THISDAY STYLE MAGAZINE 20TH MARCH 2022

SUNDAY, MARCH 20, 2022

R E H S A R O F O I EJ

N I ZA

D L I H C S ’ Y N I T S E D

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

CONTENT ISOAMAKA OSITA & IFY EKUEME

KENDRA MILLER

SILVESTER OJENAGBON & CHRIS FADELE

LISA MASSILLON

RALPH’S CLUB COMES TO LAGOS PG 8

Society

HOUSE OF SOTA LAUNCH’S NEW COLLECTION TO CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH PG 3

THE NIGERIA IWD AWARDS GALA 2022

PG4-5

Fashion TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE FASHION STATEMENTS PG 6-7

SAMUEL OYEYIPO

MR & MRS TROWBE

MRS ALIU

ALICE ONYEMA & IFEOMA MORAH

CHRISTINE IBORI

10 MUST-HAVE HOME FITNESS EQUIPMENTS PG 17 10 FASHION HABITS OF EVERY STYLISH MAN PG 18-19 SURVIVORS PG 20 In her book, Where The Children Take Us, Zain Asher talks about how her family achieved the unimaginable. She says there is tragedy in her story, but her story is not a tragedy. The story paints an unforgettable portrait of strength, tenacity and love. It’s a testimony of the sacrifices Nigerian parents make to raise successful children. Today, Zain is an Anchor with her own live show, CNN’s One World With Zane Asher. FUNKE BAB-KUFEJI reports…

5 MINUTES WITH GEORGE OKORO PG 22

ENIAFE MOMODU

THISDAY STYLE FASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR RUTH OSIME

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EDITOR PRINT OLUFUNKE BABS-KUFEJI EDITOR DIGITAL KONYE NWABOGOR

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SENIOR ART DESIGNER MATHIAS ARCHIBONG 07054965500 CONTRIBUTORS ISIOMA USIADE GUEST CORRESPONDENTS AZUKA OGUJIUBA ZINA ANUMUDU JOANNA MACGREGOR SEYI ALAWODE PHOTOGRAPHER TY BELLO DIRECTOR, PRINT PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO 08077092196

Still in the spirit of celebrating women as it’s the month of International Women’s Day, we decided to feature Zain Asher whose story is a life of survival and success against all odds. Her life is a true testimony of the strength of a woman. Her mother was widowed at a very early age. Left with three kids and pregnant with one, she took on the reigns of single motherhood and provided not just shelter for her children but built a home with a tough hand and spared nothing, including educating and grooming her children to prepare them for the challenges of life. Nigerian women are built like that. They take the bull by the horns, roll their sleeves up and go to any extreme to prepare and equip their children to enable them cope better with the rudiments of the journey of life. Zain’s mother played a pivotal role in the success stories her offsprings became later in life.

Women like Zain’s mother have long existed and will continue to exist because our women are cut from very strong fiber. We are built to automatically absorb whatever life throws at us and most times, emotionally equipped to maneuver through the slippery slopes and paths of life. African women, especially Nigerians, have long since forged roads for other women to follow with their chosen fields. First Of Their Kind showcase women who dared to pursue their dreams and excelled at it. This is as good a time as any other to celebrate them as pioneers in their fields of endeavor as the first women to venture into their forays. We cannot emphasize enough how far women have come in every professional sector and how they continue to excel.

We should, as women, continue to encourage and support each other in a world where chauvinism still rears it’s ugly head like a disease that just refuses to fade away. It is good to know that regardless of how deeply embedded this attitude is, women still continue to shatter glass ceilings and proving they are total all rounders in every sphere of life. Women are nurturers. They are mothers. They are wives. They are sisters. They are friends. The ability of a woman to juggle and balance all these balls is no small feat and should not be undervalued or unappreciated. Most men - and women - are who they are today because of the undeniable strength of some woman behind their growth.

Let us continue to celebrate women - because they deserve it!

Instagram: @thisdaystyle | Twitter: @thisdaystyleon | Instagram: @thisdaystyle | Website: www.thisdaystyle.ng

FASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

UCHECHUKWU UGAH

BOLA & ISHMAEL BALOGUN

STANLEY DIKE & NONYE ODUKWE

House of Sota Launches New Collection To Celebrate Black History Month

BY FUNKE BABS-KUFE JI

It was an exquisite intimate affair recently at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja when Folashade Balogun, the Founder and Creative Director of House of Sota celebrated Black History with the launch of her latest collections, SOTA DIVERSE. Hosted by actress/ TV Presenter Zainab Balogun, the event kicked off with a welcome address from the organizer, followed by a documentary showing the brand’s story. Later on, a spectacular runway show featuring the label’s new collection was displayed followed by an electrifying dance performance which left invited guests giddy with excitement.

In attendance were dignitaries, notable Nigerians and stylish guests who were treated to cocktails and canapes while shopping the brand’s new collection.

The day came to an end with an emotional vote of thanks from the CEO thanking family and friends for their constant support over the years. She also presented an award to her most loyal customer Christine Ibori who over the years has become a faithful and avid client to the Sota brand.

ZAINAB BALOGUN

FOLASHADE BALOGUN

BOLANLE OGUNSANWO

NIYI BALOGUN

ADESUWA GIWA-OSAGIE JOY EZEILO

DEBOLA WILLIAMS

FLORENCE ITA GIWA

STEPHANIE BUSARI

ELIZABETH OLOWU EBERE IFENDU

AMAL HASSAN

OMAWUMI MEGBELE

GOV ABDUL RAMAN ABDUL RASAQ OF KWARA STATE

ALIKO DANGOTE

FEMI OTEDOLA

GOV ROTIMI AMAECHI

BOLA ADESOLA, BOLANLE AUSTEN PETERS,

LAILA JOHNSON SALAMI & KEMI IBRU

SAMUELA ISOPI

HABIBA ALI

CHIOMA OMERUAH

The Nigeria IWD Awards Gala 2022

Nigerian women from all walks of life converged recently, to celebrate the first ever Nigeria’s International Women’s Day Awards Gala jointly hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Women, European Union, British High Commission, and the Embassies of the United States of America, Germany and France. The Awards aim to serve as an incentive to leaders in different sectors to make concerted efforts in creating more opportunities for women and strive to ensure gender equality.

The event was graced by not only women but men from top government positions, Ambassadors, civil society and internationally recognized sectors while Omawunmi and other singers mesmerized the guests with their melodies.

