The Comrade`s wife, Changing lives!

SUNDAY, August 14, 2016
...NOT IN THISDAY STYLE? THEN YOU’RE NOT IN STYLE
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photograph: REZE BONNA
Content
Iara Oshiomhole was born in Capé Verdé, West Africa but at the age of three, her
family moved to the Netherlands where they reside till date. After meeting her
husband, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, she moved to Nigeria. As
First Lady, she currently runs We Care Trust Foundation, a non-profit organization,
which was established to support the orphanages, girl-child education, youth
skill acquisition and women empowerment in Edo State. This cause portrays Iara’s
beauty not just on the outside, but also within. Recently she had a chat with
Konye Chelsea Nwabogor, and she talks about her role as the First Lady and
also her plans for the people of Edo state.
Society
Uyi Giwa-Osagie at 50
Pg 4 & 5
Fashion
The ZEBRA In You
TREND TO TRY:
CHELSEA BOOTS
Pg 8 & 9
THE MOASHY COMPANY
AFRICAN FOOTBALLERS and
THEIR Other HALVES…
MOET INTERNATIONAL DAY
Pg 10 & 11
FUND-RAISING FOR HEART OF
GOLD CHILDREN’S HOSPICE
Pg 18
Pg 6 & 7
One Piece, Four Ways
Your Personal Wealth
Pg 20
How to find your sense of style
Pg 21
Thisday Style
Fashion Director/Executive Editor
Ruth Osime
08111847085
Editor Print: Olufunke Babs-Kufeji
08111847086
Editor Digital: Nkonye Nwabogor
08111847087
Style CORRESPONDENT MOJIsola ALLEN
08116759745
Style CORRESPONDENT Ayodeji Rotinwa
08116706878
Style CORRESPONDENT Safina Mohammed
08052552552
Graphics/Prod. Alexander Oviazee
08111813064
Graphics/Prod. Adegboye Oluwaseyi
Contributors
edirin Okumagba
RUKY SALAKO
YEMISI DADA SERIKI
Juliet Alu
Photographers
TY Bello
Reze Bonna
Yetunde Ayeni-Babaeko
DIRECTOR, PRINT PRODuction CHUKS ONWUDINJO
The other day a friend of mine asked me to cover an event for another
friend of ours’ son. Some exhibition or the other. When I returned from my
trip, I saw the planned pages and realized what the event was about.
It was an event organized to raise funds for underprivileged children
in a hospice. The pictures of those children broke my heart. It really
hit home, yet again, about how lucky we are to live the lives we live.
Not only have these children been dealt a tough blow because of
their birth defects, they have been given a double dose of bad luck
to be born under the worst circumstances. Some left in dustbins or
just simply dumped somewhere by mothers who have no provision for
their welfare. But thankfully, hospices such as these have been created
to make their difficult life more bearable for the time they have on earth.
And here we are, complaining about weight, moaning about money, griping
about kids, health, life in general! There is always one thing or the other to moan about
especially during these very trying times. But looking at those children was a real wake-up call! Yes we all
know of the existence of such havens. We all know their stories. We all know that what they need is love and
care. Putting a little smile on their faces is like lighting a thousand watts. And if a young man like my friend’s
son can go the extra mile to raise funds to make these children’s transition on earth better, imagine what
we, as adults can do. We also know it does not take much to impact on these little angels, so I will please like
to use this opportunity to ask everyone to show some love in whichever way they can to those who need
our love. Nothing is too small. I intend to practice what I preach and do the exact same thing I’m asking you
to do. Some of you already participate in such endearing ventures but for those of you who don’t, like Diana
Ross said ‘Reach out and touch somebody’s hand. Make this world a
better place, if you can.’
Fashion Director/Executive Editor
DDB SA 44827/E
A l l t h e tast e
w it h l e s s s u g ar
why add more?
Success isn’t just about knowing what goes in,
but also what doesn’t have to. That’s why, when we make Amstel Malta,
we use less sugar while keeping all of its full, premium flavour.
WHYADDMORE.COM #WHYADDMORE
Deola Kamson & Folake Oshinlowo
Osayaba Giwa-Osagie
Greg Okomah & Fola Omolayole
Toyin Pinheiro
Tunde Odulaja
Atiku Abubarkar & Ibikunle Amosun, Governor of OGUN STATE
Adenike & Tunde Laoye
Tunde & Kareemat Gbajumo
Ronke Shokefun
Kareema De-Laurent
Mariam Giwa Osagie
Olasupo & Gbemi Shasore
Uyi Giwa-Osagie
Bimbo Ashiru
Gbemi Giwa-Osagie
Osaro Giwa-Osagie
Labisi, Toyin & Bolaji Ogundairo
Olaitan Ajayi, YInka Fowora & Bunmi Ashebu
Doris Akerele
Bunmi Ali
Biola Akinola
Uyi Giwa-Osagie at 50
By Funke Babs-Kufeji
Lawyer and businessman Uyi Giwa-Osagie
recently threw it down in grand style to
celebrate his 50th Birthday. In typical Uyi
fashion, he went above and beyond for
the party renting the entire Lekki Coliseum
to cater to his invited guests. Dinner was
served at 7pm, guests were treated to a
three-course meal and served the finest
wines and champagne while birthday
speeches and well wishes were made.
