THISDAY STYLE MAGAZINE 4TH APRIL 2021

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

SUNDAY, APRIL 4, 2021

Inside

L E H C A M A N I S JO E O CRUSAD VICTIM T

R!

R E H T O R B G I S B T S E I TH IA FINAL R E G I N SE U O !

T H S R E WHO T D E I ADN S T T S O BUE

IR E E F I H LT

Photograph by - @oluwatobbie Suits - @davidwej Outfit - @irawostudio Hair stylist - @ferdinandshair Make up Artists - @ameriecode @ peculiartouchconcept Location - @livelounge_ng

Never has the phrase ‘milking the moment’ or ‘striking the iron while it’s hot’, been more pronounced and the millennials have mastered this exercise.

The Big Brother brand has become so strong and even the Nigerian version, BBNaija has created many stars, some of whom still remain relevant and news worthy years after their own stint. In this week’s edition, we feature top five finalists of the last BBNaija show to see what they have been up to. AZUKA OGUJUIBA reports...

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

CONTENT Fashion HELLO SUNSHINE PG 6-7 • CAPSULES • COLOURS OF LIFE PG 8 FAT SHAMING PG 9

LOOK CHIC WHILE YOU BREAK A SWEAT PG 10 THE LOOK: POLKA DOTS PG11 YOU TOO CAN BE AN IT GIRL PG

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5 MINUTES WITH LAOLU SENBANJO PG 22-23 HOW TO MAINTAIN THE SKIN AROUND YOUR EYES PG 23

Never has the phrase ‘milking the moment’ or ‘striking the iron while it’s hot’, been more pronounced as it is with the millennials who have mastered this exercise. Nowadays, you can build a brand from practically anything. When the Big Brother franchise started, who would have thought it would grow to become a global brand? Watching a group of people living in one house never seemed like it would ignite much interest talk less of taking the world by storm. The Big Brother brand has become so strong and even the Nigerian version, BBNaija has created many stars, some of whom still remain relevant and news worthy years after their own stint.

Some have become renowned actors, talk show hosts, Comperes to name a few. With this in mind, it comes as no surprise that the show attracts a lot of sponsors and the price for the winner runs into millions of Naira- 75M to be exact.

What is most fascinating is that those who have moved on to greener pastures were not necessarily the winners but amongst the top five. So it is safe to assume that this trend will continue. In this week’s edition, we feature the top five finalists of the last BBNaija show. They will have been featured earlier if not for the Covid pandemic editions we had to do followed by the #endsars movement. But as we know, the quarantine period did not stop work for these contestants. They were endorsed by a few brands and have continue to milk their fame for what its worth. The trick though, is to have staying power like some of their predecessors. Getting noticed is not the watchword, maintaining relevance is.

Speaking of relevance, a few years ago, Josina Machel daughter of Graca Machel and Samora Machel, the former President of Mozambique and the step-daughter of the revered freedom fighter and global icon, Nelson Mandela, was a victim of domestic violence from her then boyfriend. Josina talks about a movement she created to fight against domestic violence. The objective is that while it may be unclear how the court will rule in her case, a continent-wide appeal will go a long way in drawing attention to systems that put women in disadvantageous positions and pressures them into silence.

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

FASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Happy Easter

Hello Sunshine STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9460 Sunday, April 4, 2021

STYLE & DESIGN

Chichi sure knows how to make heads turn and with the eye-catching colour, she is sure to stand out wherever she is headed to.

Damilola’s embroidered dress is a ray of sunshine, out to lunch or just hanging out with the man. This dress is casual yet classy.

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9460 Sunday, April 4, 2021

BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI

Move over, black, white and khaki the colour yellow is here to take centre stage. Yellow depicts fresh bloom, happiness and sunshine and fashionistas are embracing this hue.

A lot of our favourite celebrities have been spotted wearing this colour and giving us major outfit goals. Here’s a roundup of a few looks to give you an insight on how to rock this look.

Folake looks super pretty and ladylike in this outfit from Shopoyemwem.

FOLAKE HUNTOON

NIMI NWAFOR

CHICHI RITA DOMINIC SHARON OJA

DAMILOLA

Nimi has her best foot forward pairing her yellow pantsuit with popping pink accessories. Who will have thought such combo would be divine and eyecatching.

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Sharon looks stunning in this dress.

The colour suits her just right.

Rita looks phenomenal in this androgynous trouser suit

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9460 Sunday, April 4, 2021

Alero Adollo aleroadollo@yahoo.com

STYLE & DESIGN

CAPSULES

BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI

Nigeria, Nigeria, Nigeria, the land of our courage, the land of our forefathers, the home of many great and powerful souls powered by passionate hearts.

We miss the beauty because we celebrate the prodigals who are bent on wounding our lives and ensuring that we are kept down with truck loads of pain, they plant explosives to blow up our dreams and diligently work at burying our hopes.

Our land is a unique experience where our dreams “should” exceed our expectations at birth but on the contrary we daily struggle to stand as concerted blows are dealt our fragile forms.

Our country, the investor’s dream, our people, rich in culture that a lifetime cannot unveil. The Creator did well by us, our human resource is worthy of applause but alas there are giants in the land, one we are too afraid to confront and challenge, we are daily pushed to the wall and rather than stand and fight, we chisel through, we call it resilience, others call it inanity.

Where are the Joshua generation, surely they did not all die in the wilderness... We do not have anything to be ashamed of but our lack of courage to go in and take the promise in the land. We must remember that courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to confront our fears despite the odds, the fight here should not be between the tribes as the uniqueness of each tribe is attractive to the other, the fight should not be between our various religions because those who believe that Eledumare is supreme do not seek to drain blood from the hearts of their neighbours. The people we must resist are the selfish and wicked few, who are determined to steal our commonwealth and thinking us stupid use tribalism and religion as weapons of mass mobilisation to attain their selfish ends. When vested interest is challenged, they declare war not caring whose ox is gored, they turn on the tap of rhetorics and take us swimming in the murk of misinformation and disinformation. They start a campaign of calumny to infuriate and like zombies many follow them to an awaiting pit, they plant seeds of discord amongst brothers because their sufficiency comes from the conflict of flesh with blood.

When will we learn? There is a need to pause to ponder and advise ourselves and refuse for anyone to continue to play with us insinuating that though common sense is common but that ours got lost in transit, they tell us stories that make no sense to pull rage out of us so that we can join them in destroying our land. Their way or the highway, but NO, it must stop here and it must stop now!

We need to stand up and say ENOUGH, enough of treating us like sheep and leading us to the slaughter, enough of the hate, enough of the rape of motherland, enough of the pillage, enough of brothers killing brothers, enough of the impunity, no blood should be spilled for these ones and their DOA causes, life should not cement red liquid to tar because the king has lost his crown.

The ground has eaten many lives because many were set on becoming collateral damage on issues they should have walked away from.

Enough just has to be enough, we need to wear our hats of discernment and refuse to continue to be lied to.

We need to understand that this country right here is the only one we have and do right by it for the sake of posterity.

As I watch the sun set, the love of motherland flows through my being and thugs at my heart, in our villages, innocent children gather under the iroko tree ready to listen to tales by moonlight as the wordsmiths weave a tapestry around our rich history filling their minds with pride.

We must learn to love this country again, we must commit to pulling it out from the abyss and make it the land of our dreams. One man can not save a nation in decline but if we bunch up like the broom we will, through a collective effort sweep out the rubbish. If we all decide to stand for something, maybe this nation can be something. I pray that friendly lights will lead us to the truth and that this new truth can set us free.

