Sunday 20th November 2016

SUNDAY, November 20, 2016

...NOT IN THISDAY STYLE? THEN YOU’RE NOT IN STYLE

TR UT H

& RE A SO N

o s a n u z I a t i s O

! r a t S g n i s i R s ’ y t r a P g n i Rul

Cover Photos By TY Bello

Content

Society

ART X Lagos: The Art, The People, The Experience

Fashion

STYLE CRUSH

Pg 8

Pg 4 & 5

WHAT’s YOUR BODY TYPE? QMB BUILDERS’ MART

Whose horse are you on?

Pg 10

LAGOS COCKTAIL WEEK Makari 24 Carat Gold Launch

Pg 6 & 7

HEINEKEN LAGOS FASION AND DESIGN WEEK 2016

Pg 20 & 21

Street Style

Pg 22

Osita Izunaso is one of the most impactful political leaders in the country today. He is also a seasoned communications expert and trained journalist. Currently the The National Organizing Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita is a forward thinking politician, known for his stand on various issues plaguing the country and is not afraid of airing his views. Today he discusses his journey in life so far at 50!

Thisday Style

Fashion Director/Executive Editor Ruth Osime

08111847085

Editor Print: Olufunke Babs-Kufeji 08111847086

Editor Digital: konye Nwabogor

08111847087

Style CORRESPONDENT MOJIsola ALLEN 08116759745

Style CORRESPONDENT Ayodeji Rotinwa 08116706878

Style CORRESPONDENT Safina Mohammed

08052552552

Graphics/Production Head 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

Our cover subject this week is one of Nigeria’s most illustrious politicians. As we all know, politics is not a journey for the lilly-livered or faint-hearted. It can sometimes be likened to walking through a landmine. You can see your destination ahead of you but you never know where or when you might step on a grenade and it takes plenty of wisdom and experience to know how best to manuveur your steps. Not surprisingly, in our cover interview, the subject spoke about trust issues. A remark clearly based on the many betrayals and slippery slopes politics, business or even life in general, is riddled with.

Which brings me to my first point...Betrayal. It usually comes from the least expected.

Those who you once shared a deep level of trust and confidence with. That’s why it cuts so deep. People who don’t know the true value of loyalty can never appreciate the cost of betrayal. To those who have never tasted it, it is best not served. And for those who have, the after taste is also best not dwelled on because at the end of the day, the One who can never betray you, is none other than the Almighty Himself. Some are lucky enough to have people in their lives who are just as dedicated and trustworthy, but, and this is a very big BUT...you can never say never because the chances of getting stabbed in the back vary between 1-100%! The funny thing is, after appealing to your conscience and sometimes apologizing for their acts, the betrayer will forget what they did or said, but the betrayed can never forget how the betrayer made them feel and even after they move on and eventually let go of the disappointment/hurt of such cruelty, it leaves a scar and the trust the offended once had for the offender never fully returns. That is not to say everyone should be painted with the same brush of distrust, but in Nigeria of today, especially in these turbulent times, one has to learn to depend primarily on God, not man. The secondary is earned not taken by force. As Oscar Wilde said, ‘Experience is the best teacher. It gives you the test first and the lesson afterwards’. He could not have been more apt in his analysis. Some consolation is that, success is revenge best served cold. Which brings me to my second point...Success. What makes success more special is when people extend the largesse of their wealth to those who benefit from it. Such acts of kindness can not be measured because people who do charitable ventures like this, work for a cause, not for applause.

They live life to express, not to impress. They don’t strive to make their presence noticed, but more importantly, to make their absence felt and appreciated. If you have been blessed, and touched the lives of many positively, you are celebrated by the recipients through their prayers of graititude. What might seem like a token to you is a lifesaver to them. And for this kindness, someone up there has taken note. Nothing is too small or too big. The impact has been made.

And as for the player haters, always remember, your life today is another person’s fairytale.