When dinner was over, the guests moved
up to the dance floor where they danced
and grooved to the sounds of the 90’s till
date. Jazzman Olofin also made a cameo
appearance thrilling guests with his hit
song “Shake Something”. Guests danced,
mingled and had a good time while
finger foods; drinks and more were served
throughout the course of the night. It was
a party that will not be forgotten in a very
long time to come.
Kehinde,Olaolu Mudasiru & Taiwo Mayoku
Bisola Giwa-Osagie
Yetunde & Kemi Pinheiro
PAT FANIRAN
Chiedu Ebie
Bunmi & Timi Akinwumi
Nnoge MeGgisson
Charles APRUKA
Chris Ubosi
ADETOKE OLUWO
ELMA GODWIN
BRIENE ZILGMANS
AKIN FAMINU
OZEE & OCEE MBADIWE
DJ LAMBO
SEAL KAMSON
MOET INTERNATIONAL DAY
B y
GABRIEL AFOLAYAN
DENOLA GREY
MUNACHI ABII
A l l e n
It was a memorable day as the city of Lagos
played its part in celebrating the luxury
Champagne brand, Moet & Chandon who
played host to celebrate the International
Moet Day. The day kicked off with an All-White
Brunch party at Hard Rock Café, Landmark
Village, Victoria Island and ended with a Nectar
Night at Escape Night Club, Victoria Island,
Lagos. Spotted at the event include highly
esteemed guests, socialites, celebrities, fashion
influencers, and champagne lovers, who were
treated to various ranges of the champagne of
victory.
KAREN YOUNG
Becca beckins
M o j i s o l a
SEYI ALLEN
Dokun mofin
EKU EDEWOR
YVONNE EKWERE
Anita rajis
TOYIN KAZEEM, MORAYO ALABI & DUPE KAZEEM
Ezinne
Chinkata
Cynthia
onoriode
Didi
EBUN ADENIYI
Efe
WEMIMO
AKIN-OLAWUMI
ESOHE OSEBOR
BEN IKEAKHE
GRACE
OLOWOFOYEWU
MR & MRS. OLISA ONUGBOLU
JOSEPHINE
NDUBUISI-KANU
EMEM EKARIKA
OBOSA AKPATA
THE MOASHY
COMPANY
FUND-RAISING FOR HEART OF
GOLD CHILDREN’S HOSPICE
By Juliet Alu
B y K o n y e C h e l s e a N wab o g o r
If you’ve ever lusted after any
celebrity on the red carpet who
was styled by Moashy, then
you’re in luck!
The stylist behind
the brand, Moses Ebite recently
launched a studio to enable more
clients walk in and get a bit of the
Moashy Styling experience. The
studio, which is located at Victoria
Ariobeke Street, Lekki Phase 1 stocks
some of the best fashion pieces from
not only Nigerian brands but also
the International ones. Moses Ebite
needs little introduction as the heart
and soul of the Nigerian fashion
styling world.
NDIDI ANYAEHIE
moses ebite
Glory onuoha
EGO BOYO & UDO ONWGBO
UTO IHEUKWUMERE
OSARIEME
EZEKIEL
YVONNE EZEKIEL
6
HENRIETTA
OTOABASI-AKPAN
KAMAL & ESOHE KADIRI
Kamal Kadiri recently held a photo exhibition
to raise funds for a cause close to his heart.
He chose to take pictures of his mother’s
friends because of the profound positive
influence she has on his life. He visited
the homes of all her friends to get their
shots after which, he made them in
canvas and all the women bought their
own pictures. These proceeds were then
transferred to the Heart of Gold Children’s
Hospice. The hospice opened in 2003
in response to a steadily increasing
number of abandoned, orphaned and
sick children suffering from a vast range of
congenital abnormalities. The hospice offers
comfortable, caring and loving environment.
Visitors will find it to be a home away from
home atmosphere with these special
children who allow us into their lives, often for
all too short a time. The hospice offers quality
services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365
days a year. It is a place where every precious
moment counts.
7
STYLE
& DESIGN
THISDAY Style
Vol. 21, No. 7781 Sunday, August 14, 2016
ZEBRA
THISDAY Style
Vol. 21, No. 7781 Sunday, August 14, 2016
STYLE
THE
Make a statement in this hot trend and
invest in something striped. This season,
it’s time to embrace stripes. Forget about
your classic pallettes and do something
bold! Say hello to multicolour,
multidirection, stripe-on-stripe action.
