THISDAY STYLE MAGAZINE 6TH JUNE 2021

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

SUNDAY, JUNE 6, 2021

Y D A L T S five times the R I F E T A T S TA DELcommitment

H T I D E

!

0 6 @

A W O K O Because you deserve more we will refund you 5 times the transaction fees if we don’t reverse a failed instant transfer in one business day.

N SD A A T ST N E B A I RI D E H A RT

TR !

S E R WE OV

five times the commitment Because you deserve more we will refund you 5 times the transaction fees if we don’t reverse a failed instant transfer in one business day.

That’s how we are changing for the better.

#CommittedtoGivingMore

That’s how we are changing for the better. #CommittedtoGivingMore

@ariseplay

CONTENT

Society

EDITH OKOWA CELEBRATES 60TH BIRTHDAY IN GRAND STYLE PG 6-7

Fashion PAIRING YOUR FLARES PG 8-9 ADDING COLOUR TO YOUR MINIMALIST WARDRROBE

WEEKEND WATCH RECOMMENDATION ON

PG 10

SURVIVORS PG 11 At 60, Edith Okowa looks as radiant as ever and could easily be the envy of women decades younger. With a natural quiet mien, she radiates inner strength which emits when you talk to her. A lady of few words, she gives much thoughts to her utterances before she answers questions which shows her depth of character.

Now that she has turned 60, aside from her 05 Initiative which she says she founded under the a scripture in Bible, Edith has decided to retire and go into evangelism fully. Executive Style Editor, RUTH OSIME reports...

ARISEPLAY

5 MINUTES WITH TRAPP XL PG 20

RUNWAY TO REALLIFE PG 21

TO SIR, WITH LOVE

FAT SHAMING! PG 22

photo credit TY BELLO

THISDAY STYLE FASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR RUTH OSIME

08111847085

EDITOR PRINT OLUFUNKE BABS-KUFEJI EDITOR DIGITAL KONYE NWABOGOR

08111847086

08111847087

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

There’s something so special about birthdays especially when they signal the beginning of a new decade. On such occasions, one tends to reflect and savour the new age more than other birthdays. But have you noticed that when the clock is turning forwards for the male gender, it seems to be turning backwards for some of the female gender! At least we can confidently say that is one up we have against the men considering everything else seems to favour them more than us! A little assistance with makeup also helps especially when done subtly as opposed to garishly...which, in fact, has the opposite effect actually...it adds years than otherwise. There’s something quite appealing when you try to look as natural as possible as you age, especially with short hair. A woman that can keep her hair natural and short and still look attractive is one fine woman as is the case with EDITH OKOWA who turned 60 recently. But we all know that aside from physical attributes, what lies within a woman is what is most treasured about her. Depth of character and love to fellow humans goes a long way in defining a woman. Edith has several of these traits. Her husband is one lucky fellow.

Speaking of defining, there are also many character traits that can be linked to colours, green and brown for Mother Earth, red for fire, blue for tranquility, yellow for sunshine and the list goes on. In this week’s edition, we try to inspire women who always play it too safe when it comes to their wardrobe. Women who need to step it up a notch or two and add some va-va-voom to their daily or outing ensemble. ADDING COLOUR TO A MINIMALIST WARDROBE is a very good guide to tow that path. Surprise people by showing the side not expected of you. Also, take a cue from PINK REIGN and splurge on something pink! If not a dress, then at least an accessory will do.

Enjoy your Sunday tonic.

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

FASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

TO SIR, WITH LOVE II

JOIN A NEW WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT WWW.ARISEPLAY.COM

SUBSCRIBE TODAY WWW.ARISEPLAY.COM @ariseplay

FRONT ROW SEAT TO A NEW WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT

AVAILABLE NOW

COMING SOON

COMING SOON

COMING SOON

LAUNCH OFFER

HOUSEHOLD OFFER

CORPORATE PACKAGE

CORPORATE + NEWS BUNDLE

1 FREE 3 FREE

1 FREE 3 FREE

1 FREE 3 FREE MONTH

WHEN YOU PAY THE FIRST MONTH [$3.00 USD]