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Colours of Life with Koko Kalango

JESUS IN EXODUS We have begun a series on finding Jesus in every book of the Bible. Last time it was Genesis and today we take a look at the book of Exodus.

I am publishing them with the kind permission of my daughter, the author.

All that comes to mind when I think of Exodus is ‘Jesus my Passover lamb.’ And that is saying a lot, given all the other things the book is famous for.

Exodus is one of the most action-packed books in the Bible. There’s so much going on: Pharaoh oppressed the Israelites with slavery; Moses’ life was threatened then miraculously saved; he had a supernatural encounter with God in the burning bush; there were 10 plagues against Egypt and an exodus of the Israelites – and after all that they were still so quick to complain and turn away from Yahweh to idolatry (human fickleness at its peak).

I wish I could go in-depth on all these events, but we are constrained for space and time, so today’s focus is on Jesus as the ultimate Passover lamb.

Little bit of backstory: Passover is a Jewish holiday established in Exodus 12. Before bringing the final, fatal plague (death of the firstborn son) on the Egyptians, God instructs each Israelite household to protect themselves from it with the blood of a lamb they killed.

When we look at the book of Leviticus we will talk about why blood is so important in the Bible. For now, try to gloss over the gory aspects and stay with me.

Let’s draw on three key physical features of the Passover lamb: It must be without blemish It must be male Its bones must not be broken I chose these because – as you’ve likely guessed – they are applicable to Jesus. He was perfect; the only person to ever keep all of God’s laws. He was male; enough said. His bones were not broken; this seems inconsequential, but John’s gospel notes God ensured it happened to fulfil the Scriptures. Which Scripture you may ask? The very one about the Passover lamb!

So, the cat is out of the bag. Jesus as our Passover lamb is not my original revelation. In fact, Paul uses those exact words in his letter to the church in Corinth: “… For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth.” 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 We’ve looked at the physical parallels between

Jesus and the Passover sacrifice, but what is the spiritual significance?

The Passover lamb is a symbol of God’s deliverance: After it was slaughtered and eaten, the Israelite slaves were finally freed from bondage and brought out of Egypt. In the same way Jesus delivered us from the bondage of sin and brought us out of the kingdom of darkness.

The blood of Jesus covers us: in the midst of God’s judgement on the Egyptians, the Israelites were protected because of the blood of the lamb on their doorposts. Likewise, the Bible says that we will be saved from God’s wrath through Jesus’ blood.

What I love most about Jesus being our Passover lamb is that the power of His sacrifice and blood is not dependent on us. The angel of death does not care about who is inside the house – he only cares about the blood on the door. Our sinful past does not endanger us when we come under the covering of Christ. In Him we are protected, we are spared, and we are delivered.

So my question to you now is: who is covering you? If it is not Jesus, that is a risky position to be in, putting it mildly. But it is not too late to accept Him as your Saviour – your Passover lamb – and be brought under His protection. And if it is Jesus, take a moment to bask in that. Our freedom was bought at a high price. May we never take it for granted. May we, like the Israelites, celebrate it for the generations to come.

Tarari Kalango COLOURS OF LIFE SHOW Two weeks ago, on our show, Tobi Onofowokan shared with us his struggle as a Pastor’s kid and how he is now living a purposeful life. Last week, the work of the missionary was at the heart of our conversation with Sam Kputu (International Director of Calvary Ministries (CAPRO) and Bimbo Ikpefan (CAPRO partner), as they told us why everyone deserves to hear the gospel. Our Easter Sunday special episode is on God’s Heart for Adoption and our guest if Eme Akenzua, Milliner and Managing Trustee, Heritage Homes Orphanage.

Remember to tune into Colours of Life TV on you tube at 5pm (WAT) today.

We are also excited to inform you that our Colour of Life show began to air on DOVE television, yesterday. Tune in to DSTV channel 349 at 3pm (WAT) every Saturday to watch.

Keep in touch – contact@coloursoflife.org, @koko. kalango

Fat SHAMING!

STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9460 Sunday, April 4, 2021

BY DONU KOGBARA

WAR ON FAT PHASE TWO: PART 2: APRIL 2021 Most oldies (I’m 61) nostalgically cherish flattering photographs of themselves in their youths; and I am no exception.

I love to remind everyone around me that I was once super-slim (please see my favourite archive photograph below, a black-and-white portrait that was taken when I was 28 years old and about 70kg…a weight I maintained until I was about 50).

But I don’t deceive myself.

I know I can never look so dewily unblemished and mega-svelte again. But I’m still determined to look a lot better than I’ve looked since obesity started to enter my life about 10 years ago.

Ah obesity! My enemy.

The fat came slowly at first, silently creeping up on me like a thief in the night – as in a few kilos of middle-aged spread that surreptitiously deposited themselves on my stomach and hips when I wasn’t looking, but didn’t significantly alter my appearance because I’m 5 feet 10 inches tall and can get away with a bit of excess lard.

I didn’t even have to buy new clothes at that stage.

It wasn’t until I hit my mid-50s that I made the transition from being moderately outof-shape to being alarmingly obese, thanks to medication that had weight gain as a side effect. I took those wretched pills for 3 years and they changed my body and my life.

OK, so what now?

I started 2021 at 123kg and was 118kg last month and am 116kg now. In other words, I’ve lost 7kg in 3 months, which isn’t bad. But let’s face it: Roughly 2kg a month isn’t exactly impressive either.

I will look too haggard at this advanced age if I push myself back down to my heyday weight of 70kg. I’m not even sure it is possible to ever be 70kg again! So I’m settling for a more realistic target of 85kg.

But I won’t get to 85kg until 2022 if I continue at this snail’s pace. And I don’t have patience and really want to speed things up, so I can wear a fabulous frock when I celebrate my birthday in October.

My new motto is TEN YEARS ON, SIX MONTHS OFF…meaning that I intend to shift in 6 months fat that took 10 years to accumulate!

So how can I up my game to achieve faster results?

Well, we all know that kilos can only be shed when what you consume is exceeded by the energy you burn. But depriving yourself of delicious meals and snacks is extremely hard if you are a food-adoring gourmet and gourmand like me. And I’m not a fan of grub that contains little or no oil because I am a creaminess addict.

I also happen to be hooked on sugar and do not regard artificial sweeteners as adequate substitutes (yes, I’ve tried them all and hate them all!).

Long story short: Dieting is a huge uphill struggle for me; and I’ve only lost half a kilo a week this year because my calorie reduction and calorie burning efforts have been halfhearted.

The diets I embarked upon most Monday mornings rarely lasted beyond Wednesdays, while my enthusiasm for walks and gym visits fizzled out after a handful of sessions because my knees hurt.

OK, so you don’t need to be a genius to figure out that your knees will hurt like crazy until you quit being elephantine. And the challenge I’m facing now is how to quit being elephantine asap.

As someone wise said on an internet platform I visited: “BEING OBESE IS HARD. LOSING WEIGHT IS HARD. CHOOSE YOUR HARD.” Or, put another way, anyone who yearns for transformation must decide whether the pain of sticking with an unsatisfactory status quo will or will not exceed the pain that will come with change.

Pain is an inescapable part of life. And change is rarely pain-free. Even when you make a sensible upwards move, the change can hurt you or the people around you…or just destabilise your comfort zone.

For example, some folks who lose tons of weight for health or vanity-related reasons sometimes start to feel that they have outgrown spouses who remind them of their despised previous selves.