Fashion Director/Executive Editor

Mr Akinkugbe

Kemi Davies

Olu Jacobs & Joke Silva

Odein Ajumogobia Nike Davies Okundaye

Donald Duke Peter Obi Victor Etuoku

Fola Adeola

Iyanya & Femi Ayeni

Sandy Obiago & Tola Adegbite

DAPO OLUMIDE & DEOLA BALI

Folake Coker

Yewande Zaccheaus

Obafemi Olopade

Obi of Onitsha & Atedo Peterside Jimi Agbaje

Victor Ehikhamenor

Uzoma Dozie Obi Okigbo & Wole Soyinka

Reni Folawiyo, Mo Abudu, Tokini Peterside, Bolanle Austen-Peters, Dundun Peterside & Catherine Bickersteth

PAUL ADEFARASIN

ART X Lagos: The Art, The People, The Experience

By Ayo d e j i R ot i n wa

The maiden edition of ART X Lagos took place recently at the Civic Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. The 3-day art fair was designed by TP-Collective to widen Nigeria’s connection to the contemporary art scene across Africa and internationally. ART X Lagos was created to provide the best insight into what the visual art sector in Africa has to offer to a wider local and international audience, and encourage African and international patrons to visit Lagos. ART X Lagos had a record breaking 5,000 visitors spread over the three days, who got to see the best art works by over 65 African artists.

Bisi Silva

Tokini Peterside

Nike Oshinowo Kavita Chellaram & Bola Shagaya

Genevieve Nnaji Ade Bakare

Ego Boyo Ify Ighodalo

Ikechukwu & Yvonne Chioke

Lakin Ogunbanwo & Maki Oh

DJ Spinall

FUNMI ST.MATTHEW DANIEL

Stephen Enumah

Lara Rawa

BANKE MESHIDA

Olisa Adibua

Bikiya Graham Douglas

LAGOS COCKTAIL WEEK B y

AKEEM & BILIKIS OLANREWAJU

OSE BEN-WILLE

B a b s - K u f e j i

The grand finale of Lagos Cocktail Week held at the prestigious Wheatbaker Hotel recently, was a climatic end to a week-long cocktail fest. This year’s edition maintained the standard the event is known for, with an array of activities such as master classes, mixologists brunch, a “team bar” hop and discount on various cocktails. Different bars converged to showcase their best repertoire of cocktails and presentations. Cocktail experts looked out for the best mix and skill set, to which the competing bars did not fail to go beyond expectations, as there were surprises, tricks, fresh mixes and discoveries.The bar battle was a new idea aimed at creating a healthy competition amongst mixologists to attract a form of camaraderie and brand loyalty. Besides a free flow of cocktails, DJ Spinall treated guests to the best music and kept everyone on their feet the whole night. The event ended with guests having a taste of quality cocktails made from Johnnie Walker, Cîroc, Smirnoff Vodka and Baileys by Eventi Cocktails. The event was proudly supported by The Wheatbaker Hotel, and Lagos Cocktail and Diageo PLC.

JAIME QUINTANA & FABRIZIO NORGANTINI

The Finalists BISADE & BIMBO BIOBAKU

F u n k e

GBEMIBO OGUNFIDODO

LOLA MAJA

KUNLE OGUNBAYO

TUNJI SUMONU OMODUNKE ADELAKUN

MEDINAT & QUDUS BIOBAKU

FADI MSAED Onah Nwachukwu & Vivian Odofin-Daniel

ALAN DAVIES

Deola Adebiyi Lola Oj

Nimide Ogebun

Tayo Afolabi Godson Ukegbu

Tewa Onsanya

QMB BUILDERS’ MART

Makari 24 Carat Gold Launch

By Alexander Oviazee

By Moji Allen

QMB Builders’ Mart, one of Nigeria`s leading building materials’ vendors, officially opened a new outlet in Gbagada, a one-stop shop and purpose –built facility on three floors for every item required to make a building functional and efficient.

The company, who recently concluded its annual continuous professional development seminar with its technical partners and manufacturers from across Europe and Asia, to highlight trending costeffective innovations in the building industry, were also in attendance to celebrate the opening in grand style.