& DESIGN
TREND TO TRY:
CHELSEA BOOTS
IN YOU
BY Ayodeji Rotinwa
The Chelsea boot is an extremely versatile silhouette that
works just as well with jeans as it does with a suit. They are
guaranteed to slot seamlessly into your existing wardrobe
and will bring a new dimension to any of your current
go-to ensembles. If you’re a fan of something dark and edgy,
try pairing your boots with the rock star’s go-to uniform:
black slim/skinny jeans, a plain tee/knit/shirt and classic
leather biker. It’s an outfit that can be thrown on with minimal fuss and oozes effortless cool. If something a bit more
clean or sophisticated is more your speed,
a crisp button down white shirt, a pair
of jeans, ripped or plain, with the boots
will be right up your alley. In between
both looks, you can throw a blazer in
there, and denim or tailored pants and
still get an ultra-look fit.
BY Ruky Salako
valentino
brandnew
studded leather
wristlet black &
white stripes
Prada
SAINT LAURENT
TOD’S
There really is something to suit everyone, too;
you may want to keep it subtle and opt for a fine
pinstripe blazer or blouse, which is perfect for work.
Or you may want to go all out with a bold wideleg trouser or maxi dress, which will really draw
attention to your weekend look.
Want to wear your stripes at night? Then it’s all about
sheer stripes. We’re looking to the likes of Stella
McCartney and Chloe for catwalk inspiration as they
both totally nailed the look, making those linear
lines feel fresh and playful for the new season.
MAISON
MARGIELA
The key is to keep prints the same and opt for
complimenting colours wherever possible. Of
course the most obvious is black and white but
you can push the enelope and experiment
with other colour stripes. They will be just as
striking.
SANTONI
TAJE PREST
COMMON
PROJECTS
Sound good so far? Get busy and look for
anything, including ccessories that will make this
bold statement for you!
Prada
TOM FORD
DENOLA GREY
Purchasing Guidelines
Here are a few pointers to keep in
mind when looking to buy a pair:
Lande Agusto
christian louboutin so-kate striped
snakeskin print stiletto pumps
Ann Ogunsulire
Yolande Okereke
Jeffrey Campbell Black &
White Stripe Darling Pump
• Chelsea boots traditionally feature
either a rounded or pointed shape. The
size of your feet will determine which
ones you should gravitate towards. If
• Look at the elastic fastening – the
you have larger feet go for something
rounded, whilst those with smaller feet quality of this will dictate the life of the
can often get away with a pointed style. boot. On cheaper versions this is often
what deteriorates first.
• Opt for something with a thinner,
leather sole. Everything about this boot • One design trend within Chelsea
boots this season is the colour pop
is streamlined and tapered, so avoid
elasticated panel. These styles offer
anything that is bulky or jars with this
a contemporary twist and can help
ethos.
mark your pair out from the crowd.
• Black is a classic choice and works
• Try on different heights, colours and
perfectly with jeans. Coloured suede,
designs in order to find the one that
like brown, navy or grey, looks better
suits your look best.
with chinos.
STYLE
THISDAY Style
Vol. 21, No. 7781 Sunday, August 14, 2016
& DESIGN
THISDAY Style
Vol. 21, No. 7781 Sunday, August 14, 2016
STYLE
AFRICAN FOOTBALLERS
and THEIR Other HALVES…
& DESIGN
BY Ayodeji Rotinwa
Football may be called ‘the beautiful game’ but we daresay it is not on the players on the pitch that
make it so. The women and the partners behind the players play a perhaps uncelebrated, unseen part
in making our favourite footballers shine, the strength behind their tackles, the drive to take on opponents, and the inspiration behind the well placed kicks that make us scream, “GOAL!” These women
popularly referred to as WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends) of football stars are stars in their own right,
some entrepreneurs, philanthropists, beauty queens, some with the digital media savvy that keeps us
entertained round the clock. There are a many fair few of them but this is the collection of the hottest,
most stylish, most beautiful WAGs…
ADAEZE YOBO
(married to
JOSEPH YOBO)
This is the most camera-ready,
picture-perfect, adorable footballing
/ celebrity couple, since… well,
since ever! Commanding most of
the mega star wattage is former
Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria and our
Instagram favourite, Adaeze Yobo.
We especially care for her fashion
choices, fit lifestyle and modelesque gait. Else you were told, you
could never guess she’s had kids.
Hers in a fun style that’s big on quirk
and adventure and you can tell from
how she rocks her clothes and her
ever-ready smile, she’s just here to
have fun.
GEORGETTE
ETO’O (married
to Samuel Eto’o)
Undoubtedly Georgette is a
patient woman. She had to
wait 10 years in her relationship
with Africa’s most decorated
and richest football player
before he slipped a ring on it.
It perhaps was well worth the
wait some would say as the
ring was a diamond stunner
that cost £500,000. Ring or
not, the couple has been
going strong all these years
with Georgette firmly by her
husband’s side.
AMARACHI NWANKWO
(married to KANU
NWANKWO)
She was the baby-faced bride who had
everyone holding their breath when they
saw her walk down the aisle with love of her
life, Kanu Nwankwo. A decade and some
years later, the couple is still going on strong,
and Amarachi, then 18 years old has grown
to become oe stunning woman! She used
to be much more private but has taken to
given us some glimpses into her family life,
rocking braids Beyonce would be proud of and
matching prints with her daughter.