Anyway, so I’m faced with a choice between the hard of obesity (heaving myself around breathlessly, gritting my teeth because of keen pain, looking like a sack of garri in stylish clothes, etc) versus the hard of slimming down (not always being able to eat as much food as I want, getting up early to exercise before work, etc).

And I’ve chosen the latter hard.

Last year, I joined a Facebook club for fatties

MARCH

and ex-fatties who are into intermittent fasting (IF) and extended fasting (EF)…which means that they either restrict their eating to 6-10 hours a day or fast for entire days.

I’ve spent several months hovering on the edge of this group and monitoring it and reading stories posted by members and wanting to join in wholeheartedly, but being afraid to totally commit myself.

But most members of the group have done so well in terms of shedding blubber AND KEEPING IT OFF that I feel very encouraged and am ready (after months of cowardly, feeble-minded shilly-shallying!) to take a deep breath and copy their methods.

It IS hard to discipline yourself to ditch food for x number of hours per day or for x number of days per week (doctors say you shouldn’t fast for more than 7 consecutive days without medical supervision).

But during eating “windows” that YOU have chosen for yourself, you don’t have to bother with counting calories; and this all-or-nothing modus operandi is compatible with the way my psyche is wired.

I am a person of extremes by nature. I don’t like those diets that are all about boring lean meat and salads without unctuous dressings.

I much prefer the idea of either eating nothing at all when I have decided that eating is “not allowed”…and then eating whatever I want to eat whenever I have given myself permission to eat.

Oh, and by the way, IF delivers benefits beyond weight loss.

So wish me luck!

ThisDay readers who are interested in IF will welcome the following selected highlights

APRIL

from Dr Monique Tello, a Harvard Medical School health newsletter contributor.

Studies in humans, almost across the board, have shown that IF is safe and incredibly effective, but really no more effective than any other diet. In addition, many people find it difficult to fast.

But a growing body of research suggests that the timing of the fast is key, and can make IF a more realistic, sustainable, and effective approach for weight loss, as well as for diabetes prevention.

An in-depth review of the science of IF recently published in New England Journal of Medicine sheds some light. Fasting is evolutionarily embedded within our physiology, triggering several essential cellular functions. Flipping the switch from a fed to fasting state does more than help us burn calories and lose weight.

The researchers combed through dozens of animal and human studies to explain how simple fasting improves metabolism, lowering blood sugar; lessens inflammation, which improves a range of health issues from arthritic pain to asthma; and even helps clear out toxins and damaged cells, which lowers risk for cancer and enhances brain function.

The article is deep, but worth a read!

I asked the opinion of metabolic expert Dr. Deborah Wexler, Director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Diabetes Center and associate professor at Harvard Medical School. Here is what she told me.

“There is evidence to suggest that the circadian rhythm fasting approach, where meals are restricted to an eight to 10hour period of the daytime, is effective,” she confirmed, though generally she recommends that people “use an eating approach that works for them and is sustainable to them.”

So, here’s the deal. There is some good scientific evidence suggesting that circadian rhythm fasting, when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle, can be a particularly effective approach to weight loss, especially for people at risk for diabetes.

(However, people with advanced diabetes or who are on medications for diabetes, people with a history of eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should not attempt intermittent fasting unless under the close supervision of a physician) Limit the hours of the day when you eat, and for best effect, make it earlier in the day (between 7 am to 3 pm, or even 10 am to 6 pm, but definitely not in the evening before bed).

Avoid snacking or eating at nighttime, all the time.

For more detailed information about IF or EF, Google Dr Jason Fung and listen to his inspiring YouTube videos.

DONU KOGBARA IS A VANGUARD NEWSPAPER COLUMNIST. Please feel free to share your thoughts about her weight loss journey on 0805 404 6887 or donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk

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C I H C K O LO STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9460 Sunday, April 4, 2021

STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9460 Sunday, April 4, 2021

BREAK A SWEAT

BY ISIOMA U S

IADE

Exercisin g and wor king out have n umerous benefits - improvin g cognitiv e functions , enhancin g memory, and causi ng skin to glo w radian tly. So, why not lo se those c alories looking st ylish and c hic?

Yes, what you wear to the gym play s a pivota l r ole in your w orkout re gimen; comfortab le clothes ease the worko ut. But th at does not mean you need to wear those old, loose T-sh i rts and yoga pants. Ta k e inspiratio n from ce le brities who not o nly make h e a turn on th e red carp ds et but also ace t he ‘gym lo ok’.

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a k l Po s t o D

BY KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR

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TRACK Who say PANTS sb

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K O O L THE

Pretty polka-dots has been one of our absolute favourite prints to wear lately. From blouses and dresses to bags and shoes, there is no escaping them at the moment. And we love it.

of fashio asic track pan n brallette ! Wear those tr ts are out acks wit , and ma h game st ronger. ke your gym w a TIW ear A SAVAG E

PORTS S D N GS A LEGGIN with a BRA e staple leggingsgym like

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JOANNA OKWOR

Pair th ra and hit the figure e sports b IEN. Idia’s svelt goals. s IS s IDIA A ives us fitne g always

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JOGGE

Pair you RS r or halte joggers with a r neck to crop top athletic look. Go get the comple te look like fo ALEXAN r an all-white DRIAH S HO-SILV A.

OP stylish, tank tops a TANK T t gear. Pair table ye

Comfor ellent workout brallette n c make ex k top with a neo s with n k a n t a ear t white . e look. W h shorts to slay th or pair them wit , leggings O Z U A L STEL

SADE AKINOSHO

MODEL FOR KENNETH IZE

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SHORT

Wear a p S a a crop to ir of hot shorts w ith p or a sp o showcas e those g rts bra, and o toned le gs! ABISO rgeous abs and LA KOLA DAISI

Just so you don’t end up looking like a real-life Minnie Mouse, you need to pay particular attention to how you style this print.

We advice letting one polka dot piece in an outfit take the spotlight.

Also, black tones and block colours are perfect to pair with polka dots as they make everything look so effortless and chic.

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COVER

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9460 Sunday, April 4, 2021

COVER

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9460 Sunday, April 4, 2021

OLAMILEKAN MOSHOOD AGBELESHE - LAYCON (WINNER) How has life been for you since leaving the BBNaija house?

Well its been great, always taking it one day at a time. Working on new music. It’s been music music music for me these days.

aware that a lot of eyes are on you. Another challenging aspect is not being able to do the things I’ll normally used to do before now.

If you weren’t a rapper, what other career path would you have taken?

Most probably a football player to be honest.

How has the reception of your reality show on ShowMax been so far?

It’s been super wonderful, breaking records with a lot of positive feedbacks and I can’t be more grateful and proud of this big feat.

As a rap star, what do you think is missing when it comes to hip hop in Nigeria seeing how many think that genre of music is fading off?

It’s not fading off, I don’t think it is. I think hip hop is a culture and a lot of people need to see it as one rather than see hip hop as just a genre alone.

What’s your vision when it comes to creating music?

Make it life changing, make it relatable enough for people to get inspiration and motivation from it.

E LIFE OUTSIDE THE HOUS

For over a decade, the Big Bro Naija TV reality show has given the Nigerian youths a platform to not only to showcase their talents, but also make their dreams come through.

Since it’s inception in 2016, the reality show has created a number of notable personalities especially in the entertainment sector. From Katung Aduwak to Ebuka Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Bisola Aiyeola, Cynthia Nwadiora popularly known as Cee-C, Mercy Ike to now, Laycon and more, suffice it to say the platform has given these youths more job opportunities in the last ten years.