The awards celebrated Champions in promoting women’s leadership and gender equality in Nigeria. It recognized achievements by individuals and institutions across categories of: Political Leadership & Governance, Private Sector, Arts & Culture, Media & Entertainment, Civil Society as well as a Feature Award on the 2022 IWD theme: Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow as well as a Most Inspiring/Outstanding Woman Leader Award.

It was indeed a night of celebrating and recognizing Nigerian women.

BIRGITT ORY

MARY BETH LEONARD

COMFORT LAMPTEY

EMMANUELLA BLATMAN

CATRIONA LAING

NIKE OKUNDAYE

TOYIN SARAKI

CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9796 Sunday,THISDAY March 6,Style 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9810 Sunday, March 20, 2022

T YYLLE E& D&E SD I GE N SS T SIGN

tips on how to make

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9796 Sunday,THISDAY March 6,Style 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9810 Sunday, March 20, 2022

SS TTYYLLE E& D&E SDI GE NS I G N

FASHION STATEMENTS

Fashion is art. It is a movement of expression. The ability to make a fashion statement is to be stylish and confident enough to express your style in a bold fashionable way. While your style says who you are without having to speak, fashion statement announces who you are. You don’t need to spend too much to make a statement. So long as you know how to look good on a budget, you’re self-confident, and you have a personal style worthy of emulation, you’re good to go. STYLE brings you some tips that will help you make a fashion statement in the most effortless way.

Leave Your Comfort Zone

Making a fashion statement is synonymous with placing yourself in the spotlight. If a unique look is what you want to achieve, then take a deep breath and explore fashion beyond the walls of your comfort zone. Wear what you wouldn’t wear on a normal day so long as you don’t look crazy.

TOYIN LAWANI

BY USIADE ISIOMA

Make a Statement with Your Hair

Wear a Statement Piece

This is the easiest way to make a fashion statement.

Eye-catching wardrobe essentials helps you stand out and make the details of your outfit more pronounced. These pieces come with standout details and are always bold and unique. Moreover, they are the first thing people notice about your outfit.

NANA AKUA ADDO

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Mix Prints

This is something not everyone can pull off but once you can, you immediately get attention. Mixing prints creates a beautiful sight to behold.

ENNIFER OSEH

Wear Bold Colours

Colours don’t just brighten your mood. They also make you pop out of the crowd, don’t be afraid to wear bold colours. You just need to know how to find the best colour for your skin tone and rock them well.

ALICIA

How about you wear a hairstyle that makes you stand out? You can do this by dyeing your hair, going for a really nice haircut, using colourful hair extensions, or choosing beautiful dreads.

FUNKE LAGOKE

Go Eccentric if it’s Your Style

Anyone with an eccentric style automatically makes an effortless fashion statement. Wear your pants and top. Wear your bold colours and accessories. Combine them in the ways you alone understand.

It’s your style and not theirs. Just be sure to know what you’re doing and defend it at any level.

LISA FOLAWIYO

Wear Bold Accessories

Fits and Cuts

A fitted curvy outfit is as charming as it is flattering.

The key to making a statement is wearing pieces that accentuate your figure and highlight your assets.

LILIAN AFEGBAI

Sometimes, all you need to transform your look and make a style statement are your accessories. So, never forget to add one or two to your look.

This could be a bold necklace, cool sunglasses, a beautiful handbag, or a pair of shoes with a distinct design. Even if there’s nothing standing out about your clothes, these accessories will still make a statement for you.

SAI SANKOH

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FIRST

STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9810 Sunday, March 20, 2022

STYLE & DESIGN

CHINYERE KALU

OF THEIR KIND

Across generations, the impact of Nigerian women in all sectors has continually served to advance the growth of Nigeria and Africa. There have been great women who challenged gender stereotypes in male-dominated professions and broke out from the shackles of the weaker vessels and second-class citizens tags. Considerably, they are pacesetters for the younger generation of women – making them dream more, trust in their talents and abilities, and ultimately believe in themselves without an iota of doubt. Here, we present such women - not all, but some who have, in one way or the other, proved that what a man can do, a woman can do even better. AZUKA OGUJIUBA goes memory lane and examines the testaments and the powerful strides of these women below.

CHINYERE KALU

She is the first Nigerian female commercial pilot and the first woman to fly an aircraft in Nigeria.She took several aviation and transport courses in the United Kingdom and the United States before she received her license as a commercial pilot on 20 May 1981, from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology. In October 2011, President Goodluck Jonathan appointed her the rector and chief instructor of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, a role she played from 2011-2014.

FUNMILAYI RANSOME-KUTI

She is the first female activist, born Frances Abigail Olufunmilayo Thomas in October 1900. Also known as Funmilayo Anikulapo-Kuti, she was a Nigerian educator, political campaigner, suffragist, and women’s rights activist. Described by media as the “Lioness of Lisabi”, she led marches and protests of up to 10,000 women, forcing the ruling Alake to temporarily abdicate in 1949. As Ransome-Kuti’s political influence grew, she took part in the Nigerian independence movement, attending conferences and joining overseas delegations to discuss proposed national constitutions.

DOYIN ABIOLA

She was the Managing Director and Publisher of National Concord Newspaper, the first Nigerian woman to be an Editor of a Nigerian daily newspaper.

Dr. Doyin Abiola was educated at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria where she earned a degree in English and Drama in 1969. After graduation, she started work with the Daily Sketch Newspaper the same year. During this period, she started writing a column called Tiro addressing sundry issues of public concern, including gender matters. In 1970, she left Daily Sketch Newspaper and traveled to the United States to pursue a master’s degree programme in Journalism. Upon her return, she was employed

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as a Features Writer at Daily Times and rose to become the Group Features Editor.

She later went to New York University and obtained a PhD in communications and political science in 1979.

SIMISOLA OLAYEMI JOHNSON

Simisola Olayemi Johnson qualified as a dentist in 1957. She was a gender advocate who served as Minister for Social Development and Culture during the nation’s second republic. She was also a former chairman of Allied Bank and the Lagos State branch of National Council of Women Societies.

Her father was a lawyer and a founding director of National Bank of Nigeria in 1933, her maternal great-great-grandfather was Ajayi Crowther, while her great-grand-uncle was Herbert Macaulay. Johnson was educated at CMS Girl’s School Lagos.