MONTHS WHEN YOU PAY

FOR THE FIRST YEAR [$27.00 USD]

(UP TO 5 PEOPLE)

MONTH

WHEN YOU PAY THE FIRST MONTH [$9.00 USD]

MONTHS WHEN YOU PAY

FOR THE FIRST YEAR [$81.00 USD]

(UP TO 50 STAFF MEMBERS)

MONTH

WHEN YOU PAY THE FIRST MONTH [$50.00 USD]

MONTHS WHEN YOU PAY

FOR THE FIRST YEAR [$400.00 USD]

(UP TO 50 STAFF MEMBERS) ARISEPLAY

1 FREE MONTH

+

THISDAY NEWSPAPERS (DAILY DIGITAL COPY)

WHEN YOU PAY THE FIRST MONTH [$55.00 USD]

+

THISDAY STYLE

(WEEKLY DIGITAL COPY)

3 FREE

MONTHS WHEN YOU PAY

FOR THE FIRST YEAR [$440.00 USD]

RAYMOND MGBAKOR

MR & MRS BENJAMIN ELUE

BIYI & SOLA ADESUWA GIWA-OSAGIE

NIYI ADEBAYO

GOV IFEANYI & EDITH OKOWA WITH CHILDREN & GRANDCHILDREN DONALD DUKE

ROSS UREDI

MR & MRS SHANTEL

JIDE OMOKORE

FLORENCE AJIMOBI

ROLI UDUAGHAN

SHERRIF OBOREVWORI

DUMEBI KACHIKWU

EMMA CHINYE

LAWRENCE OSIEGBU

LULU ENOBAIFO

EDITH OKOWA CELEBRATES 60TH BIRTHDAY IN GRAND STYLE Recently, Delta state’s was agog with a beehive of activities as family members, friends, business and political associates of the Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, gathered to celebrate his wife, H.E Edith Okowa’s 60th birthday in grand style.

The event, which was put together by a committee of friends had in attendance close family, friends and top government echelon in the state.

GOV IFEANYI & EDITH OKOWA OF DELTA STATE

NDUDI ELUMELU

CHIEDU & KEHINDE EBIE

EDWARD MEKWUYE

TONY OKOWA

pairin

STYLE & DESIGN

BY US I

g

ADE I

Cardigans

Long gone are the days when these cardigans make you look like you’re ready for school. A cardigan in a bright colour not only looks cute, but also, they make your wide-leg denim outfit classier if you wear them right. When you choose a green cardigan, with light wash denim flares, go for simple accessories and printed shoes to make the outfit well put together. BREN ZAWIE

f l r a r u e o s y

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9523 Sunday, June 6, 2021

SIOM

A

Long Dress

Vest

Besides a coat, a long dress over your You could wear your flared with a flares, be it fitted or loose is apants bohemian way tovest, express makes casual or ayourself. dressier What one, depending this notchlook moreyou’re interesting when you ona what goingisfor.

Besides wear the same fabric from head to toe as coat, a vest another to make isathe case hereis where she way is wearing a your outfit cute, especially when it’sinhot long dress and turban with her flares outside andfabric. a coatThe might be elongate too much. the Aso Oke stripes her already lithe and lovely frame the Since the vest has no sleeves, itand does not little fringe as a side peplum is a lovely overwhelm your outfit. element of surprise.

MODEL FOR SUNNY ROSE

MODEL FOR SUNNY ROSE

Matching jacket

If you like to turn heads, then a printed statement top will help you do exactly this. The key to looking great is to get the proportions and the colours right, otherwise you might end up turning heads but for the wrong reasons. You should also make sure your printed statement top is slightly cropped, well fitted, or just tucked in so that you have a good balance.

DODOS

8

One of the best tops for flares is a white buttondown shirt. This is because a white button-down will dress up any outfit you intend on stepping out in. Also, being white, it gives you the freedom to style it with several other colours. A high waist pair will have you looking even more classy. SADE AKINOSHO

Matching shirt

You could wear a matching set for the perfect monochromatic look. You get a co-ordset, which is always great as it just makes your dressing up easier not to mention elongating your frame. You will also, easily look all dressed up regardless of the place you are headed out to.