They have gone on to be the faces of many brands while building their own brands too. Thanks to Multichoice and DSTV for keeping the ball rolling, even bigger and better.

Normally after the tenure of every edition, the winners are usually celebrated and some remain relevant even after their stay in the house. In 2020, carpets were to roll out with plenty of fanfare for the top finalists but alas, it was not to be so because of the Covid pandemic. But that did not stop the endorsements coming in and like their predecessors before them, some of the housemates have gone on to excel in their chosen paths. These five finalists of BBNaija Season 5, Laycon, Dorothy, Nengi, Neo and Vee share with AZUKA OGUJUIBA on how life has been since leaving the #bbnaija show, the various projects they are working on, their takes on the anti-gay law in Nigeria and more.

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Photograph by - @oluwatobbie Suits - @davidwej Outfit - @irawostudio Hair stylist - @ferdinandshair Make up Artists - @ameriecode @ peculiartouchconcept Location - @livelounge_ng

R E H T O R B G I B E TH S T S I L A N I F A I R E G NI

What has been the most challenging aspect for you as a public figure?

To be honest, I’ve been sort of prepared mentally but still, one has to be consciously

We celebrated International Women’s Month last month. Which woman would you like to celebrate as your heroine and why?

Not just one woman, I celebrate my Mum and every woman that has helped me to where I’m at today, all my female fans are my heroines and I love everyone of them so much.

What would you like to be remembered for?

Changing lives and my society for the better.

DOROTHY BACHOR You recently launched your lingerie line, MFC lingerie. What does MFC stand for and what’s your vision for the brand?

MFC stands for My Full Chest lingerie born out of the need to cater for the full chested beautiful woman. In collaboration with a team that is passionate about disrupting and redefining the lingerie market with its affordable price and wide-ranging lingerie categories, MFC Lingerie is a brand that focuses on designing lingerie fit to flatter a curvy woman leaving her confident, comfortable and chic. My priority is making full-chested women look and feel good and I want to provide the one- stop marketplace for that. This first collection is an everyday basic, my girls need bras to move around. We will come to you with other categories and provocative designs shortly.

It’s been months since you left the BBNaija house, how has life been so far?

Life after BBN is a whole different show. It’s been different journey, surviving through it all is a decision that one has to consciously make.

The opportunity the platform has given me has done a whole good for me and my career.

Now a public figure, what do you miss about being a private person?

I miss being able to say something and not be misinterpreted or perceived at being spiteful.

Would you consider going into Fashion properly, say creating outfits for the plus size,

perhaps?

Yes. Fashion is something I love so there’s room for that What should we expect in the forthcoming BBNaija reunion?

There’s so much fuss about this reunion, almost sounding like a World War 10. What you got on the show is the same thing you’re getting in the reunion.

What do you and Prince, another housemate share in common?

We were both on the Big brother naija show.

Which woman inspires you the most when it comes to the things you want to accomplish in life?

I have a couple but it’s Oprah and Viola Davis.

What’s the wrong impression about you is out there that you would like to address?

I’m not perfect, I’m human like you. I make mistakes too.

What would you like to be remembered for?

As strong confident woman and goal getter.

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COVER

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9460 Sunday, April 4, 2021

NENGI REBECCA HAMPSON How has life been outside the BBNaija house so far?

Life after the house has been intriguing, fast, busy and beautiful! God has been wonderful.

As a public figure now, what do you miss about being a private person?

Being a private person, your business is your business, but being a public figure, has made me PUBLIC in every sense of the word. I just miss my privacy and space.

What’s your vision for your new brand, ‘Shoes by Flora’?

To be a household name in the Nigerian fashion industry in the next five years, and also expand to other countries in Africa.

What other areas of entrepreneurship do you intend venturing into?

I am looking at stretching out The Flora brand to a full clothing brand.

What would you consider the most rewarding aspect of being a public figure?

Access! I mean ordinarily, there are people I know or have met that would have taken a lot from me to see, from scheduling appointments to writing letters and all! But this new status has made it easier for me.

You all had your moments on the show but now that the show is over, are you all now at peace with one another?

I am a very peaceful person, and I’m cool with everyone that’s cool with me, so with every colleague of mine that emerged from the house, I am happy that we have a peaceful understanding.

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9460 Sunday, April 4, 2021

VICTORIA ADEYELE - VEE Gay right activists are becoming more vocal the anti-gay law in Nigeria. What’s your take on that?

This topic is quite sensitive, so I can’t really speak for everyone but myself, as everyone has various perceptions. I know how much living my life means to me, so I feel that people should be allowed to live their lives too if they are not hurting the next person in the process. As for it being legalized, I feel that we should do better to help protect citizens of our country.

about

Would you encourage the current tattoo trend among fans in Nigeria right now?

Your body, your tattoo, your decision, your business, BUT, no one should cajole you into leaving a permanent mark on your body !

I mean for what exactly? Lots of fans have reached out to me about having a tattoo of my name on their bodies and I just blank out.

I just don’t have a perfect answer, so I keep mute. I love my fans so much, don’t get me wrong, but there is just so much you can do.

Mention two things you and Ozo share in common if at all.

We are both ambitious people, always striving for success.

What would like to be remembered for?

I would love to be remembered as the woman who lived her life unapologetically, who changed narratives, and broke boundaries.

How has 2021 been so far and how has life been generally since you left the BBNaija house?

2021 has been a rollercoaster year to say the least. A mix of different emotions. But I mostly have good days. I’m more focused and I see growth in myself everyday. My brand is so important to me, I never saw myself ever being so passionate about how I project myself. It’s a challenge anyway. I’m just happy that I have a platform where I can show the world who “VEE” really is.

You dropped your first single “Show” after BBNaija. How has the reception been and what should we be expecting music wise?

Way better than I expected. I’m so surprised at the reception and it’s only made me more driven. Music will always be my first love, no matter how many career paths I decide to take. I’m currently working on my EP and I’m confident that people will love it.

What do you consider the most challenging aspect of being a public figure?

For me, it’s working on my reactions to things I see online. Not to say that it affects me a lot, but I’m the type to say my mind and move on. No regrets. But I obviously have to filter that. It just comes with the “public figure” perception. People expect you to not behave like a human being with feelings. It’s the life I chose right?

Which of these albums would you rather; Made in Lagos by Wizkid, Celia

by Tiwa Savage, Twice as Tall by Burna Boy or A Better Life by Davido?

I love all these albums but I feel like ‘Made In Lagos‘ was made for me. The person I am. It speaks to me. I love RnB so much and I appreciate that Wizkid tapped into that and did it exceptionally well.

Which woman would you consider the most inspiring when it comes to all you want to accomplish in life?

My mother. I know it’s a bit cliche but she’s the strongest woman I know.

She taught me everything. I’m strong because of her. I push myself daily

because I want her to have the world. She has sacrificed a whole lot for me. It’s only right that I return the favour. She must reap the fruits of her labour.

Now that BBNaija is over, are you at peace with all your fellow contestants seeing how you all had your moments back in the house?

I’m at peace with myself. That’s all that matters.

What are the two things yourself and Neo share in common?

We’re both emotional. I just hide it better. And we both love to hustle.

Do you think gay rights should be legalized in Nigeria or not?

I grew up in a country where same sex marriage is legal and that is what I’ve always known.

This has taught me to respect and accept people regardless of their sexuality and I believe that everyone one should too.

How do you define your sound?

Soulful. Harmonic. Sexy. Smooth.

