

We have all noticed recently that the heat of the day and the night is unbearably high. According to experts, this is due to heat waves resulting from the emission of greenhouse gases. The Meteorological Agency is warning us to prepare for warmer days and nights. This preparedness will require smart adaptation strategies and participation in climate change resilient practices to cope with the damage caused.

Common effects of heat waves on humans are dehydration which can lead to unconsciousness or death, chickenpox, heat rash, and psychological stress.

In order to cope with the current climatic conditions, the experts advised to:

1. Drink more water to stay hydrated.

2. Keep a water bottle with us to remind us to take water.

3. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks during this time.

4. Reduce the consumption of foods high in protein (eg red meats) as they increase metabolic heat.

5. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables which are better options.

6. Monitor our blood pressure to make sure we are within the normal range.

7. Stay indoors (in our home or office) between noon and 3 pm each day as much as possible.

8. Take cold water baths before going to bed at night.

Let us therefore strive to comply with it because our life depends on it.

Let's be kind to share the information with everyone we know.

It is unknown to many speakers of the Yorùbá language that the original Yorùbá word for wife is ‘aya’ and not the commonly used ‘Ìyàwó’.

Back in the early years of the Yorùbá people, the word “ Iyawo “did not have a place in the Yorùbá language not until an incident brought about its coinage and usage. Old Nigeria present you the origin of the Yorùbá word Ìyàwó .

Origin of the Yorùbá word Ìyàwó:

Long ago in Yorùbá land, a beautiful princess and daughter of the first king of Iwó town named Wúràọlá was in the quest of getting herself a patient, tolerant and well mannered husband.

Strong and good looking men, the likes of Sàngó, Ògún and others, had already traveled to Iwó town to seek the hand of Wúràọlá in marriage but left not with a wife but uncontrollable anger. Wúràọlá had been rude to everyone of them. In fact, she hurled insults and curses at her suitors which made them all leave on the same day they arrived the town of Iwo because they couldn’t tolerate her bad behaviors.

Ọ̀rúnmìlà, a good looking man, also journeyed to Iwó in the bid to win the hand of Wúràọlá in marriage. But before he set out, he had already consulted Olódùmarè , the supreme being, through Ifá . Olódùmarè revealed to Òrúnmìlà that he must be patient with Wúràọlá and endure her behaviors no matter how bad they are in order to succeed in the quest of marrying Wúràọlá .

When Òrúnmìlà got to the palace of the king of Iwó, he was greeted with a hiss and scornful look by Wúràọlá. The unperturbed Òrúnmìlà smiled and returned her greetings with kind and sweet words and also presented gifts to the king.

Òrúnmìlà stayed in Iwó for seven days which can be described as nothing but a hell on earth. Wúràọlá didn’t serve Òrúnmìlà water let alone food. She insulted the goodness out of Òrúnmìlà but he stayed calm and smiled at her. He even smiled when she used his opon ifa (divination board) as firewood and when she took his pouch (àpò ominijekun) from him. Though, Òrúnmìlà boiled with rage, still, he didn’t show it or leave Iwo according to the instructions of Olódùmarè .

On the sixth day of Òrúnmìlà's stay in Iwó town, the king of Iwó gave Wúràọlá in marriage to him after concluding that he is a patient, kind and tolerant man suitable to marry his daughter. Meanwhile, Wúràọlá's bad behaviors were planned to test her suitors so as to get her a husband with good manners and temper. She was a lovely, caring and well behaved lady. Òrúnmìlà was glad that he heeded to the instructions of Olódùmarè and on the seventh day, he and Wúràọlá journey back to his town.

Òrúnmìlà was welcomed and praised by his townspeople for his achievement. When they asked him about Wuraola, his wife, he responded, “Ìyà tí mo jẹ ní Iwó” (my sufferings in Iwó town ) That was how wives became known as Ìyà-Iwó (sufferings in Iwó ) and now Ìyàwó . So men don't be afraid or surprise by what you experience daily, it started ages ago 

#Modelwithtribalmarks 

#Tribalmarkactivist

Ire Omitoke