6

Barbara Onianwah

AYO BIOBAKU

ADETORO BIOBAKU

SEGUN OLOKETUYI

Dedun Kolawole & Kaylah Oniwo

Vivian Oputa

Ezinne Alfa Lola Maja

Thedora Mogo

Global skincare brand, Makari de Suisse launched its renowned super effective formulation 24 Karat Gold Range on October 12th. The launch event kicked off with a training session earlier on in the day facilitated by New York based Makari Trainer, Mimi Gnoleba. The training had accredited beauty representatives as well as authorised distributors of the Makari brand. The 24 Karat Gold range was later launched in the evening at a cocktail event attended by media influencers, beauty bloggers and journalists. Folayemi Oyenuga, Director Makari De Suisse Nigeria, expressed that Makari has been working consistently and relentlessly with NAFDAC on quality control and seizure of counterfeit products being sold at key wholesale markets and retail points of purchase nationwide. “We remain committed to this battle against all counterfeit Makari products nationwide. For this Makari de Suisse has partnered with two key exclusive distributors only and we are pleased to announce officially that you can get authentic Makari De Suisse products which are loved globally with Kuddys Cosmetics and Chisuf Ventures in Nigeria.”

STYLE

THISDAY Style Vol. 21, No. 7889 Sunday, November 20, 2016

& DESIGN

STYLE CRUSH

MO-ABUDU

BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI

Do we know another 50 something -year-old who doesn’t look a day older than 35 and is always impeccably dressed as Mo Abudu? The media mogul delivers some of the most sophisticated looks every time she steps out. It’s almost as if she can’t have an off day, which is amazing considering she’s one of the busiest women in media.

Where does she get the time to look so darn fabulous?

She was the picture of ladylike elegance in this Midi dress, she sure does have the classy and chic look on lock.

Here’s why Mo continues to dominate best-dressed lists.

She is a sight to behold in this red floral print dress, skin sling back pumps and a smile that lights up a room. It a win for us.

This is the kind of glamour red carpets were made for. Mo is simply breathtaking in another LDA custom-made piece for the premier of Fifty, effortless and chic is what this look brings to mind.

White is not an easy colour for many to pull off but here Mo has the look on lock at the London Premier of the movie Fifty in a Dolce and Gabbanna dress. Looking very much like the star she is Mo just can do no wrong when it comes to style and fashion.

MO sizzled at the Toronto film Festival in this LDA Erela top matched with black pants. She looks all shades of chic finishing the look with a chunky bracelet and cocktail ring.

This is how you do casual people. Mo may be covered up in this Black and white stripped jumpsuit, but she looks chic and relaxed in this one piece, which further amplifies our love for jumpsuits.

Lifestyle

Watcher

Dear of

TONYE COLE

Times…

Whose horse are you on?

K

WHAT’s YOUR BODY TYPE?

nowing the shape of your body is one of most crucial steps to finding styles that suit you. We all have different body types and shapes so it’s very important to know what compliments your body type. There are several body types but the focus will be on the five common ones that most people are familiar with: hourglass, apple, pear, ruler, and lastly the inverted triangle. Below is a breakdown of the different body types, traits types and some recommendations on what styles would be flattering to each body type.

Hourglass body shape

This is considered the dream figure and the probably the most envied of all the shapes; some people refer to this as the “Coca-Cola” bottle shape. The hourglass figure is round and curvy; your waistline is significantly small while your thighs are full but narrower than the lower hips. It’s best to wear clothes that showcase the silhouette of your figure rather than hide it. Since the hourglass figure is already flattering, do not overdo it with things like excessive frills or ruffles. Some wardrobe essentials for the hourglass are: a tailored blazer slims down into the waist and emphasizes your figure.

Bodice, or wrap dresses accentuate the waist and lift the bust. High rise pencil or A-line skirts are also very flattering because they cling to your figure coming right into your waist to show off your sexy curves. To balance out your hips, its best to wear pants that are slightly flared, wide leg or boot cut.

Apple Body Shape

This figure is usually referred to as being “top heavy” because of the broad shoulders, full bust, waist and back. Women with this figure tend to have thinner arms, legs and hips. The bust and midriff may be larger than your hips, your high hips are wider than your lower hips, and your thighs are the narrowest part of your body. Some wardrobe essentials for this shape are a swing coat or dress that gives a flattering look and illusion of a smaller waist and also highlight your cleavage. A knee length structured pencil skirt is also flattering to the legs. Wearing a form-fitting swing top will give a soft look and reduce the focus on the broad shoulders and bust. The best types of bottoms to wear are the trouser style pants.