For this pairing, heels, whether strappy or closed will dress it up.

MODEL FOR RE LAGOS

Plaid shirt

You can dress up a plaid shirt by tucking it into your pants.

They come either long or short and they make for great and comfortable casual looks. If you need to have the look casual and comfortable, feel free to swap the shoes for a pair of your favourite sneakers for the prepschool look.

YAMIKO

You can get a suit that includes some wide-leg pants and a matching blazer. It’s a great combination especially if you like a more structured look. It can take you from a date with the girls to the office, from a high-profile event to a party elsewhere.

MODEL FOR OZWALD BOATENG

A pair of flared pants also goes well with a strapless tube top. This is one of the most effortless combos. To dress it up, make sure you wear killers heels. To dress it down, simply opt for sneakers or flat sandals. SONIA POOKIE

White button-down

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9523 Sunday, June 6, 2021

d oun f e v , ha and s 0 e s 8 he setter wid d t d n i d n un ack f tren ight fi c aro e b orn arts o en m fabri minin w e s a m ly fe ost the h e wo e extr and ant p m s h y f to om eg ant ck in hile s se of t class ide l ion o g p g a a W llus tin i e-le ay b ay. W becau ly be age. a d e g i h l n y t g W eir w s tod ing tua of an give ice elo ide-le t c a th ista a d y n i w n n n ion intim ey ca ome ng the ave a best ut ca so h s b l e s fa th for w deri ts h es, th chic and a ant rea, i n e s p l a y leg leg a e stap g con ese p ist on t onl c use the drob tterin re. Th gh wa re no fabri a r wa be fla ss figu the hi They n the hem. o can urgla ially men. ding tyle t c o o w en h us pe an ct, es etite , dep ell yo n ef fe s for pnd fu ow w t a th pan e hip jus ob als

Tube top Printed top

STYLE & DESIGN

Sweatshirt

Pairing your sweatshirt with your flares is a great way to get a casual, yet stylish, look. A sweatshirt is great for lounging around especially on those lazy days. However, you can actually step out in your sweatshirt if you style it well. It’s even better because it’s an unexpected look.

The outfit is also very comfortable which is always a plus. HAFSAH

Message Tee

A great way to wear message t-shirt is to tuck them into your flared pants for a cool weekend look. Message t-shirts, just like graphic ones, make you stand out as a means of self-expression.

They can be very creative depending on what’s written on them and will still give you the same comfort of any other t-shirt. ENKAY

Statement top

Since printed tops have already been suggested, it’s only right that plain statement ones make it to the list too. For you to make a statement with your top, you can choose a plain one in more neutral colours like white, but choose bold designs such as offshoulder, ruffles or even bell sleeves.

TIA

Coat

Cami

Pairing your cami with some flared pants makes your cami outfit more chic. The cami, being minimalist in its design, gives your look a great balance. This is whether you get a printed cami top or a plain one. COUTURE

Wearing a pair of flared pants with a coat is a great way to not only look trendy but also chic. Given that the pants already have volume in the leg, the most flattering coat for this outfit should be fitted.

Keep everything underneath the coat simple and neutral.

TENICKA

9

STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9523 Sunday, June 6, 2021

START WITH YOUR BAG

Pick a colour that goes with most of the clothing you already own. It would be counter-productive to buy a colourful bag that you have to change constantly for a black bag. You might be surprised that certain colours go with a lot of the items you already have in your closet. Blush, burgundy, and some shades of green tend to match well with monochromatic colours. Go bold, but choose wisely. You want to be able to strut your bag with most of your outfits on hand.

WEAR THE COLOUR IN ACCESSORIES

CHIC AMA

On the flip side, if you are keeping your outfit black, white, or gray, throwing in colourful accessories like sunnies or Jewlery is an easy way to add in colour.

BUY ALL THE BOLD SHOES

Shoes are the perfect way to add some colour to your black heavy wardrobe.