PROMISE ENYEAMA
(married to
VINCENT ENYEAMA)
Though we knew much of her
husband and his match-winning,
goal-stopping antics, we didn’t
know who was probably behind
it all. Now we know. Promise
Enyeamah. She is a quiet, probably
shy woman who stuns by just
being. One look at her and we too
were in love!
OLGA DIYACHENKO (MIKEL
OBI’s girlfriend)
NKECHI OKOCHA
(married to Jay
Jay Okocha)
She is the daughter of a Russian billionaire and
the girlfriend of Nigeria’s preeminent midfielder,
John Mikel Obi. The Nigerian footballer is
yet to put a ring on it but the couple have
twin daughters together although there are
rumours they secretly got engaged but no
talk of a walk down an aisle yet! The European
Business school-trained stunner runs a fashion
and apparel company in the United Kingdom.
She is the hotter half of a onetime footballing / celebrity and
now power, society couple.
Nkechi Okocha has proven
she is more than a pretty face,
hanging on her husband’s
arm but is also involved in
his companies and business
endeavours. The couple that
makes money together stays
together? Away from business,
hers is a striking look that
demands attention when she
walks into the room, easy for
her to do since she towers over
everybody else…
MENAYE DONKOR (married
to Sulley Muntari)
CHIUGO OGUH (married
to JOHN OGUH)
DIAKITE LALLA
(married to
Didier Drogba)
Hailing from Mali, she is the
ultra-private, wife of globally
renown Ivorien soccer super
star, Didier Drogba. She is also
the niece of former Malian
President Amadou Toumani
Toure. She is hardly ever
seen publicly and when she
is, she is usually at an event
with her husband. She did
make English newspaper
headlines a few months ago
when she reportedly got into
an altercation with a cleaner
whom she felt was ripping
her off, charging £430 for her
services. Multimillionaire wife
or not, Mama Diakite don’t play
with her money!
She is not your average footballer’s wife. The
Canadian-born, once-upon-a-time model and
beauty pageant winner is a businesswoman,
entrepreneur and philanthropist who Soon after
the pageant run, established the Menaye Charity
Foundation and has overseen providing free,
quality education to under privileged children
in rural areas. She has also helped provide
medical care for over 600 orphans infected with
HIV or AIDS. She runs a property development
company in Ghana.
She is the newly-wed heartthrob of Nigerian
defender, John Ogu and latest entrant into the
WAGs community. Trained in Psychology, at
the University of Alberta, Canada, she recently
announced with her husband that they are
pregnant. Hers will go down in history of WAGs
as one of the more dramatic proposals as her
footballer husband proposed to her post match
in front of a packed stadium. *cue single tear*
STEPHANIE KALU UCHE
(married to KALU UCHE)
A former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria
(Universe) the beauty queen has certainly
come a long way. Having struggled with
hormone changes, weight and cystic acne
during her pregnancy, she recently launched
a wellness brand called Stephanie Nicholas
Wellness to help women who were in her
shoes to overcome the body-altering journey
of nine months. In pictures, she certainly
seems to be the yin to her husband’s yang as
they always match perfectly.
THISDAY Style
Vol. 21, No. 7774 Sunday, August 7, 2016
THISDAY Style
Vol. 21, No. 7774 Sunday, August 7, 2016
COVER
THISDAY Style
Vol. 21, No. 7781 Sunday, August 14, 2016
THISDAY Style
Vol. 21, No. 7781 Sunday, August 14, 2016
COVER
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IARA
Iara Oshiomhole was born in Capé Verdé, West Africa but at the age of three, her family moved to the Netherlands where they reside till date. She studied Law at Rotterdam University and work briefly as a paralegal but her desire to travel the world and experience diverse cultures, led her to join Emirates Airline as
an airhostess. But after meeting her husband, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, she moved to Nigeria. As First Lady, she currently runs We Care Trust Foundation, a non-profit organization, which was
established to support the orphanages, girl-child education, youth skill acquisition and women empowerment in Edo State. The goal is to positively change lives of the under-privileged for the better and encourage people to inculcate the noble practice of charity and selflessness. This cause portrays Iara’s beauty not
just on the outside, but also within. Recently she had a chat with Konye Chelsea Nwabogor, and she
talks about her role as the First Lady and also her plans for the people of Edo state.
Photograph by Reze Bonna
What are some of the projects your NGO has
taken on?
We have done quite a lot of projects through
We Care Trust Foundation. The Inaugural project
which is called Project Focus empowered 36
young individuals selected from the 18 local
government areas within Edo State in different
skill acquisition programs including; Events
Planning & Decoration, Fish Farming and Cake
Baking. The Project Focus IDP skill acquisition
training was for 160 persons and was tailored
towards the following areas of interest; Fish
Farming & Vegetable Cultivation; Food Production
& Packaging (Dry Non-Perishable Food); Creative
Arts & Tailoring and ICT Basic Computer Training.