JOANNA MADUKA

She is first female Engineer, She became the first female fellow of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) in 1974. Maduka was born in 1941. She had her B.Sc in Applied Physics from University of Ife in 1965, she got her M.Sc in Engineering from Trinity College Dublin in 1969. In 1966, Maduka took the Institution of Electrical Engineers graduation examination and passed. She is a fellow of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Academy of Engineering. She is also the first female COREN President.

ELIZABETH ABIMBOLA AWOLIYI

She is the first female Doctor. Born in 1910, she was the first woman to practice as a physician in Nigeria and the first West African woman to earn a license of Royal Surgeon in Dublin.

In 1938, Elizabeth Awoliyi became the second West African woman to qualify as an orthodox-medicine trained physi-

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9810 Sunday, March 20, 2022

FUNMI RANSOME-KUTI

DOYIN ABIOLA

ITUNU HOTONU ADERONKE KALE

ELIZABETH ABIMBOLA AWOLIYI

cian after Agnes Yewande Savage who graduated from medical school in 1929.

She was the second president of the National Council of Women’s Societies of Nigeria from 1964 until her death in 1971.

ADERONKE KALE

She is a Nigerian army psychiatrist who became the first female Major General in the Nigerian Army. She rose to command the Nigerian Army Medical Corps. Kale trained as a medical doctor at University College, which later became the University of Ibadan. She then specialised in Psychiatry at the University of London. She was inspired to join psychiatry by Professor Thomas Adeoye Lambo, Africa’s first professor of psychiatry. She worked briefly in Britain and returned to Nigeria in 1971. A year later in 1972, she joined the Nigerian Army. This was a very rare decision for women in those days, particularly those at such high professional level. She was a Colonel and Deputy Commander of the Nigerian Army Medical Corps by 1990. She was later promoted to the rank of Brigadier General and in doing so became the first female General in West Africa. Kale was then promoted to Major-General in 1994, again, the first Nigerian woman to achieve that rank.

STELLA THOMAS

She was a Yoruba Nigerian lawyer of Sierra Leonian descent. She received her law degree from Oxford University and in 1943, became the first female magistrate in Nigeria.

Born in 1906, in Lagos, Nigeria, she was the daughter of Peter John Claudius Thomas, a Sierra Leone Creole businessman based in Lagos.

Her father was the first African to head the Lagos Chamber of Commerce. Stella attended the Annie Walsh Memorial School in Freetown, Sierra Leone, the oldest secondary school for girls in West Africa. While she studied law at Oxford and was a member of the Middle Temple in London, she was active with the West African Students Union, and was a founding member of the League of Coloured Peoples, organized by Harold Moody.

JUSTICE ALOMA MUKTAR

JOANNA MADUKA

GRACE AWANI ALELE WILLIAMS

MARIAM MUKTAR

She is a Nigerian jurist and was the former Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2012 - 2014. The first female to be so. She was called to the English Bar in November, 1966 and to the Nigerian Bar in 1967. President Goodluck Jonathan swore her in as the 13th indigenous Chief Justice of Nigeria, and conferred on her the Nigerian National Honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). Mukhtar is from Adamawa state.

She was called to the English Bar in absentia in November, 1966.

ITUNU HOTONU

Rear Admiral Itunu Hotonu is the first female Admiral, she is a Nigerian naval officer and architect.

One of the first women officers and amongst the first architects in the Nigerian Navy, she has served as a staff college instructor here and abroad in Liberia. In December 2012 she became the first female Admiral in Africa. She was born in 1959. By the age of 13, she decided that she wanted to become an architect. She studied architecture at the University of Nigeria, where she was often the only woman in her classes. After graduating, she worked in an architect’s office for two years whilst she took her professional examinations.

GRACE ALELE WILLIAMS

She is a professor of mathematics education and made history as the first Nigerian female Vice-Chamcellor at the University of Benin and also the first Nigerian woman to receive a doctorate.

Alele-Williams was born in Warri, Delta state. She obtained a master’s degree in Mathematics while teaching at Queen’s School, Ede in Osun State in 1957 and got her PhD degree in Mathematics Education at the University of Chicago in 1963. She returned to Nigeria for a couple of years’ postdoctoral work at the University of Ibadan before joining the University of Lagos in 1965.

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9810 Sunday, March 20, 2022

COVER

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9810 Sunday, March 20, 2022

ZAIN

R E H S A R O F O I J E D L I H C S ’ Y N I DEST

In her book, Where The Children Take Us, Zain Asher talks about how her family achieved the unimaginable. This spellbinding story opens up with a woman receiving life-changing news that her husband and son, Zain’s brother Chiwetel, (the only survivor of the crash), have been in a terrible accident. In that instant, she becomes a single mother left to raise four children in a South London neighborhood consumed by poverty and violence. Zain says there is tragedy in her story, but her story is not a tragedy! These poignant words ring through as her mother’s fierce parenting style produces an Oscar-nominated actor, Chiwetel Ejiofor and a recipient of an OBE from the Queen of England, an Oxford-educated CNN anchor, a medical doctor and an international entrepreneur.

The dogged determination and discipline Zain’s mother instilled on her children made them what they are today. Under her guardianship, they grew to learn the rudiments of life and became successful in their various endeavours. The story paints an unforgettable portrait of strength, tenacity and love. It’s a testimony of the sacrifices Nigerian parents make to raise successful children.

After graduating from Oxford University, Zain bought a one way ticket to attend Columbia University because halfway through Oxford, she had decided she wanted to become a TV news reporter as the idea of being thrust into new environments thrilled her. Five years into this foray, she was still hopeful for a big break. Nine months after holding light reflectors for!a friend at her own gig, Zain got her dream job as news correspondent at CNN. Raised to believe a victory for one is a victory for all, Zain did not rest her laurels and instead pushed further to become an Anchor with her own live show, CNN’s One World With Zane Asher. FUNKE BAB-KUFEJI reports…

What challenges have you faced in your highpowered position and how best can you advise women to use their sphere of influence?

I wasn’t always a CNN anchor. After college, I actually worked as a receptionist for more than three years. I worked hard to get promoted, and it just didn’t happen. I know what it is to struggle in my career, so now that I am in a better place at CNN, I’m very conscious of using my sphere of influence to help other women who may be trying to climb the ladder like I did. I try hard to be responsive when people ask me for career advice, I mentor other women, and I generally look for ways - big and small - to give women opportunities they otherwise may not have had.

Nigerians have a very high percentage as the most educated group in the US regardless of the daily challenges we face at home. Why do you think this is so?

Nigerians have an inherent drive and resilience that’s rare in this world. This is one of the main themes in my book, “Where the Children Take Us.” I’ve spoken to so many young people in Nigeria who tell me that doing business here can be a battle.