What do you like to be remembered for?

Being the person that never backed down. No matter what life threw at me. I want to be remembered as an entertainment queen. A jack of all entertainment trades. A personality.

NEO MOBOR AKPOFURE How has life been since leaving the Big Brother Naija house?

The experience after Big Brother has been a life altering one. I have been living my dreams ever since then, grateful for who I am now, for my new friends and finally doing what I love to do as work.

What has been the most challenging part of being a public figure for you?

I would say just not being able to do things I normally do but I have been forced to become more aware of myself and trying to not be seen, still remains really challenging.

What do you want to venture into career wise?

Currently I am doing a lot of fashion influencing, modeling, acting and hosting but personally, my team and I are working on several pet projects that I have always had. Most especially, my capsule fashion line, my transportation fleet management company and my own auction company. Finally putting the finishing touches into everything.

I can’t wait for the world to see what we have put together.

Many think you are the most fashionable BBNaija 2020 star. Who is your fashion icon and why?

First of all, I would like to thank everyone that thinks that I am.

Honestly, when it comes to fashion, I love dress up. Putting several pieces together and seeing the outcome gives me so much pleasure.

I always say it’s not about the outfit but the person wearing it. If I am being honest, I draw inspiration from everyone and basically just interpret in my own way.

How would you describe your sense of style?

To me? fashion is a lifestyle, it’s how I live and how I do what I do. It says many things without having to say anything. As for my style, there is nothing I can’t wear because my style doesn’t box me in, instead it gives me more confidence to be as versatile as I want to be.

Do you think anti-gay laws should be repealed in Nigeria?

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Yes, it should be repealed. I feel two consenting adults should not have to listen to any government on who they can love, or who they decide to spend the rest of their lives with. Love is love and that’s the only thing that can heal the world.

Mention two things that you and Vee share in common.

We are both understand the strength of our brand and the importance of creating our own individual careers and above all, we love to make money.

Heaven, two billion dollars or your mum, which would you pick?

Well heaven is real but I haven’t been, two billion dollars is great but it can’t buy me life. My mother is the person who gave me life the one person I can trade life itself for, plus we’ll both end up in heaven anyways.

(Laughter) How in your opinion, can we put an end to the increasing cases of rape in Nigeria?

Well to be quite honest, more emphasis should be laid on the legal implications for rape. Rape cases should be treated with more serious implications because the gravity of the stigma it leaves on the victim cannot be over emphasized.

What would you like to be remembered for?

I am all about making an impact and enriching the lives of people.

If I could be remembered for making the life of even one person more suitable than it is, then that’s a win for me.

ADWOA ABOAH STARS IN SWAROVSKI’S REBRANDING CAMPAIGN Swarovski has officially unveiled its new identity thanks to the vision of its Creative Director, Giovanna Engelbert.

Designed in collaboration with branding agency General idea, the iconic Swan is seen turning its head upwards, poised to take flight.

To celebrate this occasion, the brand has introduced its rebranding through a campaign film titled Wonderlab starring model Adwoa Aboah, Game of Thrones’ Gwendoline Christie and The Queen’s Gambit Isla Johnston.

Inspired by organic lines of historic Austrian design, the logo symbolizes eternal love.

Elsewhere, Swarovski’s packaging has been given a colourful makeover embellished with the revamped Swan motif on the front.

Along with the redesign, Swarovski has also revealed the first jewellery collection released since Engelbert took the reins. The collection is organized thematically based on the mood, disposition, and style of the wearer.

NEW SWAROVSKI LOGO

ADWOA ABOAH

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9460 Sunday, April 4, 2021

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As a victim of domestic violence, can you tell us your experience and the damage caused as a result of it?

It was the 17th of October 2015, we had been with a couple of friends and at the end of the evening, as we were driving home, I told him I wanted to spend the night at my mum’s house as the next day was her 70th birthday celebration. However there seemed to have been some misunderstanding, I couldn’t tell what was in his mind, but as I was telling him to take me to my mum’s place, I started taking off my earrings and shoes as we were getting close to the house. But he started insulting me and calling me names because he didn’t believe I wanted to go spend some time with my mom. As we were talking, I felt a blow in the middle of my head! I was so shocked so I turned towards him and screamed “What!” and as I did that, I received the second blow that hit me straight in my right eye. While I was still gathering myself, I felt some liquid coming out of my eye. As I was trying to protect my face and asking him to stop, I got the third blow at the back of my head and at that point, something just said “Josina get out of the car” and that was how I was saved. I ran out with no shoes, no bags, just holding on to my eyes asking for help. Eventually, he followed me in his car, by this time I had fallen, he picked me up and drove me to the public hospital. That was when my l fully comprehended what other women go through with domestic violence. While at the hospital, I didn’t have much assistance for about four hours, my eye was bleeding out and I thought I wasn’t going to see again. I kept pleading for help. It wasn’t until my family finally heard from someone who recognized me that I was finally taken to a specialist eye clinic.

You jumped out of the car while it was still moving?

No, he had stopped the car and started beating me up immediately so between stopping the car and beating me up, it was not much time.

L E H C A JOSINA M VICTIM TO CRUSADER!

A few years ago, Josina Machel daughter of Graca Machel and Samora Machel, the former President of Mozambique and the step-daughter of the revered freedom fighter and global icon, Nelson Mandela, was a victim domestic violence from her then boyfriend. The action or lack thereof, of the Mozambique legal system to mete out a deserving sentence for the crime committed, stunned the world because if it can happen to Josina with her pedigree, what chance does the common woman on the streets have? But Josina has refused to throw in the towel and her focus still remains on justice being served accordingly.

In this interview, she talks about a movement she created to support her quest to not only appeal this decision but also to launch a continental campaign in support of women like her who have suffered one form of gender-based violence or another. The objective is that while it may be unclear how the court will rule, a continent-wide appeal will go a long way in drawing attention to systems that put women in disadvantageous positions and pressures them into silence. ISIOMA USIADE reports...

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How long were you together as a couple and looking back from experience, what are the red flags to look out for in a such a violent man?

We had been together maybe like three years and I have to say there were never any signs that he could beat me. We had had arguments in the past but it never resulted in physical abuse. I know technically, the red flags was his wanting to be in control, he always wanted to know where I am, who I am with, not wanting me to socialise with some people. Otherwise, apart from that, I did not have any blatant sign which is why at the time of the attack, instead of protecting myself, I actually exposed myself to it because it was surprising to me.

Looking back, the aforementioned traits are definitely a number of red flags and I speak to women about it but I only went through one which is the controlling aspect.

In spite of your status, Samora Machel, the first independent President of Mozambique was your father, Graça Machel, a humanitarian and politician, your mother and Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black President, your step-father. With such a strong intimidating political pedigree, one would have presumed yours will be an open and shut case.

But like most African women, you became a victim of an unfair judicial system that has allowed the abuser still walk a free man till date when his guilty verdict was upturned by a higher court! Does this not painfully reflect how African women are still viewed as second class citizens by their men especially when it comes to domestic violence?

Absolutely, I think the shocking aspect about this incident is that no matter the background you come from or how educative you are, you can still be a victim of domestic violence. I am a Masters graduate from United State School of Economics, with a well-known background yet l was a victim of gender based domestic violence. You can be white, black, educated, from the poorest of backgrounds; gender-based violence does not discriminate. The fact that you are a woman in this world immediately puts you at the position where you can be victimized, abused or killed and our society does not respond with the same kind of concern and urgency

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to cases of such violence. The judiciary for example in Mozambique, proved completely contradictory in the way they dealt with my case because it was declared that my abuser was guilty at first then in the second instance, he was declared innocent, simply on the basis that there were no witnesses like there scenarios where men inform their friends or family about beating up their wives or girlfriends and tell them to come watch!