We also have The Benin City clean market initiative
& award, which is a project in conjunction with the
market women leaders aimed at ensuring markets
are kept clean and to encourage environmental
responsibility and awareness.
Lastly, I have set up a Taskforce on Orphanages
and Special duties with intervention groups on
Health, Education & Social Work, Maintenance,
Documentation and Legal matters to give
assistance to the orphanages, ensuring orphanage
homes in Edo State are well managed and the
children in care are treated with the dignity they
deserve.
14
How have these ventures impacted on the
citizens of Edo state?
The 36 students that we trained in farming have
gotten fishponds at the back of their homes, while
others have set up businesses amongst themselves.
Some are also working in established organizations
like Amena Academy in Benin City - and of course
we cannot forget the children in the orphanages, we
are doing everything possible to give these children
a better standard of living. Currently, we have started
the renovation of the toilets in the orphanages
and we have ordered complete bunk beds (with
mattresses) for all the orphanages. Also, we are
making sure that all the orphanages have sitting
desks and a little library. Furthermore, we are actively
working on a health care policy for the orphanages
to ensure adequate healthcare. We also have the
IDP’s. The children, youth and women in the camp
have been trained in Project Focus IDP programs
and are now training others in the camp, so when
they choose to return back to their various states
and communities, they can go back empowered
and full of confidence knowing that they have a skill,
that no one can ever take away from them.
What emotional moments spring to mind
during the course of your ventures so far?
Yes, when I’m at the IDP camp and orphanages,
you can’t help but be humbled and emotional seeing
children living a life well below standard but are still
full of smiles and joy. This almost brings tears to my
eyes and until this day, I still get rather emotional just
talking about it.
What do you enjoy most about the environs of
Edo state?
You know, the people of Edo State are the
warmest people you will ever meet. They made my
job easy, I’m happy, to be in Edo state.
Have you been able to form some close
friendships, aside from your husband, which
have helped you with your transition into the
role of First Lady?
Yes, indeed I have. There is no way that you
can live in Edo State and not become friends with
anyone. The people here are so warm and friendly.
My husband’s family has been extremely good to me.
They have become my family and friends. Also, the
wives of other governors have been wonderful to me
and I cherish their support.
What challenges if any, did you initially
encounter and how were you able to overcome
them?
The fact is that I have not been in Nigeria long
enough to encounter all the challenges which the
country has but I’m very blessed to have the Edo
State women to enlighten, explain and tell me
anything that I need to know. They have been so
supportive.
Having a politically inclined husband
can be trying sometimes with late
night meetings and early morning
events. It’s not easy to find time to
spend together but we do try to spend
some “us-time” at the weekend. All the
same, he is hard working. I admire
and applaud his selflessness.
Are there times you have had to put your foot
down to get the chance to spend some special
moments with your husband alone outside
work?
Having a politically inclined husband can
be trying sometimes with late night meetings
and early morning events. It’s not easy to find
time to spend together but we do try to spend
some “us-time” at the weekend. All the same,
he is hard working. I admire and applaud his
selflessness.
How do you, as a couple, like to spend quality
time when you have it?
We like spending time outside in the garden,
enjoying nature and having a nice meal.
15
COVER
THISDAY Style
Vol. 21, No. 7781 Sunday, August 14, 2016
The Governor is popular for his stern stand on
his beliefs and for a long time, was the voice of the
people before getting into politics. But seeing you
in person is a reflection of the soft side he rarely
shows in public. What are some of the things your
husband does that makes you happy you chose to
spend the rest of your life with him?
I do understand that for most people it’s difficult to
believe that my husband doesn’t bring political issues home
but he is a loving husband and father and fun to be around.
Since you got married, how have you adjusted to
living in Nigeria and what are the traits you find
most appealing about her people?
I love that no matter what the circumstances in people’s
life they are always thankful, I have learned a lot from this
gesture. It’s a good blessing that God has given to the
people of Nigeria.
How often do you get to see your family and what
do you miss most about Cape Verde?
Most of my family actually lives in the Netherlands,
which is only six hours from Nigeria, and I see them as often
as I can. Cape Verde is where I’m originally from but I go
there once every year. I miss my family in Cape Verde very
much and I always can’t wait to see them again after every
visit.
What are the things you used to enjoy doing before
you became First Lady that you cannot do today?
People that know me are aware that I still do everything
that I did before, from doing my own grocery at the market
to changing the light bulbs in the house, nothing has really
changed. I still read books at the weekends and enjoy my
days as before.
So, have you developed a strong relationship with
any of the other First Ladies?
Oh, they are lovely women. Yes! Actually I’m not going
to call names but they have all being wonderful. We have
meetings. We also have a group chat where we chat on
daily basis.
That’s interesting. Do you all meet at a particular
time every year, and how often?