There’s so much bureaucracy and red tape and the energy crisis poses a major challenge. But they continue to fight -- and many succeed. So when these same Nigerians are placed in the U.S., where the daily challenges aren’t as intense, of course they soar.

There’s no stopping us. As I write in my book, “Survive in Nigeria and you can survive anywhere. Thrive in Nigeria and you can change the world.”

Some would say on CNN, Africa is most times, constantly undervalued and underrated. Do you feel there is a robust enough representation of

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And thanks to my mother, my siblings and I have managed to defy almost every expectation.

I’m now an anchor at CNN, my brother was the first African to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor, my sister is a doctor and my oldest brother is a successful entrepreneur. We overcame because she showed us how to.

African women especially, in the global media?

My show, “One World with Zain Asher,” is actively working hard to address this criticism directly. Our goal has always been to democratize news coverage to make sure that Africa has an equal seat at the table compared to other parts of the world. I have a segment on my show where I explain what’s happening in Africa in a way that ensures people watching from any city in the world, Prague or Brussels or New York, understand that what happens in Africa affects them. There’s always room to improve, but I’m very proud of the work we’ve done so far.

How are you using your voice to highlight unsung heroes?

I make a real effort to highlight unsung heroes on my show. My hope is that by helping to amplify their voices, they can inspire many others. One of my favorites is Angela Murimirwa, who is working to implement something called “social interest.” The idea is that when women pay back a loan, instead of paying back the interest with money, they repay with service -- things like supporting other women, mentoring, teaching. I think it’s a fantastic idea to transform communities by lifting each other up.

The death of your father at an early age, left your mother with three kids and pregnant with her fourth. What do you think saw her through and helped her overcome what surely must have been the darkest moment of her life?

My father and my brother were on a road trip in Nigeria when their car collided with a tractor trailer. My father was killed and my brother was badly wounded. In that instant, in September of 1988, my mother became a heart-broken, widowed immigrant with little money and little hope, living alone in London. I know now that she found a way to fight through her hardships because we Nigerians are fighters, if nothing else. My mother came of age during the Biafra war where she had to fight through ethnic cleansing and bomb blasts and starvation. She overcame horrors as a teenager I cannot imagine. So when she faced the horror of my dad’s death, she knew that as hard and as painful as it was, she could, eventually, overcome that, too. Despite her agony, she carried us on her back to give us a better life.

And thanks to my mother, my siblings and I have managed to defy almost every expectation. I’m now an anchor at CNN, my brother was the first African to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor, my sister is a doctor and my oldest brother is a successful

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COVER

entrepreneur. We overcame because she showed us how to.

As children, you said your mother’s life lessons extended far beyond the classrooms. What commitments did she make towards your academic futures?

My mother gave everything she had to our academic futures. She plastered newspaper and magazine articles about Black success stories all over our walls to show us what Black people could achieve.

She taught herself Shakespeare when my brother started acting to push him to be better. When my grades started slipping, she literally cut the TV cord in half and installed a residential pay phone to keep me focused on academics. I would have nothing if not for my mother.

What preparatory steps did you and your mother take years before you got admitted to Oxford and how did you feel when you finally achieved this feat?

My mother started taking me on mother-daughter road trips to visit Oxford University when I was 13 years old to help me believe it was possible for someone like me to go there. It became a tradition of ours. We toured the buildings, learned about the different colleges and ate at local restaurants beside real students. She wanted to show me that Oxford was not some mythical place. It was within my reach.

The more I visited, the more comfortable I felt there, and the more I realized that going there wasn’t some crazy dream. She made it real for me, and so it was.

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9810 Sunday, March 20, 2022

fulfill your ambition?

One of the things my mother taught me was to “prepare in advance.” That meant my siblings and I rehearsed for what we wanted from life, long before the opportunities presented themselves. When I was in primary school, my mother would teach me my subjects a few months before we learned it in school so I’d be better prepared. And later in life, we prepared for jobs before they existed. I always wanted to be a news anchor. So, soon after becoming a business correspondent, I began to spend time each week practicing my anchoring skills with a former professor, even though there were no anchor positions open. He thought I was crazy. But when an anchor position opened up out of the blue, he was stunned. And I was ready.

What lesson will you like to share that has been critical to your success?

I’ve covered a lot already, but I’ll share one important lesson that may sound counterintuitive.

Simply put, I don’t believe in competition. I’m not saying it doesn’t exist or that healthy competition doesn’t have a place. But I’ve realized that seeing other people as my competition, or comparing myself to them, can stifle my growth and keep me small.

There is enough abundance in this world for every-

1. A Water Bottle

If you’re working out, then you need to hydrate. Be sure to bring water if you’re out for a walk or any other type of exercise. Even if you’re at home, remember you need to drink and refill your water bottle a few times a day.

Alternative: Use a recycled water bottle.

Book to be released April 26th

2. A Yoga Mat

A yoga mat is a portable workout zone!

You don’t have to be practicing yoga to get good use out of a yoga mat: they are perfect for push-ups, sit-ups and work great as a non-slip, clean surface for workouts on the go.

Alternative: A cushioned surface, like a carpet or a towel.

3. Dumbbells

Dumbbells are great for portable strength training. Be careful to choose the right dumbbell weight for you: good form with a lighter weight can create better results than bad form with a heavier weight.

Alternative: Anything that you can pick up safely, such as sandbags or full bottles of water.

4. Jump rope

You can have fun and do a great cardio workout with a jump rope. Jump ropes also come in handy as a stretching strap for improving flexibility.

Alternative: Any piece of rope will do, or simply jump without one.

5. A Resistance Band ZAIN AND HER MOTHER, OBIAJULU JUSTINA EJIOFOR

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0 MUST-

Simply put, I don’t believe in competition. I’m not saying it doesn’t exist or that healthy competition doesn’t have a place.

But I’ve realized that seeing other people as my competition, or comparing myself to them, can stifle my growth and keep me small. There is enough abundance in this world for everyone to reach their dreams.

Who inspired you the most and what role did the person play in getting you into CNN? My biggest inspiration without a doubt was Femi Oke. She was one of the few Nigerians presenting the news when I was growing up. My mother would call me and my siblings into the living room to watch when she was on TV. She’s an example of what I describe as an “uplifter” in my book -- even though she didn’t know it. When I was a young journalism student living in America, I actually tracked down her email address and sent her a note asking for career advice. Surprisingly, she emailed back right away and gave me her phone number. We spoke for more than an hour that day and kept in touch, so when I scored an interview at CNN several years later, she helped guide me through the process. Femi Oke literally changed my life, and her generosity set an example I try to follow even today.