Pear Body Shape

This figure is also called the “triangle” shape. Your hips are larger than your bust and you have a nicely defined waist. Your neck is elegant and your arms and shoulders are proportionate. Your waist is one of your best assets

with the pear shape so don’t be afraid to show it off. The goal is to elongate and balance your figure by showing off your top half especially your waistline. Some great wardrobe essentials are: tops that add volume to the bust with a fitted waist, off shoulder tops with wide necklines that showcase your slim shoulders while emphasizing your waist. Pants that fall straight from the widest part of your hips, A-line skirts, long A-line coats that end at the widest parts of the hips, and fit and flare or empire waist dresses are a ‘must have’ for your wardrobe. Let’s not forget a very important accessory “scarves”, a bright scarf to show off those beautiful shoulders.

Ruler Body Shape

This is also commonly referred to as the” rectangle or straight” body type. This is a very common type for many super models. Your legs are one of your best assets; many ruler shape ladies have an athletic build.

Some common traits of this body type are: balanced hips and bust, waist is not well defined, small bust line; most ladies with this body build have more of a flat bottom. There are some fantastic wardrobe essentials: off the shoulder, boat neck, wide U neck or V neck tops, basically tops that are full or flowing around the bust will lengthen your shoulders to create the illusion of a smaller waist. Double breasted jackets with full or structured shoulders and a belted waist are very flattering as well. To achieve a curvaceous appearance, it’s important to wear bottoms that are slightly flared pants; full, tiered or bubble skirts that curve to your lower half will help create an hourglass effect.

Inverted Triangle Shape

This shape is also referred to as the “cocktail glass because you start broad from the top and narrow down in the legs. You have prominent and broad shoulders that are wider than your waistline or hips.

Your chest is large and your back is full. Your hips are slim and your bottom may have the tendency to be flat.

Your beautifully shaped legs are your best asset. Some great wardrobe essentials to help you achieve a taller and slimmer look are: peplum skirts, pants with front pleats, and straight pants. Mid-size belts also help to emphasize your waist.

The bottom line is there is no right or wrong body shape; so you have to be unapologetic and comfortable in your own skin because you are peculiar in your own unique way and that is the true essence of beauty. Always remember your style and glam is what makes you exceptional!

– ARAMIDESCLOSET

G

oing seamlessly through immigration, past glittering duty free shops of global brands to drain any last dollar you might still carry and settling in the executive lounge designed to help any time spent be a bliss, I was reminded of a horse riding experience I had many years ago. On a business trip to Brazil, I was invited to spend the weekend at the expansive ranch of the businessman who I was there to court. After what was probably the best starlit dinner in the countryside in memory, we woke up to the rising sun with an offer to ride on horseback, exploring the length and breadth of the ranch.

Even from where we stood, the undulating hills, streams and greenery was simply breathtaking but I carried a secret I was unsure of how to divulge.

My horse riding knowledge could be summed up to posing on horses on the beach for pictures while the groom led the horse around by the reins for a short walkabout. Now here I was, chasing the deal of a lifetime and wondering if some honesty at this point would be a lifesaver or a deal breaker. Right before me were an array of horses, all bigger than any I had ever seen in my home country. Sensing my nervousness, the host informed me he had reserved the gentlest of beasts for me to ride. I looked at the gentle one and felt little comfort but proceeded to mount her as I had seen countless cowboys do.

Hardly had my butt touched the saddle than she took off like one possessed. My host, all rancher, cowboy and hero rolled in one, gave hot pursuit and together we managed to bring my not so gentle, gentle beast under control.

When the Almighty created man, He gave us dominion over all of living things as well as the authority to subdue the earth. It was an act of love to care and nourish the earth not to abuse and destroy life. As a divine edict, wherever respect for life and well being of the earth is practiced, the people flourish, order thrives and the land prospers. I had to make a choice that day, continue riding or give up my quest. As the horse sensed a resolve to take control by me, she calmed down as well and a bond developed whereby she trusted me to trust her to do what she was created to do. Nations and her leaders exhibit similar traits, where no bond exists, when trust is abused and life not respected, where the led and the lead have divergent views of where their destination is nor agree on who has the reins, then the outcome is chaos. As I departed Singapore, I felt some hope for my nation that if they can ride their horse so well, so too can we.

Will you resolve not to give up your quest?

May God guide us to glory today.