Yes, we do have meetings three times a year. We are
now trying to have that more often. We come together to
our compare the programs and to see where we can help
each other. We look at what works for one state, so we can
duplicate for the next state.
Has your style evolved with your new role or it has
stayed the same?
The Nigerian women are very stylish. Every event I
attend, I often find myself starring at the beautifully dressed
women. Unfortunately I’m not very stylish and prefer
comfortable, feminine and colourful clothing. But I do have
a love for skin care and healthy living. These are my favorite
when it comes to lifestyle.
Who played the most pivotal role in your life whilst
growing up and why?
My father did. He is a very strict but fair person. He is
loving, caring and funny. As a child, I used to follow him
everywhere including the hardware stores. That’s why I’m
quite handy with tools and creative.
By the end of your tenure as First Lady, what will
you most like to be remembered by?
I would like to be remembered as a kind-hearted person
that wanted the best for everyone around her.
If you had to give a piece of advice the next person
coming after you into this office, what will it be?
Don’t fear the things you don’t know - embrace it,
because the people of Edo state are always there with a
helping hand.
16
Don’t fear the things
you don’t know embrace it, because
the people of Edo state
are always there with
a helping hand.
THISDAY Style
Vol. 21, No. 7781 Sunday, August 14, 2016
S T Y L E & d es i g n
One Piece
Four Ways...
BY Ruky Salako
This Diane Von Furstenberg pleat skirt is our piece of the week. As simple as it
looks, an additional item can either dress it up or make it casual.
The Creative Chic
The Power Chic
She is the executive, always ready for that
important deal breaking meeting. She cannot be
caught off guard. Pays attention to details. Goes
expensive with her outfits. The power chic can go
to a meeting first in the morning, lunch with the
girls in the afternoon and also do a movie with
same outfit. She is just always alert.
This look works well for the stylishly chic, she is in a
fashion world of her own, not following the trends, yet
manages to stay trendy, and even set a trend.
Roksanda
Ilincic
Fendi
Proenza
Schouler
Vionnet
Cartier
Guiseppe
Zanotti
Diane von
Furstenberg £290
Dolce &
Gabbana
Diane von Furstenberg £290
Balmain
The Casual
chic
The Fashion Chic
Trendy, up to the minute chic, she stays fashionable, invogue, and confident, ready to try on anything new.
Lanvin
Dolce&Gabbana
The Row
Chloe
She is out and about, nothing
serious. You can rock this look to
the movies, lunch with the girls,
game date etc, but a No-No for
dinners, official meetings, first
dates and all the serious redcarpet-ish outings.
Alexander
McQueen
Fisayo Longe
Bottega Veneta
Alice+Olivia
Jimmy
Choo
Diane von Furstenberg £290
Diane von
Furstenberg £290
Gucci
Whichever click you belong, always make a conscious effort to look good.
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Just in case
With more ATMs closer to you…
it’s time to move on up
with Ecobank.
Check out your nearest
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Call 0700 500 0000, email
[email protected]
or visit ecobank.com
Whenever, wherever banking
ecobank.com
Your Personal Wealth
LifeSTYLE
Watcher
Dear
of
with Ononuju Irukwu
TONYE COLE
Times…
What gift
is in you?
S
eated on the podium, in a hall filled
with young undergraduates, was
one woman in the midst of three
men I knew. She, an unknown face
to me, was about to make a lasting
impression on my entire being. The
highly respected academic, the very successful
IT Entreprenuer and well sought after
Banker each made their deep and insightful
comments to the undergrads but her life story
held the crowd breathless. A woman who at
40, that age defining moment for so many,
didn’t know what to make of her life nor what
her purpose on earth was, looked at the last
N1,000 she owned and wondered what she
was going to do.
Her career as a secretary had left her
dissatisfied and feeling less than she was and
the prospects of a better life had long ago
dissipated. She was lost in a world so many
of us are all too familiar with. What was it
about her life that turned things around so
dramatically that within the span of 7 years
she had transited from one who was so lost
to a confident leader executive? She fell back
on the one thing she loved to do, something
she had a natural affinity towards, swallowed
her pride and began to cook. The N1,000 was
less than $10 and all it could make was a few
helpings of Moi-Moi (beans pudding) but in
this she was determined to become the best.
Every man when created, has been
equipped to excel in the world by a unique
gift placed in them by The Almighty. That gift
is fashioned and shaped by the circumstances
surrounding the individual and honed by
the choices made along the way. When
understood, it forms the crucible upon which
a life’s purpose is built and gives meaning
to the daily existence we live and this was
exactly what occurred in that ladies life. The
humble beans meal took her to the White
House where she became the first person
ever to serve Moi-Moi there. She has met UN
Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and addressed
world leaders from the platform of the Clinton
Global Initiative. Her $6 investment morphed
into an catering enterprise worth more than
$150,000 in annual sales and as the good book
says “seest thou a man diligent in his business?
He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand
before mean (obscure) men.”
Check yourself, are you standing before
kings?
May the Lord help us see the gifts in us today.