Red, yellow, blush, and burgundy shoes are all perfect for a good pair with neutrals. Nothing says “a pop of colour” like yellow shoes!

MODEL FOR LISA FOLAWIYO

MARII PAZZ

GO FOR RED ON NIGHTS OUT

MADELEINE

Red is a seductive colour and an amazing addition to everyone’s wardrobe.

Find the right shade of red, a dress (or skirt), with a beautiful top to add into your capsule wardrobe as staples for date night and nights out on the town with your friends. You will have zero regrets.

r u o l o C g Addin To Your

t s i l a m i Minardrobe W

BY ISIOMA USIADE

There is something about colour that makes you feel alive, bold and confident. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little. While we understand you have so many items in your wardrobe, don’t get stuck into mundane clothing choices. Open up to the possibility of adding some colour and leave yourself enough room to experiment. If you’re afraid of colour or want some new ways to incorporate this into your closet, here are some tips on how to do so to get the right plug for you.

10

ALERO

TEASE IN COLOUR THROUGH PATTERNS

This summertime, it’s all about fun patterns on dresses, shirts, rompers, and even sandals especially bohemian patterns. Incorporating colour through patterns is one of the best ways to ease yourself into colour if you’re typically uncomfortable with it.

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 will be 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 which covers initiatives in health, education and community service.

WARIF offers assistance to survivors of rape and sexual violence through the WARIF Centre a safe haven where trained professionals are present full time, 6 days a week including public holidays to offer immediate medical care, forensic medical examinations, psycho-social counselling and welfare services which include shelter, legal aid and vocational skills training. These services are provided FREE of charge to any survivor who walks into the Centre.

This is Aisha’s storyI cannot over emphasize how glad I am to be alive to tell my story to the world today. My name is Aisha and I am 14 years old, although am quite young but I believe the experiences I have gone through has helped to shaped my life for the better. I believe am positioned for a great future having survived my ordeal.

I was born into a family of three where I am the oldest siblings. I have a younger sister and a brother. Growing up was quite challenging because we were poor and my parents could barely provide for me and my siblings. We could not afford three squares meal per day and most nights, we went to bed hungry.

My father was a mechanic who never made enough money to cater for us because his skills were inadequate in this modern era and my mother was a petty trader who sold household commodities. My mother was always out of goods to sell to her customers as she would spend both the capital and profit from her business to feed the family.

My parents marriage was very toxic and I cannot remember any day where they were not shouting or fighting. These fights were initially just verbal but then it graduated to physical abuse. My siblings and I were always at the receiving end of this torture, there was always transferred aggression to us even though my mom would adjust whenever we pointed it out to her.

After a while, the fights began to affect my mother’s mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. She was an orphan with no friends so there was nowhere to turn to for help.

After an intense altercation that left my mom bleeding from her face as a result of a series of beatings, she made up her mind to leave the marriage for good. It was a few weeks after I had turned 7, we got home from school and found out that my mother had taken her belongings and moved out of the house to an unknown destination. We waited for her to return but up till now as I narrate my experience, we have not set our eyes on my mother. My siblings and I were left alone with an abusive drunkard.

When I felt better I returned back to school. My classmates and teachers sought to know why I was not in school for some days but I didn’t tell anyone because of fear.

I endured this pain until a year later when my daddy moved his plot further and ordered me to undress and forcefully had sex with me. He raped me repeatedly until he was satisfied. Obviously, he was enjoying himself while I suffered the agony, pain and torture from the abuse.

I was suddenly thrown into a world of chaos with two younger siblings to look after and a father who did not care. It was a very difficult time but because I am smart and hardworking, I was able to adjust to our new life quickly. I learnt how to bathe my siblings, prepare meals and clean the house. I felt it would be an eye opener for my father but he carried on with life as usual, not bothered about our academics or how we fared generally. Whenever he gave me money for food, I managed the money judiciously and we only ate two meals per day; breakfast and dinner so we would not go to bed hungry. Most times, the petty traders who sold commodities were always helpful because they understood my predicament.