THISDAY Style Vol. 21, No. 7889 Sunday, November 20, 2016

THISDAY Style Vol. 21, No. 7889 Sunday, November 20, 2016

COVER

THISDAY Style Vol. 21, No. 7889 Sunday, November 20, 2016z

COVER

THISDAY Style Vol. 21, No. 7889 Sunday, November 20, 2016

a t i s O

o s a n u Iz

Born 30 October 1966, Osita Izunaso is one of the most impactful political leaders in the country today. He is also a seasoned communications expert and trained journalist. Currently the The National Organizing Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita was previously elected to the House of Representatives in 1992 and again in 1999, and was appointed Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker and Senate President. He was also the Chief Press Secretary to the Minister of Youth and Sports (1995–1997) and was Minister of Labour & Productivity (1998–1999). An insightful and forward thinking politician, Osita is known for his stand on various issues plaguing the country and is not afraid of airing his views.

Photos By TY Bello

15

COVER

THISDAY Style Vol. 21, No. 7889 Sunday, November 20, 2016

You just hit the golden age of 50, how does it feel?

I don’t feel anything at all because age is just a number. There are people who are 80 and feel like 30. The only thing is that when I look at the calendar of my birth, I know that I have reached 50.

Everything is still the same, and there is this new philosophy that 50 is now the new 30. So I feel like I am 30.

Any regrets?

I cannot say I have any regrets but in life, you must have ups and downs. If anything, I would say that I am one of those whom God has blessed. Even at 50, I have served in the House of Representatives and the Senate several years ago. Now, I am doing other things. One of the things we learn as politicians is that people must deceive you. When you are dealing with 10 people, know that nine of them might deceive you. What they will tell you is not what they will do at the end of the day. Those are lessons of life so I cannot call them regrets. It shows that you cannot put your trust in any man. It is only God that you have to trust in. No matter who that person is, don’t trust any human being. Trust with reservation, don’t trust wholeheartedly.

Any fond memories from your childhood?

Yes. I grew up from a polygamous family. I have older siblings from my own mother and from the sides of the other wives but I am the only son of my own mother and the family is one large family.

Everybody lives together, everybody eats together.

It took me a long time to know that some of my siblings are not from the same womb and we all grew up in Onitsha. My father was a renowned trader. I don’t want to say a businessman. My mother believes in education. She made sure she navigated me through education. The moment I finished my secondary school in Trinity High School, Oguta, I had to move straight to Markudi to do my A levels, because my uncle, her younger brother lives there.

I then proceeded to University of Jos to complete my university education. If I had stayed in Onitsha maybe my orientation would have different.

A communication expert by profession, why and how did you delve into politics?

There are some things you have flare for. I have flare for public communication, public relations and journalism that is why I did a postgraduate diploma in Journalism to acquaint myself properly before practicing. Public relation is something that most people do not know that is an act. That is why if you have a good public relation expert managing anybody, 60% of the job is done. So I have a very big interest in communication. Another thing is that there is a major difference between pure journalism and PR practice much as they are related but they are not exactly the same thing. Some can be good writers, good broadcasters, that is pure journalism but they might not be good public relation persons.

Somebody can be a good PR person but he might not even able to write well or communicate well but if he can communicate well, a good PR person will be able to pass any message. I was one of the very few in Abuja that realized the job of Chief Press Secretary is actually meant for journalist and not civil servants that grew up in the system.

Now you are fully into politics, what has been your experience so far?

My experience in politics is not different from other people’s experiences. Politics is one business that is almost like a profession because it takes

16

There are people who are also very loyal in politics that if they trust you, they will believe in you. Come rain come sun they are there. There are some that the moment you are no longer succeeding, they will leave immediately. If tomorrow you succeed again they will come back and say that you should forgive them.

all your time. Once you are in it, you can’t come out of it easily. Politics enables you to deal with human beings. You will now know the true nature of human beings. You don’t know the true nature of human beings until you are in politics. You will see everybody in his or her true element both those who are lying to you and they will make you believe that they are not lying. Both those who have nothing to offer will make you believe that they have everything to offer. You know in the corporate world, if you don’t have anything to offer you have nothing to offer. If you have something to offer everybody will know. But in politics, those who have nothing to offer will make you believe that they have a lot of things to offer and you go and bank on them and at the end of the day they disappoint you.