“I
I am Woman!
f you educate a woman, you educate a family,
if you educate a girl, you educate the future.” Queen Rania of Jordan
Twenty one years after the famous Beijing
declaration, what significant changes have
occurred for women globally? The Beijing Platform for
Action offers important focus in rallying people around
gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Let me share some statistics on the advancement of
women:
• Women now make up to 50% of the total workforce
world wide.
• Women make up 1/3 of the world entrepreneurs
totaling about 150million worldwide.
• In the United States alone, there are over 9.1million
businesses owned by women.
• Following the 2008 financial crash 2/3rd of households
surveyed showed women were now the breadwinners or
major contributors to households.
• Female participation in parliaments around the world
have almost doubled from 11.3% in 1995 to 22% in 2015.
• This is even more significant when we recognize that
there are now 10 women Heads of State and 14 Heads of
Government and three Women Chairman of Nigeria’s top
banks.
• In Africa, Rwanda has the
highest number of women
parliamentarians worldwide
as women there have won
63.8 per cent of seats in the
lower house.
• There are over 2000
women only /women focused
financial institutions bringing
savings and loan services
closer to rural communities.
• In Nigeria, NNEW( NECA’s
Network of Entrepreneurial
Women) launched the first
women focused microfinance
bank in 2015.
• Maternal deaths have
reduced by almost 50% since
1990.
There is still a long way to go. While I am not a feminist, I
strongly believe in the empowerment of women through
education and financial inclusion. Financial literacy and
independence opens new doors and opportunities
to women and broadens the ability to make informed
decisions. There are new opportunities to reconnect,
regenerate commitment, charge up political will and
mobilize the public. Everyone has a role to play—for
our common good. The evidence is increasingly in that
empowering women empowers humanity. Economies
grow faster, for example, and families are healthier and
better-educated.
In a recent Shriver Report, it is estimated that Women
make up to 50% of the global workforce and are either the
breadwinner in their families or contribute significantly to
household expenses. Yet women, though better qualified
and more experienced, still earn less than their male
colleagues and remain modest in their ability to negotiate
a fair remuneration for themselves.
Furthermore, EFInA in its 2014 financial inclusion survey
showed that even though the number of financially
excluded persons in Nigeria decreased to 36.9m, of this
number, 57.9% or 21m are women. In other words, there
are more women than men with no access to a bank
account or financial service in any form.
So is there really cause to celebrate women? Is there
a strong case for gender equality? Should starting a
business, the right to receive an education or health not
be available for every human being be they male or
female? Why should I be disadvantaged because I am a
woman? If I am good at a job or interview, should I not
be given the job? Should competence and merit not
count a whole lot more than my gender? In the area of
economic or financial independence, women sadly are
still a long way from home. Statistics show that women
need more access to be financially literate, to improve
their knowledge of financial terms and events and also
gain access to much needed capital for their businesses.
The IFC on its gender website states that by “working
to eliminate gender barriers in the private sector, IFC
enables companies and economies to improve their
performance. When men and women alike are allowed to
pursue employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership,
societies can realize their growth potential “. “Collectively,
women represent an underemployed resource that can
increase companies’ profitability
and contribute significantly to
shared prosperity. However,
women have less access to equal
employment opportunities and
capital to grow their businesses,
experience high levels of sexual
violence, are often barred from
owning or inheriting land or
other property, and have less
income to invest for the future.”
Beyond
the
Beijing
declaration and all other such
charters, we must recognize
the importance of financial
inclusion for women, economic
empowerment
including
financial literacy, education, access to quality healthcare,
housing and voting rights. Our future really does depend
on having educated girls who become strong women.
More importantly, I believe women now need to
strengthen their knowledge base and begin to take
action. With all the worldwide awareness and support
for women, we have to seize the opportunities that are
available and build on them from there. We can no more
sit and wait to be handed a plate of freedom.
“The fastest way to change society is to mobilize the
women of the world.” - Charles Malik, Lebanese Foreign
Minister and President of the UN General Assembly 1958”
Have a great week everyone.
Ononuju Irukwu is the Managing Director, Chapel Hill Denham
Management Limited, a leading Investment Management
Company in Lagos, Nigeria. She is also the Chief promoter of the
Women’s Investment Fund, an investment vehicle for Women
initiated by Chapel Hill Denham Management Limited. She has
over two decades of experience in Personal Banking and Wealth
Management and is passionate about increasing financial
literacy levels for women and youths. She can be reached via
email [email protected] and twitter @ononujui
THISDAY Style
S TVol.Y20,LNo.
E 7355
& Sunday,
d es
g2015
n
Junei14,
THISDAY Style
Vol. 21, No. 7781 Sunday, August 14, 2016
How to find
your sense
of style
BY JULIET ALU
Understand your body
Knowledge is power. So the first thing you need to
understand is what kind of body you have and what works
for you. If you have a good understanding of your body
shape and your strengths and weaknesses, you can buy the
right clothes to either accentuate or camouflage them.