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9810 Sunday, March 20, 2022

one to reach their dreams.

In my work and personal life, I try to wish the best for the people around me, even if some might consider them my “competition”. As my mother says, “Be your best, not their best.”

You got a place at CNN only two years after being a receptionist. What extra measures did you take to ensure this dream also became a reality for you?

I figured that the quickest way to get a job in broadcast news—at CNN or any other news network—was to have a specialty or some area of expertise that could help me stand out. That could have been sports, entertainment or politics. I’d studied economics for A-level and loved it, so I decided Business News would be my specialty. From then on, I spent every spare moment at the library studying stocks, bonds, derivatives and mergers. Eventually, that was enough to get an entry-level reporting job at Money Magazine, which was owned by the same company as CNN. And when CNN wanted to expand its business unit, I was in a position to get their attention, even without extensive broadcast news experience. I may have been in the right place at the right time, but I also worked hard to make sure I was prepared when the opportunity arose.

You were a business correspondent for less than a year before you decided you wanted to be an anchor. At the time, it seemed like an unrealistic ambition as you were relatively new in your present job. How did you overcome the odds and

STYLE & DESIGN

A resistance band is a great piece of fitness equipment for when you are on the road!

They are practical, lightweight, and easy to use.

Alternative: A piece of soft rope or a rolled towel can work well for basic exercises.

6. A Medicine Ball

There are so many effective upper and lower body exercises that you can do with a medicine ball, and they’re especially useful for partner workouts.

Alternative: A basketball or soccer ball. Even without the added weight, you can still do many movements to help improve your coordination.

7. An Adjustable Workout Step

A workout step takes up very little space, and you can use it as part of a circuit or get a great cardio blast. Choose a workout step with a non-slip surface and adjustable height to suit your personal needs.

Alternative: A sturdy wooden box, crate, or stairs.

8. A Timer or Stopwatch

It’s an essential tool for interval training. A stopwatch also keeps you honest about your workout length or running time.

Alternative: A cell phone with a stopwatch app.

9. Motivation Music

Put together a great workout playlist with your favourite motivational music. Music can relieve stress and take your mind off how many minutes you have left.

Alternative: Turn on the radio or find your favourite music app.

HAVE HOME FITNESS EQUIPMENTS Many people put off being active because they think they don’t have the fitness equipment they need. The reality is that you don’t need expensive gym equipment, all you need is just a little time and a lot of motivation. Here are 10 fitness must-haves that will help you get active without breaking the bank. There is a no-cost or low-cost alternative for each item, perfect for beginners who aren’t certain they want to make a financial commitment yet.

BY USIADE ISIOMA

10. One Perfectly Fitting Fitness Outfit Treat yourself to a quality workout outfit, including training shoes. Choosing an outfit that fits well, supports you in all the right places, and makes you look good to help you find the motivation to work out!

Alternative: Comfortable pyjamas are an acceptable workout outfit. But, ladies,

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9810 Sunday, March 20, 2022

COMFORT IS KEY

The stylish man will wear clothing he is comfortable in. If you feel comfortable wearing a certain type of outfit, it is likely that you are familiar with that style, tried it often and look good in it. It is better to wear a classic style you are comfortable and confident in rather than something fashionable you are not comfortable in.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

Choose the right accessories. Your overall appearance will make a great first impression.

Once you are in conversation with a person, they will notice the details.

Choose the right accessories that go with your outfit.

Whether you are wearing something classic or following the trends, have fun styling it and style it right.

ENIOLUWA ADEOLUWA

DINKU

Fashion Habitsof every stylish man

STYLE & DESIGN

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9810 Sunday, March 20, 2022

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STYLE & DESIGN

Fashion trends tend to dominate men’s fashion and unfailingly, the stylish gentleman always stands out. But as trends fade out, the ability to consistently emulate stylish and well-executed looks should never be underestimated. While there may be no singular route to style, there are several habits of stylish men who do their thing in specific ways to remain stylish all year round. From clothing maintenance to investing in classic staples, here are ten habits of every stylish man.

EBUKA OBI UCHENDU

BY USIADE ISIOMA

MIKE EZE-NWALIE NWOGU

PLANNING AHEAD OF TIME

It may sound basic, but planning looks ahead of time will ensure more cohesive polished styling. Stylish individuals realise the importance of details, so preparation of outfits is key for constructing looks that are well thought out and sustain integrity.

Prepare outfits ahead of time by nominating appropriate accessories and coordinating pieces before occasions for a seamless construction of looks.

JEREMIAH OGBODO PRINCE NELSON ENWEREM

TREVOR

ADEBAYO OKE-LAWAL

OZOEMENA JOSEPH DÉNOLA GREY

THE RIGHT MATCH AND PREPARATION

GROOMING

Always ensure you’re wellgroomed at all times. A good haircut, clean hygiene and a groomed beard/clean shave will go a long way in making you look stylish.

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APPROPRIATE MAINTENANCE OF CLOTHING

Clean, maintain and store your clothes properly. Just because you have bought a good quality piece of clothing doesn’t mean that it will look so forever if you don’t take care of it. You can opt for dry cleaning if you can afford it and the clothes require it, invest in a good storing solution. This way you can store all your suits separately, your accessories and other clothing. It will ensure that your clothes last longer and maintain their pristine condition.

KEEP UP WITH THE TRENDS

PICK A GOOD PERFUME

Scent plays a relatively big role in your daily style.

If you are well dressed, wellgroomed and smell good, then you are a stylish man. Try a few colognes and choose the one that suits you and your personality.

If you want to be stylish, following the trends would be a good idea. You don’t have to style the trend, just pick and choose one you feel would fit your personal style.

Make sure you have clothing that match well.

When choosing what to wear, your overall outfit should match.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE FIT

The stylish man will always wear well fitted clothing.

Most pieces of clothing will look good on you if they sit well.

BUYING CLASSIC STAPLES

Invest in classic staples, they do not go out of style. They stay trendy year after year. These are the best investment pieces as you’ll always look on point wearing either the classic white shirt, or a black suit, or black leather shoes whether for an event or at work.