In politics again, I have learnt that one should not trust. Don’t trust because that will be the beginning of your failure. If you over trust you fail. What you do is manage human beings as they come. There are people who are also very loyal in politics that if

they trust you, they will believe in you. Come rain come sun they are there. There are some that the moment you are no longer succeeding, they will leave immediately. If tomorrow you succeed again they will come back and say that you should forgive them. One thing about politics is that they mischievously offend you and come back later to say just forgive me you know it was the devil but when they are doing it they know exactly what they are doing because if you try to call them to order, they will not listen to you. I will just give you one example that I don’t like talking about. Somebody was arrested for kidnapping and I know the person cannot be involved in kidnapping because of my understanding of him. I know him very well. The matter was so bad that he could have lost his life. I have to move in and follow the case to its logical conclusion. Even the guy himself had given up and at the end of the day, I was vindicated because the guy was released, discharged and acquitted. Everybody was so happy that if I didn’t believe in this guy, I wouldn’t have gone this far to save his life. I can shock you that when I was contesting election, this same person was the first to oppose me that he was not going to support me because I have done nothing for him! How do you explain that? This is a man I staked my integrity as a Senator for; signed all documentations, moved from one police to another, got up to the IG and secured his bail and got him released because I believed he was innocent and at the end of the day, it was proven that he was not a kidnapper and he got his freedom. So that is why I am saying you have to be careful when you are dealing with human beings in politics.

Do you have role models in politics?

Yes of course. There are a lot of people that one can call role models. One of my major role models in this country is Nnamdi Azikwe who I cannot describe as a tribalist. I can describe him as a nationalist, a pan African. There are other people but you know it is difficult this day to say that this is your role model in politics when you don’t even know their political philosophy. You don’t know what they believe in.

Why is politics in Nigeria considered dangerous?

People say it is dangerous but to me it is not as dangerous as other disciplines. There are other endeavours that are more dangerous than politics.

Every job has its own hazards. I won’t describe politics as being very dangerous but it has its own hazards. It is people that make it look dangerous.

That is why in politics, I don’t deal with people who have no ambition. I keep advising my youths that they should not just be hailing me but they should also be able to tell me what they want to achieve in life because I know what I want to achieve in life. You must know what you want to achieve in life so that we can work together. Don’t work for me; work with

COVER

THISDAY Style Vol. 21, No. 7889 Sunday, November 20, 2016

me so that we succeed. But anybody who doesn’t have any ambition and is following you, such person can do so many things because what they want is what will come out of it right now. Maybe they are looking for money. You must be able to advise the youth especially those that have no jobs.

How do you strike a balance between hectic political life and time for the family?

Well, it is a very simple thing. I endeavour to create time for my family. I tried as much as possible not to get my family involved in my political activities. So I divide it into two. I do my political activities and family activities. Whenever I have every opportunity to be with my family, I certainly do that so it is not a problem for me, it is about management of your time. You know that you have to go to church on Sunday no matter what politics you have been playing, you must be in church on Sunday.

What would you recommend as a way forward to make the government of the day more proactive?

Well, government of the day is already very proactive but it is just that people expected us to start running without crawling. We met a system that was in a very bad shape. The economy we met was on life support. It is either you remove the life support and the economy dies or leave the life support and start treating the economy. That is what we are doing. Before we came in, the economy was on steroids, having seeing the way it is, it is like we started all over. This country is a very lucky country because if we didn’t have this change, I can’t imagine where we will be now. The government is very proactive. Look at what is happening in the North East. The current government has almost brought it to an end. The Chibok girls have started returning and we believe that more will come out but some people in the past never believed that they were kidnapped they thought it was a gimmick. How can it be a gimmick? Parents are looking for their children and the school cannot find their pupils. This government is very proactive as it is but it will take a little time for people to appreciate it well, but people are beginning to appreciate it now.

If you have a chance of changing one thing in this country, what will it be?

The psyche of our people. The way our people

reason. Very gullible. I keep saying that corruption is more at the lower level than at the higher level.

Once you are made a Governor, Senator or Minister, people come to you including your relatives and say this is our opportunity, this is our time to make money. If you are not working and you build skyscraper in your village, everybody will be clapping for you. Where did you get the money?

In some country if you live above your means, the system will check you. You can’t even do it.

So if I am to correct one thing about this country, it is our mentality and the way we look at things.

We are always in a hurry. We are very intelligent but negatively intelligent. If we can apply our intelligence into something positive, this country will be one of the greatest countries in the world.