You would think that I had suffered enough for my age but alas the worst was yet to come. My dad still kept late nights and on this fateful day, my siblings had retired to bed but I always had to stay up to let him into the house.

After he entered, I asked if he needed anything and he requested that I come into his room for a chat. I came in and he beckoned on me to come closer and within a split second, he lifted me up and placed me on his laps and before I could understand what was happening, he inserted his fingers into me and started fondling my breast, I was in shock confused and felt this must be dream I needed to wake up from and so I couldn’t shout as he repeatedly inserted his fingers deeply into me. I was bleeding and crying at the same time. When he was done, he instructed me not to inform anyone else he would deal with me. He further threatened me that it was a normal thing to do for him to help prepare me to avoid pain during childbirth when I get married in future.

I left his room hearted broken and I made up my mind to end my life the next day when my other siblings had gone to school and my abuser to work. I prepared my younger ones for school and as usual my daddy had left before dawn. The next day, i left my house to accomplish my suicidal attempt but I could not as I kept roaming the streets until late at night, I thought about my younger ones and the untold hardship and pain my exit would

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9523 Sunday, June 6, 2021

RS

cause them and so I decided to return home and bear the torture.

When I felt better I returned back to school. My classmates and teachers sought to know why I was not in school for some days but I didn’t tell anyone because of fear. I endured this pain until a year later when my daddy moved his plot further and ordered me to undress and forcefully had sex with me. He raped me repeatedly until he was satisfied. Obviously, he was enjoying himself while I suffered the agony, pain and torture from the abuse.

My ordeal continued until when I gained admission to secondary school, my class teacher was a Godly woman, caring and very observant. From my first encounter with her, she knew that I was an unhappy child and my academics suffered greatly because I was turning out low grades. She became close to me and took keen interest in me. Whenever my dad abuses me, I do not bother going to school to avoid any suspicion and so that no one would find out. Fortunately for me that has worked out well until I met my current class teacher, Mrs Tolulope.

One of the nights after enduring another round of sexual molestation by my perpetrator, I resumed school the next day with abdominal and vagina pains. I immediately told my usual lie that I fell ill but she was not buying any of that. She called me into her office personally and inquired the reason why I did not come to school for those days.

I burst out in tears because for the first time, someone cared about me to miss my absence. I narrated my entire ordeal to her and she took the issue to the school authorities. The school authorities alerted the Police and my daddy was arrested and now at the custody of the Police.

The Police authorities referred me to WARIF CENTRE because I had been battered mentally and emotionally and psychological and I needed help but I didn’t know what type of help. At the WARIF CENTRE, test was carried out by the medical practitioners and I was able to access psychosocial counselling for free to heal from my trauma and also taught the coping mechanism. My counselling sessions with the counsellors have been very helpful. The centre facilitated my move to a safe haven. My siblings and I are now in a shelter free from the perpetrator.

I can testify that I believe more in myself, I have also learnt about sex education and surprisingly, I have forgiven my perpetrator. My goal is to become the best version of myself and help others who are suffering like I was in the past. I also appreciate myself more and am living my life one day at a time. I’m excited about my progress made so far 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

11

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9523 Sunday, June 6, 2021

At 60, Edith Okowa looks as radiant as ever and could easily be the envy of women decades younger. With a natural quiet mien, she radiates inner strength which emits when you talk to her. A lady of few words, she gives much thoughts to her utterances before she answers questions which shows her depth of character. A mother and a wife, Edith has her hands full with running the home and her various charitable causes under her 05 Initiative which she says she founded based on the Biblical quote: “to take care of the sick, take care of the hungry, feed the poor and cloth the naked”. She has not rested her laurels as she continues to diligently follow these commandments with her position of the First Lady of Delta state.

Edith started as a teacher who taught English, social studies and history until she grew to the position of a Permanent Secretary in 2013. She graduated from University in 1985 and got married to her sweetheart, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in 1986. She started working in1988 starting from level 8 until she got to level 16.