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STYLE & DESIGN

THE

O

SURVIV

By Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru

Dear Reader, Welcome to the WARIF Survivor Stories Series, a monthly feature, where stories of survivors of rape and sexual violence are shared to motivate and encourage survivors to speak their truth without the fear of judgement or stigmatization and to educate the public on the sheer magnitude of this problem in our society. The Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) is a non-profit organization set up in response to the extremely high incidence of rape, sexual violence and human trafficking of young girls and women in our society. WARIF is tackling this issue through a holistic approach that covers initiatives in health, education and community service.

My name is Dorothy* and here is my story!

Sometimes I wish I was not born and at other times, I console myself with one popular quote which states, “Once there’s life, there’s hope”. I am hopeful and know that I did not survive all those years of abuse for nothing. The creator must have had a plan for me and I’m willing to share my story as a survivor of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) against girls and women.

I grew up in an abusive and toxic environment. My father impregnated my mother during her teenage years whilst she was still in senior secondary school.

Without any marital rites, her parents being strict disciplinarians threw her out of the house. My mother sought help from family and friends, but none came to her rescue. What would a teenager do? She had no choice but to move to the house of the perpetrator who happens to be my dad. You might think that this was entirely my mom’s fault, she should have faced her studies and perhaps this wouldn’t have happened to her... however, there is more to this.

My dad was a trained electrician with a primary school leaving certificate who came on referral to my house to repair a damaged cable. Their regular electrician was out of town so they had to make do with a temporary replacement as the situation could not wait for him to return. The arrangement, however, became a permanent one because he did a good job.

On one of the occasions when the new electrician came to fix a fault in the house, he came across my mum and couldn’t keep his eyes off her - she was tall for her age and had smooth chocolate skin. Whenever this electrician came to fix anything, he was closely monitored by her father who followed him around the house to monitor what he was doing. On this day, while he was fixing a faulty wire, my grandfather had to leave the house quickly and told my mum to go stay with the electrician while he worked, and ensure he left the house immediately after he was done.

It was a sad day for my mother who was then 16 years. My grandfather’s departure provided the opportunity the electrician needed to carry out a beastly act.

He forced himself on her and raped her. She tried to shout but he covered her mouth so no one could hear her voice until he was done with the dastardly act. After he was sone, he threatened to kill her if she ever told anyone. My mum was left shaken, and frightened - she could not tell anyone that she was raped by the electrician. She got pregnant from that encounter, which as I mentioned in the beginning, was what led her to move into the rapist’s house where she gave birth to a girl and that happened to be me.

Growing up as a child was uneventful for me. I was never shown love, kindness, or attention. Looking back, I think they both saw me as a great mistake and their only source of the problem. I lacked virtually everything that could make a child thrive and become successful in life. It was one sad story after another in my household.

It was an atmosphere of dysphoria and rancor. I started school and my elementary years went by fast with nothing interesting to talk about. I had no friends because I did not want to become a laughing stock especially when they discover I am an unwanted child. I wrote my primary leaving school certificate and scaled through to a Government Secondary School. ‘Maybe things will be different for me now, I thought. Follow me on my journey and be the judge.

My first year in secondary school was a bit challenging for me academically. I struggled with the scope of work and with adjusting to being taught by several teachers because I was introverted. In my second year, I began to gain the attention of the school gatemen – Mr. Kunle* and Mr. Audu*. I got the attention that I had longed for all my life from them. They took notice of me and complimented me. I gradually began to stop over in the mornings and after school to chat with them before leaving for my house. It was not a problem because my parents were never around - my mother was a petty trader, and my dad continued his electrical works except this time he always came home drunk. My parents frequently engaged in all-night quarrels and at other times, they were both physically abusive towards each other. I didn’t mind them any longer because I was accustomed to their lifestyle.

In the second term of my second year, one of the gatemen asked me to tell them

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about myself. I quickly shared my story, thinking I had a confidant, not knowing I would be taken advantage of. Mr. Kunle would ask me to wait a little longer after school; since there was never a need to rush home I would oblige. He would buy me food and ask me to eat and relax in the security room.

The unexpected happened at age 12. I was relaxing in the security room as usual and did not know when I fell asleep. I woke up when I felt a hand caressing my body, I turned and it was Mr. Kunle. I asked him to stop but he didn’t, instead, he overpowered me, lifted my pinafore pulled my panties, and raped me. He covered my mouth with his hands as I tried to shout, I struggled with him, but he was too strong for me. A short while later Mr. Audu, the second guard, come in and took his turn to rape me. When they finished, they both pleaded with me that it was the “devil”that took over their conscience. They helped to clean me up and got a bike to take me home.

I wept bitterly for days, fell ill, and could not go to school for a few weeks. My mother went to a pharmacy, bought malaria drugs, and ordered me to take them.

She left as usual without bothering to find out what was wrong with me. On the second week after the incident, I summoned the courage to talk to her, but she told me she was too busy that she needed to attend to a client who had ordered some products from her. She never bothered to find out what I wanted to discuss with her when she returned. I felt sad, worried, ashamed, afraid, alone, and worthless.

You may wonder where my dad was, he was drunk and an absentee dad so he was unavailable. My mother was the one paying my school fees, paying the rent and other bills. She was the breadwinner of my family. To me, my dad was dead!

When I returned to school, my teachers and classmates were worried about how I looked. I had emaciated due to worry and sickness. I kept telling them that I was okay and that I would get better. Sometimes, I wonder if it was my upbringing that made me unable to stand up for myself and report Mr. Kunle and Mr. Audu to the teachers or school authorities. Nevertheless, they kept begging me every day; especially because as I passed by the school gate every day, I kept ignoring them. I had made up my mind never to grant them an audience ever again.

One afternoon during my final year, after I had written our WAEC examinations, Mr. Kunle stopped me as I was passing by the gate. He pleaded with me to listen to him, and he told me they had planned a dinner to formally tender their unreserved apology to me. So, they wanted me to wait after school the next day so I could join them. Initially rejected the request but he kept pleading and assured me that they have changed, and this was to formally end the negative chapter with pleasant memories. After much pleading, I consented.

As soon as I got there the second day, they both went on their knees asked for my forgiveness. This display by both perpetrators, made me feel they were truly repentant. So, I felt relaxed and told them that I had forgiven them, but I would need time to forget We all chatted about various topics from politics to education and they offered me something to drink. The juice was poured into disposable cups and we all drank. Not long after, I took the drink, began to feel drowsy, and realized I had been drugged. Again, Mr. Audu and Mr. Kunle took turns raping me through the vagina and anus. I did not know how long it took or how many rounds they did because I passed out in the process.