Looking back what would you say has been your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement can be rated in two folds. Number one is to have faith in God Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth. Once you have faith in God and believe in Him, it is the greatest achievement because some people don’t that.

Now, I cannot say this is my greatest achievement because I am still achieving. I don’t want to limit my achievements to the successes of the past. All I know is that we have now gone half way into the journey and we believe that the other half will be better so we are still making progress and I believe that God almighty will make us achieve more.

After the hectic day, how do you relax?

Well when I finish every day, I tried to play my saxophone and other musical instruments, relax

I don’t want to limit my achievements to the successes of the past. All I know is that we have now gone half way into the journey and we believe that the other half will be better so we are still making progress and I believe that God almighty will make us achieve more.

with friends and unwind. If I have any opportunity of listening to the word of God, I will, because it is also a way of putting me in check. If there is a crusade somewhere, I will like to be there because it will help me understand more.

You have an NGO for the disabled, can you shed more light on it.

Kpakpando Foundation was founded 11 years ago by my humble self as a way of giving back to the society. I founded the NGO with the firm believe that there is need to help our brothers who are physically challenged. People keep asking this question each time they know that I have ventured into this asking whether I have any experience on disability. I don’t have any experience on disability. When I look at these people, I feel more compelled to help them because even those that are able are still in trouble not to talk of those who are not. So, I tried to go down to the poorest of the poor. Those who want to achieve something but cannot achieve it. It pains me that some of them are very intelligent, some of them have all manner of talent but can’t achieve it because of the disability they have so we tried to fish out those people and to see to what extent we can help them. One of them that is blind told me something recently and what he told me has been guiding me. He said people think I am blind, yes I am physically blind but I can tell you that the greatest blindness is the blindness of the mind. I asked what he meant and he said when your mind is blind and you are in your house in Abuja and your son is in your village, can you see your son? No. It is your mind is seeing that your son. If you can imagine building a house or aeroplane, then your mind is not blind. You can see that the greatest blindness is the blindness of the mind not of the sight. So far your mind is not blind, you can achieve whatever you want to achieve. We are trying our best to bring up such people. We are building a special school for them in Owerri, skill acquisition school where we will train them and get them started. We have a couple of them under our scholarship scheme. We have funded up to 500 persons under our scholarship to tertiary institutions and secondary school. So my feeling is that every Nigerian that is of means should be able to adopt a disabled person. Not the way you adopt persons to live in your house, but by making a decision to help them to achieve what they want. If every Nigerian that can feed himself decides to adopt a disabled person, you will not find them on the streets. This is what we are working on in the next couple of years.

NKWO

LANRE DASILVA AJAYI (LDA)

LOLA KIKI KAMANU

ONALAJA

ODION MIMONET

Aisha Abubakar Luxury Design

ANDREA IYAMAH

SISIANO

AMEDE

LADUMA GREY

ELIEKUAME FOR VLISCO

KENNETH IZE

DIVINE ENDOWMENT

Makioba

BELOIS

LISA FOLAWIYO

WEDDINGS BY MAI

KINABUTI

HOUSE OF KAYA

BRIDGET AWOSIKA

DZYN DNA BY ICONIC INVANITY

HEINEKEN LAGOS FASION AND DESIGN WEEK 2016

TITI BELLO

TSEMAYE BINITIE

TOKOYO JAMES

WASHINGTON ROBERTS

YEFIKIR

T I NATHAN

AKPOS

STYLE TEMPLE

SLASHED BY TIA

RAYO

For the sixth time in Lagos, fashion enthusiast, buyers editors, fashion writers and bloggers came from all over Nigeria and abroad to view the talents and creativity of established and upcoming designers at the just concluded Heineken Lagos Fashion and Design Week. The platform, whose vision is to position Lagos Nigeria as a global destination for Africa’s finest fashion design talent, saw Africa’s finest designers display their 2017 collection on the runway. The display of fashion talent was undoubtable incredible with established Designers like Lanre Dasilva Ajayi, Lisa Folawiyo , Bridget Awosika and a few others giving us pure unadulterated fashion designs to blow our minds. Also new entre designers like Style Temple, Rayo and Tokoyo James had everyone talking partly because their designs were ingenious and partly because of their non-conformity. Indeed you could say the show had all the elements of the good the bad and the damn right! Take a look at some of the catwalk photos and some of the emerging trends from the Lagos fashion week.