Now that she has turned 60, she has decided to retire and go into evangelism fully. She spent some time with Executive Style Editor, RUTH OSIME talking about her plans after retirement and also her various charities, not to mention her unshakable love for God which she says has carried her through her own personal trials and tribulations. To Edith, God’s grace and her dedication to Him has been the unwavering pillar in her life.

Tell us a bit about your childhood.

Though my parents lived all their lives in Lagos, but I was born in General hospital here in Agbor. I was taken back to Lagos but after a year and six months, we returned to Agbor as my mother had to stay longer at the hospital to have my younger twin siblings. As there was one to take care of me whilst she was in the hospital, I stayed with my grandmother through to secondary school before I began to go on vacation to Lagos to see my family. My grandmother actually brought me up, I lived most of my youthful years with her.

What did you enjoy about your youth that you wished still existed in today’s times?

So much, we enjoyed security; we could go to my grandfather’s farm alone with no escort not even an adult. We went to school and came back on our own.

We could go to our neighbour’s homes eat without the fear of been poisoned. On Christmas Day, usually the day of liberty, we could go from house to house to eat and not because we didn’t have food at home. Now, I can’t even allow my grandkids out of my sight let alone eat from outside. There was love and a communal living where if you didn’t have pepper, you can ask your neighbour. Even while in secondary school we were so free, we didn’t know evil, we went to prep classes alone. Even in my university days, I schooled in university of Ibadan, I was in Idia hall and for you to get to the hall, you needed to pass through Zik and Independence hall. At night, whenever we are coming back from prep, any guy that sees you on the way, will escort you to your hostel gate and go back with no problem. But these are not what we experience now.

We went to the markets at any time My grandmother was a trader. After the day’s trade, she would cover up the goods with something and continue trade the next day and everything remained safe. Whenever we visit my grandfather’s farm after eating in the farm, we will leave the leftover food there and the next day you will come back to meet the food exactly as we left it. Morals are eroded now; I remember when I was teaching in St Patrick’s and a case of a boy been gay was brought to me. It sounded so odd to me when the boy himself confirmed it. I was so scared when I got home. Those days in secondary school, we could walk naked from our bathroom to our room without been harassed and even the thought of having a boyfriend was not possible. And now students in JSS 1&2 already have boyfriends!

Are some parents partly to blame for this upsurge of moral decadence?

Yes, there is no parental care anymore. Parents are pursuing shadows now. Before I became the First Lady, I was a teacher and during those times when parents visit to see their kids, they didn’t even know the class their kids belong to So tell me how such parents can care about their kids’ performance in school? In our

14

time, whenever we come back from school, our parents will tell us to date our work so they can check what we have done for that day and if there is any absence in any subject, they will make sure to know why we were not in class. Some parents today don’t even know when their children come back home from school because they don’t get back home until night time.

So, do you think parents in this kind of situation have over spoilt their kids to compensate for the lack of time they spend with their offsprings?

I wouldn’t use the word spoilt. It is true that the times are hard because of the pursuit of money, but at the end of the day, that money you have worked for is being mismanaged by the same children. In our time, things were not too easy either but I made sure I did my school runs myself. Even though I had drivers, I took my kids to school myself before doing what else I needed to do. Whenever I preach this to mothers, they say the world of today requires double income parents but they forget I also worked as a teacher all my life until I was made a Permanent Secretary. There must be something that should be more important to you; your children are more important than your assets. If you have succeeded and have no successor, you have failed.

A lot of career women try to find a balance but the kind of job they have might not afford them the luxury of daily school runs. So how do they draw the line?

I agree some jobs don’t permit it but you must find time for your kids. Assuming you are a banker and can’t do school runs, whenever you come back home from work, find time for your kids. Some mothers of today, their interest is social media 24/7. If your job is so demanding that you can’t take your kids to school when you come back what happens? For the wealthy parents that send their children abroad, how many times have they visited their children’s schools to find out about their performance? We are not God to look but let’s do our bit.

Tell us about your 05 initiative program.

It is something I started even before now but my position has provided a larger platform to reach out to more people. When I became the First Lady, I asked God what he wanted me to do and I was directed to a scripture; Mathew 25:35-36, the Lord said visit the sick, take care of the hungry, feed the poor, cloth the naked.