I later woke up with excruciating pains all over my body, vagina, and anus. I could not find anyone of the perpetrators, and it was getting rather dark, so I struggled to stand up, managed to look for what to clean up with properly, and staggered out of the gate. I was lucky to find a bike that took me straight home. A little while later, my parents were not home yet, so I took a shower and went straight to bed. My mother came in some moments later and without uttering a word turned off the lights and went into her room. I turned over in pain, and kept pondering in my mind why I was born and if she was truly my mother or was I adopted?

I became emotionally down and began to have nightmares frequent flashbacks.

I was traumatized. As shameful as this may sound, my absentee parents were in the dark and wouldn’t be bothered. As painful as this event was, I told myself never to trust anyone again, so I kept my ordeal to myself and suffered in silence. I never went back to school again.

My moment of respite and compensation came when I passed all my WAEC papers in flying colors. I also sat for my JAMB examinations and made the cut-off. I got admitted into one of the prestigious Federal universities to study Accountancy. To my surprise, my mother was ecstatic and exceptionally proud of my achievements.

That was when she narrated to me the story behind her marriage to my dad. She asked me to forgive her for the way she had treated me in the past and she told me that she behaved in that manner so I would not end up the way she did, being an only child. My mother was happy that she had redeemed her image by birthing a child who was able to secure admission into the university. A dream she was unable to achieve. We hugged, cried, and forgave one another. I wished she knew about the several things that had gone wrong due to her high-handedness. However, I had resolved not to tell anyone, the events were passed, and I had resolved not to tell her

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9810 Sunday, March 20, 2022

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or anyone. This, I later realized, was a wrong decision that encourages further abuse.

I resumed university still battling emotional and psychological trauma. I quickly made friends both male and female. All seemed to be going on well until my third year in the university when I met Henry, a final year student in Architecture who came to deliver a message to my coursemate Ada who always sat next to me in class. He came to our class a few more times after which Ada told me he had been disturbing her for my number. I told her to tell him to ask me personally for it, this was to push him off, but to my surprise, he approached me himself and asked me out on a date. On the date, I found out he was a fun-loving person from a rich home, and we had something in common. . . he was an only child too.

We became fond of each other and to my amazement, he never asked me for sex even when I slept over in his room. I thought Henry was too good to be true and I treaded cautiously based on my past experiences. The more I looked the more perfect he was to me. After a year of courting, I agreed to visit his home to meet his parents.

Unfortunately for me, his parents had an emergency and were out of the country the day we arrived. I had earlier spoken to Henry’s mother and she looked forward to meeting me in person. I was so disappointed but Henry assured me that I would still have a wonderful time. On the first day, we went to the cinema and a beach. It was a beautiful experience for me. The second day, Henry invited his bosom friend that I had heard a lot about. Akin was a jovial and loud person. He always wanted people to notice him easily. I wondered what the attraction was since Henry was a calm, cool, and calculated person. We went to a club the night Akin arrived, and we all drank alcohol until we were intoxicated. I told Henry I was tired then he called his driver to take us back home.

I was so high when we reached home, that I headed straight to Henry’s room, threw myself on his bed, and dozed off. Suddenly, I saw Henry turn me backward pulled off my clothes and pants, and started having anal sex with me. I tried to tell him this is rape and I don’t do anal sex. He covered my mouth with his hand and excitedly roamed in and out of my anus. When he finished, Akin too came on me, I tried to resist but I was too intoxicated and he also raped me by having anal sex with me.

My eyes were wide open but I was too weak to speak or move. I watched both of them perform anal sex on one another. I could not do anything as I was too weak to act or speak. I then understood their bosom friendship. When they finished, they hugged, kissed, and slumped on the bed. I was disgusted by their actions and was waiting for the effects of the alcohol to lessen so I could leave, but I slept off instead.

By the time, I woke up; Akin had left for his place. Henry apologized that he couldn’t tell me earlier that he was not straight. He told me to relax that we will get married and he will do anything for me. He pleaded with me not to tell anyone.

What have I gotten myself into? I muttered. This act triggered all the unpleasant memories, the pain, flashbacks, feelings of shame, and worthlessness I was trying to forget. I felt like committing suicide. To say the least, I was severely traumatized, I felt terrible as I packed my bags to leave. I called my mother and headed back home. I broke down into my mother’s waiting arms when I got home. I explained everything to her in detail and even the past abuses. My mother threw herself on the ground and wept bitterly. We cried until we could not anymore.

My mother called her lawyer and we reported the case to the police. The perpetrators were arrested and we were referred to WARIF CENTRE. At the center, we were given the professional help that I should have gotten if I had spoken up earlier.

I was given the required medical assessment, treatment, and psychosocial services.

The counselor at the center helped me a lot and gave me coping mechanisms to deal with the trauma. I then realized the importance of speaking up and seeing a therapist. I regret my ignorance. If I had opened up earlier I would nothave walked the lonely road alone. I feel better and encouraged now, I am taking life one step at a time and am glad have started on my healing journey.

All these services were free of charge at WARIF Centre and all the staff was professional in discharging their duties. Thank you WARIF for your help and support; you made this healing process easy for me and all other sexually abused survivors.

Dear survivor, please know that you are not alone and it is not your fault. Help is available.

If you have been raped or you know someone who has, please visit us at The WARIF Centre - 6, Turton Street, off Thorburn Avenue, Sabo, Yaba or call our 24-hour confidential helpline on 08092100009. For questions or more information please contact: info@warifng.org *Real name of survivor changed for confidentiality

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9810 Sunday, March 20, 2022

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George

Okoro

MINUTES WITH

Following the footsteps of photography legends like Ty Bello and Kelechi Amadi comes a new crop of photographers who are pushed not only by their passion but by the need to etch a living. Their work cut across portrait, art, fashion and documentary. In their studios are the repeated failed shoots that soon achieved perfection. Passion was their only drive.

They made the dream of instant affordable photoshoots achievable. They became the new go-to.

Of this group, one name stands out - George Okoro. Even though he seems to have more of a presence in his city of residence, Abuja and the northern part of Nigeria, he’s constantly touring the nation, leaving a trail of his signature photography behind him.

His state of the art studio, located in the Tropical Galleria Mall, Central Business District, Abuja, has become a pilgrim of sorts to anyone looking to freeze their beautiful moments in a frame.

Speaking to KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR, he takes us down memory lane to his early days in photography and then shares his plans for the future.

