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Green Sands Shandy: A Nostalgic Drink of the 1970s and 80s

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Green Sands Shandy holds a special place in the beverage history of West Africa and the Caribbean, remembered for its refreshing taste and the nostalgia it evokes among those who enjoyed it during its peak decades. Emerging in the late 1970s and gaining wide popularity through the 1980s, it became a light alternative to stronger alcoholic drinks and remains a symbol of a vibrant social era.

Origins and Popularity

Green Sands Shandy became popular in Nigeria, Trinidad, and other markets such as Ghana and Jamaica at a time when young adults sought something more sophisticated than traditional non-alcoholic drinks like Maltina or Chapman, yet milder than full-strength beer. For many, the drink symbolized a gateway between non-alcoholic beverages and beer, making it a common choice at parties, beach outings, and family celebrations.

The brand was associated with Heineken-linked breweries operating in West Africa and the Caribbean, which gave it both international quality control and local appeal. Its presence in bars, hotels, and supermarkets made it a defining beverage of festive gatherings.

Composition and Flavor

Marketed as a unique blend of lager beer mixed with apple- and lime-based soda, Green Sands Shandy offered a crisp and slightly tangy taste. The combination of beer’s subtle bitterness with the sweetness and citrus notes of soda created a flavor that stood out from both conventional soft drinks and traditional alcoholic beverages.

Low Alcohol Content

One of the drink’s defining features was its low alcohol content—around 0.5%. This allowed casual social drinking without the heavy effects of beer and made it acceptable to a broader audience, including those who typically avoided stronger drinks. In the late 1970s and 1980s, when lighter beverages were gaining global attention, Green Sands Shandy captured a growing preference for milder refreshment.

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Historical Roots of the Shandy

The concept of mixing beer with a non-alcoholic beverage long predates Green Sands. Its ancestor, the Shandygaff, originated in 19th-century Britain, where beer was mixed with ginger beer or ginger ale. By the late 1800s, lemonade or lemon soda often replaced ginger ale and the name was shortened to “shandy.” Green Sands Shandy continued this tradition, adapting the idea to tropical markets and proving that global drink culture could evolve and flourish in different regions.

Cultural Significance

Green Sands Shandy is more than just a beverage—it is a cultural memory. In Nigeria, it captured the excitement of the 1980s social scene, where families and friends gathered for parties and community events. In Trinidad and the wider Caribbean, it evokes the warmth of family get-togethers, beach limes, and youthful experiences. Its distinctive green bottle and bright label remain vivid in the memories of those who grew up in that era, a visual cue for the taste of a bygone time.

Even today, conversations about Green Sands Shandy stir a sense of nostalgia. For many, recalling its crisp flavor is like opening a window onto the vibrant social life of the late 20th century.

Sources

Smith, Andrew F. Drinking History: Fifteen Turning Points in the Making of American Beverages. Columbia University Press, 2013.

“History of Shandy.” Oxford Companion to Food and Drink, Oxford University Press, 2015.

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Ibadan indigenes warn politicians against disrespecting Olubadan

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The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, on Monday, read a riot act to the politicians in Oyo State, especially in the ancient city, over disrespecting the sacred stool of Olubadan of Ibadanland, warning that any attempt to denigrate the revered stool will be met with severe consequences.

CCII President-General, Ajeniyi Ajewole, gave this warning in a statement released by the council’s Publicity Secretary, Kola Olomide, in Ibadan, the state capital, amid growing concerns over rising reckless  utterances and conducts in the state by some power-seeking politicians

He said recent actions by some political actors had crossed acceptable boundaries and posed a risk to the dignity of traditional institutions in Ibadanland.

Ajewole stressed that the council would not tolerate any form of disrespect directed at the Olubadan stool, warning further that the CCII would not sit idly by and watch the Olubadan throne desecrated for political gain.

CCII said, “The stool is sacred to the people of Ibadanland and must be treated with the highest respect at all times. Any attempt to denigrate the revered stool will be met with severe consequences.”

The PG added that the Olubadan remains a unifying father figure to all indigenes and residents of Ibadan, regardless of political affiliation.

He said, “All politicians in Oyo are sons and daughters of the Olubadan. They must conduct themselves with decorum, restraint, and absolute respect for the institution.