KELECHI ODU

By Funke Babs-Kufeji

THISDAY Style Vol. 21, No. 7889 Sunday, November 20, 2016

S T Y L E & d es i g n

Street

style

By Konye Chelsea Nwabogor

Dressing street chic isn’t as hard as it seems.

Though some people look effortlessly chic every single day, once you know the basic guidelines for dressing, being street chic can be a reality.

Accessorize!

Necklaces, bracelets, rings, belts, bags, scarves and sunglasses.

Pick whatever you like.

There are lots of stores with different styles to suit your taste.

When done right, accessorising can be your best technique into looking street chic.

Layer them if you like.

Know what coloUrs look good on you

Choose colours that not only look good against your skin tone but also make you stand out. Also take into consideration your hair colour too.

tuke morgan

dodos

yvonne nwosu

Learn about proportion

Choose a point of fashion

Today, you are a 90’s baby but tomorrow you could be a 70s chick. Whatever the case, be creative, be whimsical and have fun!

Cultivate your own sense of aesthetic

cassie davies

Everyone is unique, and therefore, everyone has diverse tastes. Know what you like in music, literature, movies and art. Incorporate these things into your style.

jane michael

The key to being street chic is balance. If you’re wearing a loose top, pair it with a tight bottom. If you’re wearing something baggy on the bottom, go with a lean shirt. The same goes for shoes. Chunky heels look out of proportion on petite girls, while stiletto heels look weird on girls with chunky calves. This also applies to showing skin. Only flaunt one part of your body.

You want to look chic, not trashy!

NIGERIA JOINS THE REST OF THE WORLD TO CROWN THE WORLD’S BEST BARTENDER It was festival of color, flair and delicious cocktails as the World’s best bartenders converged in Miami Florida to indulge in fine cocktails using some of the world’s best brands and also to choose the Winner for World Class 2016.

WORLD CLASS is a platform that has supported, trained and inspired 250,000 bartenders across the globe over the past eight years, while partnering them with the world’s finest spirits – the Diageo Reserve Collection.

This year, 56 Bartenders from all over the world competed to be crowned the World’s best bartender. Nigeria was ably represented by the Head of Reserve Nigeria, Joe Nazzal, Businessman and Owner of Club Play Abuja, Charles Okpaleke, Night Life Mogul & Chairman of Aquila Group, Shina Peller, Owner of Crave Caribbean Abuja, Abubakar Atodo , Onoja Adole, owner of Delphino Entertainment and Reserve Nigeria Brand Ambassador, Stephen Enumah.

According to Joe Nazaal, “World Class presents a chance to introduce leaders of the “Nightlife” industry to the opportunities that exist in igniting the cocktail culture in Nigeria with the objective do establishing Nigeria as the cocktail destination within West Africa and indeed the World”.The Nigerian

contingent had the opportunity of sampling different cocktails from all over the World using brands from Diageo’s Reserve portfolio. Eventually, Jennifer Le Nechet, a French bartender from the Café Moderne in Paris wowed the judges by creating a spectacular range of vibrant drinks at her Steampunk themed pop-up bar and was named the World’ s No 1 Bartender. She’s also the first female Bartender to win the competition.

Bartender training programs are already underway across Nigeria’s top bars preparing for the next World Class finals which will take place in Mexico.

Nigeria will be participating for the First time!.

Created in 2004, Diageo’s Reserve division focuses on the global luxury opportunity, bringing together brands built on strong heritage, craftsmanship and authenticity. This luxury portfolio consists of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Cîroc, Don Julio , Tanqueray No. TEN, Ketel One vodka, Zacapa Rum and a fine collection of Single Malts.

For more information on WORLD CLASS and the WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year competition. Please follow World Class Nigeria @worldclassnigeria on Instagram and Facebook.

Note that these brands are for Adults 18 years and above. Please drink responsibly.

Shina Peller at one of the World Class finals Bartender challenges

Joe Nazzal and Charles Okpaleke with Diageo Global Bar Academy Manager, Mark Barret

Stephen, Onoja Adole and Charles Okpaleke at one of the Diageo World Class Bartender challenges

Shina Peller with Abubakar Atodo