In spite of all the evidence, I have the physical evidence on my face because I am half blind now, I have the injury sustained on my body and SMS which he initially confessed to have committed - still - the Tribunal has decided that he is not guilty and that is where I got the strength to appeal. How many women actually have the courage to speak up, to take the cases to court if they know that things that happened within closed doors is an impediment for them to get justice? That defiance was my encouragement, the reason I got to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court also has female judges. How come their voices are not being shouted from the rooftop about this injustice meted out at you as a

I don’t really think the journey of a survivor of domestic violence actually does end, it evolves and we adapt better. Every time I hear the stories of women who didn’t make it out from abuse, that lose their lives the moment they sought help and solution, it sets me back and I find myself going through emotions. I always prefer to say that I am a survivor in the process of recovery because I don’t think the recovery actually ends.

woman?

The effect of patriarchal justice is very strong in our society. It is so unfortunate there haven’t been strong voices among women, the moment we begin to realize that damage done to one is damage done to many.

Those in the political or the legal field fear that coming out to criticize these sentences very openly could bring harm to them or their job. Mozambique is in silence; the issue is shredded with silence basically. I hope that the Supreme Court finally gives a sentence that is not just for me but most important, a signal to other women. To let them know that they stand for the right of women, they protect the rights of women and they do not tolerate domestic violence which is already criminalized in our law.

How has this incident affected your family?

The fabric of family never becomes the same after incidents like this, I have two brothers, my uncles, my two kids, nephews and nieces and it has taken long for them just to look at me every day and not have to connect this to that abuse or to be able to look at me and smile without thinking about it. My brothers, uncles and cousins were furious and wanted to take justice into their own hands but my mother was strongly against it saying that Mozambique is against domestic violence of rights, women have rights, it has legislation and policies and so we must trust the authorities to do the right thing about women been abused. The fact that it hasn’t happened unfortunately created a bit of mistrust but we still have a few good people in the system and we are hoping deserving justice will be carried out one day.

What was the initial sentence meted at your ex before his guilty verdict was upturned?

The first sentence was three years and four months in jail and he was also asked to pay a financial compensation. And if the financial compensation is paid, his time in jail will be lessened. He appealed immediately so neither the jail sentence nor the financial compensation was ever paid. That was in February 2017, and a few years later, we get a response from the higher court that says he is not guilty. Now I have appealed and elevated to the Supreme court and that is where we are right now.

This whole ordeal inspired you to start Kuhluka movement. Please tell us about it and the response you have received so far from this movement?

Haven been in the hospital for all those hours without been attended to, subsequently when I returned there weeks later to go get my documentation, my files in the hospital had disappeared, my files in the police department had also disappeared! I went back and forth for weeks until I finally got a document I could use to start a legal process. That experience made me think that if I, could be exposed to that horror despite my background, what then will happen to women that don’t have strong background and financial support? I had someone driving me around to get my documents from the hospital and police stations. So, for someone who will have to use the public transport; how many times can the person afford to do that, and if she is working, how many times would she be allowed to go the police to report and get the documents. I decided I needed to create a movement that increases awareness on domestic gender violence and also lecture those who think that because they do not have bruises and scares like some of us, falsely assume they are healed and life goes on. It is about educating people to recognize that the trauma is permanent, creating infrastructures that assist survivors and victims to make their journeys easier.

That is how and why the Kuhlukah movement was created. Some of our major developments is as a tesult of my own experience. I was in the hospital I didn’t have shoes, my clothes were full of blood. I had nothing and l imagine the ordeal of a woman who has been raped and left to wait hours in hospital without being attended to in that state. What we have done in our movement is create ‘dignity’ packs which are emergency packs specifically for victims of violence. So that when they go and report at the medical centre, they receive these packs, which include information of what they can do quickly, who they can access and also underwear for them to wear. We also include soap, everything about as a victim that is needed at the time. We partner with Quaso and provide the financial needs. The kits are free.

Then we have the Kuhlukah support group which consists of women who have been abused. We exchange experiences, get advice on how to manage trauma and cope with the day to day life that can sometimes, become so suffocating. Only someone who has gone through such experiences can relate in its totality with us and we are growing in South Africa and Mozambique.

Hopefully, Entrepreneurs and philanthropists in Nigeria could liaise with us so we can also make this kind of services available in Nigeria.

Gender based violence reduces self-esteem and make the victims feel worthless after a while. How do women in these circumstances learn to build back their self-esteem? How do you grow from victim to survivor?

It was a grooming journey, I read a lot about it I went back to the knowledge I had acquired when I was working in the field of gender issues, HIV and so on.

What sustained me was the belief that I had been wronged and never believed that I deserved what was done to me. Unfortunately, there are women that take the blames for their abuse and that makes it even harder.

I knew that I would come whole one day and the name Kuhlukah movement came mainly from recognizing that fact. At some point, I felt wasted but I knew I was going

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to be rejuvenated so I watched lots of movies about things related to this. I read a lot, I prayed, I did yoga, I danced, I started burning in the power of the universe and connecting spiritually to anything that made sense.

So, if a woman asks “Josina, what should I do?” I will say anything that makes sense. Just do you and of course be able to ask for help.

Have you built relationships with other women who share the same experience as you and how have they learnt their voices to your movement?

Absolutely yes that’s what I do on a daily basis.

I work for the Kuhlukah movement and a big part of it is actually my story and the stories of other women who have been abused. The movement is there to console them, inspire them and let them know that there is a beautiful life after abuse.

The journey to healing is one that one should not be done alone. People like me are here and that is why I believe I went through this experience exactly - to open myself to hear, console, allow others to share their stories, to help them through the journey so that we do the its together.

How long was the healing process for you personally to get to the place that you are in today?

It took probably three years before it started getting better. I can’t say that I am completely healed; I still have triggers for example if l am inside a speeding car, it gets to a point where I feel out of control. Also, when I am speaking to someone and he raise his voice, I get jolted.

So I can’t completely say that the journey had finished.

I don’t really think the journey of a survivor of a domestic violence actually does end, it evolves and we adapt better. Every time I hear the stories of women who didn’t make it out from abuse, that lose their lives the moment they sought help and solution, it sets me back and I find myself going through emotions. I always prefer to say that I am a survivor in the process of recovery because I don’t think the recovery actually ends.

Did you at any point seek a Phycologist/Psychiatrist apart from medical help during your healing moment?

I did see my Phycologist and my Psychiatrist and I still have them in my life because life can be a roller coaster and sometimes issues may arise. My kids are teenagers, sometimes I tend to project a bit of my fears on my daughter who is 17. When those feelings start disrupting my family affairs, I rely strongly on my Phycologist and my Psychiarist. You should not be ashamed to seek professional assistance because gender-based violence leaves real scars in the body, is heartbreaking and leads to depression and many other illnesses that women are unaware of. So it is important to be able to debrief with a number of practitioners.

With your experience, have you given love another chance and if so, what did it take for that to happen?

Yes, it took a very long time, I met someone very special that helped me trust again. I was still healing at the time and in the process of recovery so it didn’t really work so well at first. But I gave love a chance again. It is a process; I am a victim of violence and there are triggers so I need to be very clear with the person what my boundaries are because I don’t want to get to the point where trust is broken and then start leading to issues. I don’t deal well with over controlling people. Also, from my day-to-day activities, there are some reservations, issues and I still learning to be fine, whole and complete again. So it necessary for whoever is in my life to be absolutely understanding through the journey and accept who I am right now.