“Any attempt at casting aspersions on the person of Olubadan and the stool and turning around to tender any apology would not be tolerated any longer. You mess up with that stool, you must be ready to face the consequence(s).

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“The palace can never become any politician’s pawn; it is our symbol of strength and unity. This is the last time such nonsense will be condoned. Let politicians be warned, to be forewarned is to be forearmed. We will defend our tradition, our heritage, and our dignity,” the council warned.

It also reiterated that the institution is strictly non-partisan and has continued to maintain neutrality and respect for all political actors in the state.

The council expressed strong displeasure over incidents where politicians were seen raining curses on their opponents, describing such conduct as irresponsible and unacceptable.

Ajewole, therefore, urged political actors to exercise restraint, warning that political differences must never be allowed to escalate into attacks on cultural and traditional institutions.

He called for maturity in political engagement, saying, “Politics should never be reduced to insults, curses, or hostility. We urge all political actors to rise above bitterness and act in the interest of peace and unity.”

The CCII reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the sanctity of the Olubadan stool and called on all stakeholders to ensure that respect, peace, and decorum remain central to political activities in the state.

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Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji, wife welcome triplet sons

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Popular Nollywood actor, Lateef Adedimeji, on Friday announced the arrival of his triplet sons with his wife and fellow actress, Adebimpe Oyebade, popularly known as Mo Bimpe.

Adedimeji made the announcement via his official Instagram page, sharing an emotional message in which he described the children as his world, responsibility, and legacy.

“I’ve been quiet… not absent. I was building, protecting, and embracing the greatest blessing of my life. God gave me more than I prayed for — a woman who became a mother of three, and three kings to call my own,” he wrote.

The actor, who closed the post with the Islamic expression of gratitude, “Alhamdulilah,” did not disclose the date of birth or the names of the children.

The announcement drew an outpouring of congratulations from fans and colleagues.

Fellow Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe wrote, “To God be the glory. Congratulations.”

OloyedeJuliana also wrote, “God is Good!!! God is Good!!!God is Good!!! Watching this again, I’m in tears, congratulations my fam, so happy for you two. Can’t believe
I’m an Auntie”

Also reacting, Omowumi Dada wrote, “Such GOODNEWS for the month of May. THANK YOU JESUSSSSSSSSSSSSS. Congratulations fam”

Adedimeji and Mo Bimpe, both prominent figures in the Yoruba film industry, had their wedding ceremony in 2021.

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I take full responsibility, Sisi Alagbo’s husband apologises over leaked sex tape

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The husband of popular social media personality Eniola Fagbemi, known as Sisi Alagbo, Adesola Akeem, has issued a public apology over a leaked sex tape involving his wife, himself and another woman.

The video went viral on Monday and has since generated widespread controversy online.

The video, which depicted the trio in an intimate encounter, began circulating on WhatsApp groups and Telegram channels before spreading rapidly to gossip blogs, Instagram pages and explicit-content websites.

In the footage, Fagbemi is seen filming Akeem having sexual relations with the third woman while all three were unclothed. It remains unclear how the video made its way online.

Akeem, in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Thursday, said he took full responsibility for his actions and acknowledged the disappointment the incident had caused.

“I write with a deep sense of responsibility and sincere remorse to extend my heartfelt apologies to my family, friends, business associates, religious leaders, fans, loved ones, and the entire Nigerian public over the recent incident involving a leaked sex scandal.

“I acknowledge the disappointment, embarrassment, and concern this situation has caused, and I take full responsibility for my actions,” he wrote.

He added that his conduct had fallen short of the values expected of him by those who had trusted and supported him.

Akeem also directed specific apologies to family members, friends, business associates, and religious bodies.

“To my fans and supporters, I deeply regret letting you down,” he said.

He described the period as one of reflection and said he was committed to making better decisions and rebuilding trust.

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“I am committed to making better decisions, rebuilding trust, and upholding integrity in both my private and public life going forward,” he added.

Sisi Alagbo had on Wednesday also apologised on her verified Facebook account, saying she had been unable to eat or sleep since the video emerged.

“I own my mistakes, and I apologize with all sincerity for the video circulating online. I am deeply sorry to everyone who felt disappointed in me,” she wrote.

Fagbemi rose to prominence through her promotion of herbal concoctions and became a social media sensation after a viral video of her kneeling to greet Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

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