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????"

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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

Samiah Ogunlowo

<h2>Celebrating your birthday with a personalised photo shoot is a fun and creative way to capture memories.</h2>

However, you don’t always need an elaborate setup or a professional photographer to achieve stunning results. With a few props, some creativity, and a smartphone, you can set up a birthday shoot right at home or at a beautiful outdoor spot in your neighbourhood.

Here are five simple yet fantastic birthday shoot ideas that you can easily execute yourself, and that will look great on your Instagram feed.

1) The DIY Balloon Wall

Photo collage wall photo idea (Pinterest)

Balloons are a simple way to add a festive vibe to your shoot, and a balloon wall is perfect for creating a focal point indoors.

&nbsp;- Setup: Tape or glue balloons of different sizes and colours to a blank wall. You can also use metallic, confetti-filled, or even letter balloons to spell out your age. If you want to keep it simple, opt for a monochromatic colour scheme for a chic look.

&nbsp;-&nbsp;Poses: Stand or sit in front of your balloon wall, holding a cake or a party prop in your hands. You could also hold one or two balloons for a closer, portrait-style shot.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- Pro Tip: Consider a colour scheme that resonates with you, whether it’s soft pastels or bold, vibrant colours. Try angling the camera slightly from above for a more dynamic perspective.

2) Confetti and Fairy Lights

This setup is easy, quick, and very effective for indoor photos with a dreamy feel.

- Setup: Hang string lights behind a plain curtain or drape them around a mirror. Next, sprinkle confetti on a flat surface or use it as a prop you can throw. Set up your phone or camera on a tripod or a stable surface.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- Poses: Sit on the floor with the lights behind you, or take a shot mid-confetti toss. If you want to focus on details, use a small piece of confetti or a glittery decoration as a close-up.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- Pro Tip: Be mindful of indoor lighting, and consider using a soft ring light for better illumination.

3) Cake Smash – Grown-Up Style

&nbsp;Bring out the playful side in you with an adult version of a cake smash. You don’t need a whole cake; a cupcake or a slice will work well.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- Setup: Find a clean spot near a window, or set up a table with a plain tablecloth. Place your cake or cupcake on a plate with a candle for that extra birthday touch.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- Poses: Capture yourself blowing out the candle, pretending to dig in with a big spoon, or even holding the cake close for a playful bite.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- Pro Tip: If you’d like a bit of messiness, use whipped cream or frosting to create fun, celebratory streaks on your cheeks. Use a self-timer or remote to take hands-free shots.

4) The Mirror Reflection Shoot

Mirrors are excellent props for indoor photography, especially if you want to create a relaxed and intimate feel.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- Setup: Position a large mirror in a spot with natural light. Clean the mirror beforehand to ensure a clear reflection. Decorate the space around you with a few birthday props like a mini banner, or hold a small balloon while looking into the mirror.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- Poses: Sit or stand in front of the mirror and take photos of your reflection. You can also hold up a birthday card or a prop behind you to catch in the reflection.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- Pro Tip: Use your phone camera and set it on a shelf or tripod beside you. This setup works especially well for capturing relaxed, candid shots.

5) Photo Wall Collage Background

If you have printed photos of past birthdays or special moments, they can be used as part of your backdrop. This setup makes for a meaningful and unique photo shoot.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- Setup: Choose a blank wall and stick photos in a grid or random pattern. You can also add personal touches like string lights, washi tape, or small decorations around each photo.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- Poses: Stand or sit in front of the wall, with the photos in the background. You could also hold one of the photos in your hand for a closer, more intimate shot.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- Pro Tip: If you’re looking to emphasise the nostalgic aspect, consider using black-and-white filters or a vintage camera app on your phone. This setup is perfect for capturing milestone birthdays, too!

Birthday shoots don’t have to be elaborate to be memorable. With a bit of planning and a few fun props, you can capture beautiful birthday moments right at home or nearby. These DIY shoot ideas not only save you money but also allow for a personalised and relaxed experience.

Whether you go for the classic balloon setup, the floral arrangement, or a cake smash, the important thing is to have fun and let your personality shine through. So, gather your favourite props, pick a theme, and celebrate another year with photos that reflect your unique style and spirit. Happy birthday, and happy shooting!

Celebrating your birthday with a personalised photo shoot is a fun and creative way to capture memories.

5 Indoor birthday shoot ideas you can do yourself

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