Are there instances where you might over react in the relationship because of your experiences and how has your partner been able to cope with such reactions?

Absolutely there are moments when the fear, triggers and emotions sometimes take over my mind as a consequence. You don’t rationalise responses and tend

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9460 Sunday, April 4, 2021

I work for the Kuhlukah movement and a big part of it is actually my story and the stories of other women who have been abused. The movement is there to console them, inspire them and let them know that there is a beautiful life after abuse.

...BEFORE SHE LOST HER EYE

to overreact to things that in different context you would not. But a few minutes later, I realize this is the Josina that was hurt, this is not who l am. There is always that dynamic but I am privileged to have someone who is matured enough to also understand where I am coming from and is able to say “Hold on, step back and let’s redefine this again”. Dating after abuse is definitely a whole new journey and experience but it is worthwhile because you get to learn and know yourself even better than you thought you did.

For women who are still stuck in violently abusive relationships and don’t have the confidence to leave, what are the key things required to give them the confidence to take that step?

First thing they need to know is that violence is not love, if you are in a violent relationship, you are in a loveless relationship. It is not about power and it is not about control. Secondly, they need to know that violence should never be tolerated and that their lives is worth a whole lot more than whatever benefits they get. There are stories of millions of women who lost their lives because they thought their partner would change but never did. Before you become part of that statistic, you better organize yourself to leave. It might not be ideal to for you partner or family but make sure you’ve got friends and other supporters that can help you exit.

There are also a number of things that needs to be taken into consideration, like the children‘s wellbeing. How are you are going to sustain yourself normally in the circle of violence. There have been many women who have had the courage to leave but because they were not financially and emotionally ready, they went back and the abuse got even worse. One thing I have learnt is that we have the tendency of saying making excuses for the abuser “He’s a good father. My children will miss him.” But what gender-based violence and abuse does on our children is difficult to calculate. It’s immense There’s the likelihood that your children are already scars of gender-based violence, and the possibility that they might become either abusers or be abused in their

STYLE & DESIGN

lives is huge. So you are not protecting your children by allowing them to see the abuse that you lived through.

The best thing you can do is move on, start a new life and live without fear because living with that fear is not worth it.

Are they any shelter homes in Mozambique for women who don’t have anywhere else to go until they can get back on their feet?

At time I was abused, there was only one but now they have several. When the women leave their shelters, Kuhluka movement has also created a place to go to heal and plan ways to become independent and reduce the dependency on their partners. In South Africa, there are also quite a number of shelters although some need a bit of improvement. I don’t know what the circumstances are in Nigeria but if it is allowed, we will be willing to share our experience, what we have seen, partnerships that we have around the world, and the organization that provides such safe treatment for women who decide to move out of abusive relationships.

How are these women protected from husbands reluctant to let go? How does the law protect them?

The law should have protection, in South Africa there are protection orders unfortunately it needs to be uptight. In 2019 there was an incident, a woman called Nomsa had a protection order against her husband.

But he decided to go to the taxi park and shoot her. She died. There are men who do not respect the protection order but it is the only way the government legal system protects women. These men do not respect the laws because they know the punishment that exist is not enforced enough. So, many men still get away with these kinds of behaviour. They challenge the protection orders and mechanisms that have been put in place.

One of the things that we don’t really talk about in abuse is that there are women in our families who allow and perpetuate abuse against other women, our mother in-laws, our aunties etc so if we have legislation in place, we will work adequately. If we have societal control and respect for other lives and solidarity amongst us, then the idea of gender-based violence will be adequately done with. We can’t just expect the government to have all the answers. We, as a society, can’t simply cross our arms and expect everything to be done for us. We need to monitor, we need to protect and ensure that our women are safe. It doesn’t matter if she is your daughter or your daughter in-law, sister or sister in-law, she is a woman, in the same way you allow abuse to happen to her, abuse can also come to you and to your children.

Is your organization working in collaboration with the police and the government to ensure that these steps are taken to protect women in gender violence?

Yes, in South Africa women who report violence to police get the dignity packs before they are referred to us indirectly or directly. In Mozambique we have started the process and it is growing. In most stations, there are offices/sectors called Kuhluka Menas Rebirth, specialized to receive women in abuse, so we have relationships with the police and work with them quite closely.

Most victims have complained that many times, they experience second victimization from the police because when they report their husbands, the first question they ask is “What did you do? Go back to your husband!”

So, we have been requesting for police centres to have special advise unit that receive abused women and attend to them in an appropriate way. It is through this unit the dignity packs are given. This makes the women feel safer because there is empathy and understanding.

What are contact details of your website/movement for those who want to visit and give support of any form?

We are on Facebook but we also have a website is www.kuhlukamovement.org. It means rebirth, in South Africa, we were having difficulties receiving funds but now with the website, we can get support and all the other information is also on the website.

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LAOLU SENBANJO 10

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ART DIRECTOR OF # DRAWTHELINE MALARIA CAMPAIGN A new youth-focused creative campaign powered by African stars; Laolu NYC, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinede, Osas Ighodaro, Meji Alabi and other global stars was launched recently, themed ‘Draw The Line’ against malaria. Malaria is one of humanity’s oldest and deadliest diseases. The campaign is inspiring Africa’s youths to demand political action from their leaders to end malaria within a generation. The Creative Director, Laolu Senbanjo has used his art to create the Munndo, the world’s first malaria universal language as a way to express their personal line through art to end malaria. This campaign supports the growing ‘Zero Malaria Starts With Me’ movement which was the theme for World Malaria day 2020, and showcases a lot of talent and inspiration from arts, to music, culture and fashion.

In this exclusive interview with STYLE CORRESPONDENT USIADE ISIOMA, Laolu NYC throws more light on the campaign, its creative artistic impact, the Muundo universal language, its goals, his experience and challenges and why we all must come together to fight this disease once and for all.

Let’s talk about the Muundo! A universal malaria language? Where did that come from and what inspired these lines after which the campaign is named?

Malaria is something that millions of people across Africa have to deal with. We know the amount of time malaria steals from our lives. That’s why I’m honoured

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to be using my art, the Sacred Art of the Ori, to create the Muundo, the world’s first malaria language as a fresh expression of our opportunity to end this disease. As Art Director for the campaign, I wanted to create an eye-catching visual representation of the actions that are needed to end malaria once and for all within a generation. There’s a lot of symbolism in the art. On the website, look for a carefully crafted picture of a mosquito, and in the mosquito, you see an X in it, because we want to stop malaria. There’s also the part where there is a triangle, we call it ‘Aro meta’; in Yoruba, which is balance.

This is important because we have to balance our efforts and energy so we fight malaria in the right way.

So, you’re looking to bridge the space between youth engagement and political action with this campaign.

Has this been done before and what challenges do you foresee along the way?

It has never been done like this before! Africa is a youthful continent with 74% of the population under 35 and the youth contingent are powerful agents of change, so this campaign represents a rallying cry for them to step up action in the fight against malaria which still claims the life of a child every two minutes.

Greta Thunberg and other youth activists have shown that global youth-led activism can effectively demand change from political leaders, and it is critical that we too find ways to engage and mobilise African youth to drive forward policy progress on ending malaria. Research has shown that young people across Africa understand malaria’s impact on their life opportunities and want to be more engaged in driving social change, but don’t feel included, and don’t feel there is a platform on which they can participate. Well, this is it!