The Photography industry has undergone significant changes over the last few years. Some would say it has become a bit saturated. How have you been able to stay on top of your game?

Yes, the industry has seen a lot of positive changes over the years.

Still, when it comes to it being saturated, I would not agree 100% because I feel like as much as we have a concentration of photographers in Lagos and Abuja, we have other major cities that still need professional photographers. I believe the ability to scale, innovate, and understand the market has kept me relevant in the industry in Nigeria today.

In 2019, I started George Okoro studios (TM), which is different from George Okoro as an individual photographer.

You can book an appointment or walk into the studio and book for a photo session, or book for a photographer for your event without necessarily looking for George Okoro - the individual. That way, I could scale the business and have it run independently of me.

Today we have two branches in Abuja, and we are currently expanding into Kano and Lagos.

What do you think separates a good photographer from an outstanding one?

For me, I think two things will make you stand out as a photographer. One is your ability to connect with your subject, the human being or the landscape you’re trying to photograph. There has to be some form of connection and understanding with the photographer.

As I always say, you connect before you click. Secondly is the eyes - the greatest tool every photographer has is their eyes - how you see things.

Your ability to see things differently. I think these are the two main things combined. A great eye and connection with the subject will make you stand out.

Let’s take you back a bit; how did you venture into photography? We remember you started as a wedding photographer. Has it always been a passion?

So photography for me was something I always enjoyed doing as a teenager but I never really saw myself taking it up as a profession.

Growing up, I always thought the digital camera was so cool. I saw my family members that stayed on Broadway come home for Christmas, and they all had a small point-and-shoot camera, and I wanted one so badly. It was from there my love for taking pictures started.

I remember when I was in university, I spent a lot of time at the back of the lecture hall taking pictures of friends instead of listening to the lecture.

When I moved to Abuja, I started my career as a banker and then worked in the telecom sector. But during this time, I kept asking myself, “What is that one thing I enjoy doing that can put food on the table?”

My mind kept taking me back to photography - back to my camera.

I finally purchased a Camera and started taking photos in Abuja, and no, I didn’t start by shooting weddings; I began with shooting birthdays. I built a website called mybirthdaypictures.com and when I took pictures of people’s birthday events, I posted them there. I celebrated them, and when they requested for their photographs, I sent them

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the link to go on the website to view the pictures. They got so excited to share the link with their friends and family. That way, I was able to build a platform for my service. And then, when people requested my service, I was able to put a price on it. So that’s how I started.

Do you remember your first photoshoot with a prominent client? Who was it, and how did it go?

During the early days of my career, I was fortunate enough to photograph a lot of people from prominent backgrounds. I honestly can’t remember the first prominent person, but I know that my clientele has always ranged from the First Families to people from Royal families to Governors, Ministers, Senators. I was blessed with a lot of prominent families in my portfolio when I started, especially when I began photographing weddings. It was one prominent family to the other, so I cannot tell you exactly which one was the first one.

I knew that most of the shoots turned out great because that’s how I kept getting one referral after the other.

What changes have you seen in the photography industry from when you started till now?

So, one thing for sure is that the industry has experienced a lot of growth. Today, we have lots of passionate young photographers in the industry, unlike before, and they are doing very well. Additionally, we have more value placed on the industry today, and we also have clients that appreciate the service and are willing to pay more for creativity.

Today in the industry, we have top photography manufacturer brands like Sony Canon present in Nigeria and are building partnerships with local photographers and signing endorsements because they have seen how influential they are and the level of impact they have in Africa.

What’s the Abuja photo industry like? Is it as saturated as that of Lagos?

The industry in Abuja is growing at a very fast pace, but it’s not as saturated as in Lagos. However, as photographers, we are not limited to a specific location. A photographer from Abuja can photograph anywhere globally; that’s the beauty of the industry.

So we have photographers from Lagos coming to Abuja and vice versa, and we also have photographers from Abuja take on photography jobs around the world. So, in general, I don’t think Nigeria’s photography industry as a whole is saturated.

Yes, we have places with a concentration of photographers like Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, but we still need more photographers to help diversify the creative space.

As a photographer living in Nigeria, what would you say has been your biggest challenge?

Right now, one thing I can tell you for sure is that the current exchange rate is killing photographers in Nigeria because all the equipment and gears that we need to function effectively as photographers need to be imported. They are all manufactured abroad, and the current exchange rate makes it very difficult for photographers to either purchase new equipment or upgrade existing ones that will enable us

to compete globally.

The current security situation in the country is also having a significant impact on the industry because photographers travel a lot, either for event coverage or documentary purposes. Currently, many photographers turn down jobs that require them to travel to some of these areas considered unsafe at the moment. This definitely has an impact on their revenue.

What photographers would you say have influenced your work?

I have several photographers that influenced my decision to pick up the camera for a living - both locally and internationally. Obi Somto was the first photographer I called to say I wanted to quit my job and pick up the camera for a living, and he encouraged me back then. We also have the likes of Jide Alakija, Aisha Augie, Aisha Pixels and Dudu guy.

Do you believe that photography has the transformative power to make some difference in today’s society? (If so, in what way precisely) The media, in general, has the power to transform society, and photography is an integral part of media and storytelling. Besides media, photography as a whole is now embedded in every aspect of our social life and businesses. It has a significant impact on social media; everybody uses pictures to tell their stories, build a personal brand, and sell their product. So you find out that every day from when you wake up in the morning till when you go to bed, you engage with a lot of photography even without knowing it. So ideally, I would say that photography is one of the most powerful tools you can use to change the world.

What’s your most memorable shoot to date?

Every photoshoot is unique and memorable in its own way. But one photoshoot that keeps coming to mind when I’m asked this question is when I photographed South African TV personality - Bonang Matheba.

It sticks out because of the amount of time we spent on the set. After spending so much time planning and setting up for that particular shoot, we ended up spending less than 15 minutes photographing her because she was running late and had to catch a flight. But the images turned out to be so amazing, even though it took us one year to publish them. However, the moment we did, everybody loved it.

What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?

Honestly, there’s nothing I wish I knew. I enjoy the new things I have learned, but the mistakes I made have helped shape my career today. I am glad for the things that I learn every day.

What can we look forward to seeing from George Okoro in the near future?

Our long-term goal is to expand George Okoro Studios (TM) to every major city in Nigeria and abroad. So in the nearest future, expect to see a George Okoro studio in major cities in Nigeria to start with, while we also work on gradually expanding to cities abroad.

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