Style is personal. There is no herd to
follow. There are no rules. There are
no seasons. Your wardrobe should
contain only amazing choices. It is
much easier to be inspired when
you see five remarkable pieces than
when you see 25 pieces and 20 of those
are unremarkable. Pick key items
and get rid of the rest, even if it is
the must-have item of the season, or
you spent a month’s salary on it, or
you wore it everyday of your teenage
years and can’t bear to part with it,
if it doesn’t look good on you now, it
shouldn’t be there. Start by throwing
out anything you no longer wear or
that doesn’t look good on you anymore. Be ruthless. Its easier said than
done, so make yourself a deal: for every 20 items you chuck, you can buy
one killer piece.
Keep a notebook or diary or take pictures
If you felt great on any particular day wearing a certain
outfit, write it down. Or even better, take a picture. I have
found that taking pictures of myself is a great help in
recognizing which outfits worked and looked good and
which ones didn’t.
Understand your personality and
coloUrs
Colours can also have a huge effect on your style and how
you feel. Understand how certain colours make you feel.
You can consider doing a colour analysis with an image
consultant or you can do a style course. You can also do
exercises like the style statement to understand your
style personality.
Keep a scrapbook or pin the styles that
inspire you
Whenever you see others wearing clothes you admire
or like, try to get a picture and paste it in a note or
scrapbook or pin it on pinterest. After a while, you will
see a pattern developing of the kind of styles that you
like. Take note of that and remind yourself about this
style before going for the latest fashionable trend.
toke makinwa
Be critical of your current wardrobe
Be honest. Which garments in your closet do you really like?
How many of the garments have you not worn for a long
time. How many were mistakes. Again, write down what didn’t
work. Which clothes make you happy? Then throw away or
swap any items that you know doesn’t really look good on you.
They may be great pieces, but if they don’t suit you or your
body type, you will not look stylish on them.
Make sure that every item you buy fits you
I’m sure this happened to you. You see an absolutely wonderful
piece of clothing at a rock bottom price. You try it on, but it’s
just a little bit too short or too tight. You buy it anyway because
the piece is so lovely and it’s cheap. This is a big mistake. Any
clothing that does not fit you properly will never look good on
you. So please beware of sales and only buy new clothes when
you really adore them and they fit you properly.
folake
huntoon
Only follow the latest trends when they
fit your style or your body type
True style defies fashion trends. Although it is nice to add
some trendy pieces each season, you should only go for
the trends that suit you. Try to wait for that trend that suits
you and then buy several pieces.
Make sure your wardrobe contains all
the necessary basics for your style
anna ebiere
If through all of the above you got a clearer sense of what
you like and what suits you, you need to determine if you
have the basic essentials necessary for your particular style.
These basics will be different for all of you. Go through your
inspiration book and determine the absolutely necessary
essentials for your style.
idia aisien
STYLE
THISDAY Style
Vol. 21, No. 7781 Sunday, August 14, 2016
& DESIGN
STYLE CRUSH
BOLA BALOGUN
BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI
Can you belive this hot sexy
mama is a mother of five?
Whether Bola Balogun’s out with
her Glam Brand Agency team
working of a luxury project, on
the red carpet or just hanging
out with her family and friends,
this former stylish turn PR guru
just oozes style everywhere she
goes.
Sure you all have noticed
this fashionista knows her
onions; she looks classy in
this red dress, which shows,
off her bodacious curves.
Can we give her a round of
applause here?
All covered up yet still alluring. Palazzo
pants are a perfect for a sophisticated cover
up look, if ever in doubt about how to style
them, take the cue from Bola and look super
sophisticated while still covered up.
Didn’t we tell you this fashionista was
fabulous?! Even casually dressed, she
makes a statement with her looks.
Here, Bola wears a long sleeved
button down shirt, tucked in a denim
skirt with a front slit, a Gucci saddle
bag which also doubles as a shoulder
bag and we know can be purchased
at the Polo Avenue here in Lagos. She
finishes off the look with a pair of
gold cap black suede shoes. Don’t
you just love how all the different
contrast of colours, prints and
jewel tones come perfectly together?
Bola is a stunner any
day of the week. Here
she wears a black
dress by fast rising
designer Meena and
for a mother of five she
looks way too hot not
to do a double take.
Her svelte figure is to
die for and is every girls
envy but what we love
most is the way she has
jazzed this LBD up with
a statement neck piece
and finished of the look
with matching silver
tone pointy pumps.
Not one to always play it safe,
Bola steps up her fashion game
in this ball chic outfit. I really
would have loved her to go all
out with the basketball wives
hoop earrings but she played
the look safe with a pair of studs
but all the same, she carries the
look effortlessly.
Bang on trend,
Bola wows us
on the carpet
in her fringed
Tamara Mellon
Skirt looking
like a bag of
money. Her top
totally
complements
the skirt, simple
enough not to
take attention
away from her
skirt, her bag
and shoes are
also colour
appropriate and
her long curly
locks gives her
look the fun
flirty vibe to
bring the look
together.
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