The campaign showcases a lot of talent and inspiration from arts, to music, culture and fashion.

How was your experience working with the other Pan-African talents on the campaign?

It was inspiring to work with the other talents on the campaign. My Nigerian identity is so important to me as an artist, and working with others who share that same

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drive private sector investment and established parliamentary groups to advocate for greater action and resources to fight malaria.

What’s your parting message to the younger generation about this campaign and their position in the drive for a more progressive Africa?

I hope the next generation will not have to experience malaria at all, period. Because, growing up in Nigeria, the amount of time it takes to treat malaria is no joke. No one should go through that, young people have to miss school when they have malaria, workers miss their jobs when they have malaria, I mean you end up missing everything because you can’t do anything. Literally, you’re bedridden. And many people don’t survive. I want the next generation to be freed from this. I want it to be a malaria-free generation for them.

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Laolu NYC is a brand that has moved Nigeria a few notches higher on the world map at least on the art scene from Beyoncé to Nike, Starbucks and everything in between. How has your art evolved to take on deeper meaning for socio-political causes, such as the #DrawTheLine campaign?

As a former human rights lawyer, fighting for justice, socio-political causes have always been a focus, and as I transitioned into the art world, I continued to express those passions through my art. I see the world through a lens of justice and strive to bring a voice to the oppressed and disenfranchised through all of my work, so partnering with allies, and joining campaigns like #DrawTheLine has helped amplify this message and use my talent to bring attention to greater issues.

The campaign reflects the incredible energy, talent, and cultural influence emanating from the African continent, from art, fashion, and music, to sport and entertainment, all brought to life through Meji’s incredible film, inspiring young people to take charge of their lives and refusing to allow malaria to steal their futures. It’s a real celebration of the generation that will end malaria, they are our heroes, and when they watch it, they should see themselves as these heroes, empowered to end malaria. They will end it because they have the will to do so. And they will do it united under one unified, global message. The lines are a visible declaration of this intention.

The campaign is inspiring young Africans to demand political action from their leaders to end malaria within a generation by drawing the line on the zeromalaria.org website. Tell us how that works.

The campaign asks people everywhere to visit zeromalaria.org and add their own personal line of Muundo art to a growing piece of crowd sourced artwork that will be shared with leaders at the Malaria and NTDs Summit on 24 June 2021.

STYLE & DESIGN

The distinctive look of your face and body art have come to be recognised as your personal signature.

Why do you feel the need to express yourself this way and what does it mean to you?

So, the paint on my face is my identity. It tells a story of my ancestry and my Oriki. I go in that power and receive that affirmation. It is a sort of prayer. Every time I put the paint on, I’m saying a bold statement as to who I am. My Oriki is Omo Ijebu Ode, Ogbogbo Jale Jale, Omo Ani to ‘oyinbo o ni Le, Omo aniwura, Omo ani Pepe.

My surname is Senbanjo, which means together with the water, so sometimes you see waves in the art. You also see the crown, which stands for Adegboyega (my

heritage while also working to end Malaria was a great experience.

Working with Omotola, Siya, Eliud and the others on #DrawTheLine allowed me to experience such a diverse blend of talents and backgrounds coming together in this important fight, and it was uplifting to see my art blend with their talents in such unique ways as we created the campaign.

What are some of the demands the campaign will be making when the complete Muundo mural is presented to world leaders at the Kigali Malaria & NTDs summit in June and how do you plan to hold them accountable towards their commitments?

The whole campaign has been designed to encourage African leaders and donors, particularly within the Commonwealth, to take action to prioritise malaria during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. We really wanted to create a strong sense of public mandate to move ending malaria right up the political agenda and encourage governments to take urgent action.

Accountability within the global Zero Malaria Starts With Me conversation extends to prevention, testing, treatment and other factors. How is the campaign educating people about the individual roles they play in beating the epidemic?

The campaign is part of the pan-African Zero Malaria Starts with Me movement launched in 2018 within communities and countries across Africa, to mobilise and empower individuals to take ownership over the fight to end malaria. Since then, 19 countries have already launched the initiative, and the Draw The Line campaign now brings the crucial youth energy and focus to the grass-roots movement. Through house and village visits, as well as through social media and an original TV series, ZMSWM has not only created a community-based movement to increase awareness and ownership of antimalaria interventions, it has also generated community champions supporting national End Malaria Funds to

mother’s maiden name). Depending on the day and my mood, I also paint a deity on my face. It could be Sango, Osun, or Oya. These are genderless deities. So, it could be any one of them. When I put the paint on, I go out into the world in my power, while representing my history and embodying my Oriki.

So, what next for Laolu NYC? Can we expect to see more social activism through your art?

Absolutely, I’m constantly creating and as long as there continues to be injustice, I will address it through

How to

art. In addition to my work with #DrawTheLine and Malaria No More UK, I have upcoming partnerships with other organizations and brands. I recently created the album artwork for DANCE (RED) SAVE LIVES Vol. III, which will be launching next month and raising proceeds for (RED)’s efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on life saving HIV/AIDS programs in sub-Saharan Africa. I’ve also been back in the studio working on upcoming pieces that will debut soon that I can’t wait to share more on. You can keep an eye out for my upcoming work at laolu.nyc

KUFEJI

SBY FUNKE BAB

ediate attention! How long can you The skin around your eyes needs your imm le dark circles slowly but surely ignore them and binge-watch those series whi of movies, series, reels and using begin to form? While getting your daily dose your eyes suffer and signs begin computer screens for work, the skin around after a while, by which time, to show, although some might only notice them les and not wait for the signs to it is quite late. You want to prevent dark circ e to buck up and tend to them. show up. And if the signs already exist, its tim

AVOID RUBBING YOUR EYES

Rubbing your eyes has an immediate negative effect on the skin around them.

If you are feeling stressed and your eyes are tired from working or watching your computer or phone screen, tear your gaze away and look at some solid objects around you. You can even shut your eyes just to get a break, but do not rub them. Splash your eyes with water or rose water so that it cools down and hydrates the area, relieving you of the urge to rub them.

APPLY EYE CREAM

No matter what, an eye cream is essential for your undereye area. Understandably, sometimes moisturisers break you out if it is the wrong one or if layered with other serums.

But the skin around your eyes is different, acne doesn’t form there. Therefore, you can always apply and reapply an eye cream

or treatment gel to the area whenever it looks like it needs hydration. Or, simply make it a ritual throughout the day. The more you moisturize the area, the better.

USE A JADE ROLLER

Jade facial rollers can be used to massage and tone your face and this is especially beneficial for the skin around your eyes. Applying any skin care product with your fingers around your eyes is only a good idea if you are gentle with the application techniques. Harsh stroking motions can break capillaries causing them to look duller and darkened. A jade roller can be used to help your products seep in better. You can even do a simple routine with olive oil and a jade roller just for your eyes.

KIKA OSUNDE

RETINOL USAGE

A great way to reverse the damage and prevent it is using retinol. This ingredient is the best for anti-ageing purposes and to provide visible results quicker than most. Retinoids do take about a month or two to show drastic results, but they definitely treat your skin with each application. Use a retinol cream or gel on your skin at night and make sure to cover the skin around

your eyes with it.

GREEN TEA BAGS

This DIY recipe is a winner for rejuvenating the skin around your eyes. After you are done brewing the tea, use the tea bags on your eyes and let them sit for 10 minutes. The antioxidants boost fresher-looking skin and prevent dark circles.

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