In same scripture He gave six commands “I was hungry you gave me food; I was thirsty you gave me water; I was sick you visited me, I was in prison you came to see me, I was homeless and you gave me shelter.” And the scripture went on to ask when do I do that and the Lord answered, “In as much as you do this for my people, that, you do unto me”. Looking at the six commands I joined two of the commandment together, water and food making it five commandments in total. Five, is the

COVER

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9523 Sunday, June 6, 2021

Thank God I got to know Christ before my husband got into politics, anytime I am worried, I go to God. He has been the One directing my steps.

photo credit TY BELLO

COVER

number of grace. On that note, I stand on five legs. The first is visiting the sick. I focused on sickle cell anaemia.

I choose sickle cell because I believe that whatever you suffer from is what you are born to take care of. When I got married, we didn’t check our genotype. I had twins first (Michelle & Mildred) and a year and five months after their birth, my first daughter Michelle, fell ill. We rushed to the clinic, they began blood transmission. A few hours later, her blood was taken for test and she passed on. She was SS, initially I was shocked although I knew I was AS but never knew my husband was AS too.

Thankfully, God gave me two of the from the onset so I was not left empty. From that very moment, I began to look into books about sickle cell anaemia and the key things to know and avoid when you are marrying your partner.

After this experience, how apprehensive were you about having more children?

I wouldn’t say I wasn’t apprehensive; but it drew me closer to God and made me read deeper about sickle cell anaemia. It gave me a passion for those that suffer from it and I also made friends with mothers in that situation. So, when I had the opportunity to enlarge my platform on this, I immediately jumped at it. I started visiting schools advocating for young guys and girls to know their genotype before going into a relationship.

What about other aspects of the 05 initiative, how have those been going?

Concerning the health sector, I went into eye treatment. So far, at a very light scale we went round the whole of the state doing surgeries. We began with one local government and realized so many people had problems with their eyes, some even without knowing. So, we covered the 25 local governments.

Every World Charity Day, I go to any hospital of my choice and settle bills. Same thing on every January 1st. During my husband’s campaign, we visited an orphanage and the state of their living was very poor.

Once our tenure started, the first thing I did was to relocate those children to a better living quarters. Now we have 48 registered homes in Delta state although we still have some orphanages that are not registered.

Occasionally, during festive periods, I visit them and share food to them, check out their surroundings and if there is anything I can do, I do it.

My 05 initiatives are visiting the sick, taking care of orphans, visiting prisons, providing shelter, clothing the naked and feeding the hungry. Every 1st day of June, which is my birthday, we go to the five correctional centres in Delta state providing their needs like sinking bole holes in all the prisons. I also go to settling camps where people from different states like Ebonyi, Benue states etc come for shelter to give out clothes I have gathered from individuals. These camp settlers are in their thousands and some have lived there over 50 years in mud houses, they speak their languages and look very happy in their community. When I visited

H T I ED

A W O K O @60!

R E V E S A T N A I D RA

15

COVER

mile 5 two years ago I sank a bole hole for them and through the help of Ministry of Education, I built a school for them too.

We also go to schools. There are some children who lack good uniforms, books and school sandals and we provide these things for them. We also reach out to indigent women not just widows. Every December, I give out food stuff and cash to 100 women in each 25 local governments. I have also been able to open small scale businesses for few women in Ogbogonogo market and it gladdens my heart to know that they are doing well. We visit the sick with special interest in sickle cell anaemia. Sickle cell patients are people who can not go to the hospital and sit down waiting, they need prompt attention. I established sickle cell clinics in all Central hospitals in Delta state and to God be the glory we have done 15 so far. We have three referral centers in Nigeria, Lagos, Benin and Asaba.

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9523 Sunday, June 6, 2021

coming from.

I keep saying that my report card is in heaven.

Whatever I am doing, I will always tell God not to allow me deliberately hurt anyone, and if I hurt anyone, I apologize and that is why I am very mindful. I am not a politician and I don’t hide it, I don’t know how to do politics because I don’t have double mouth. I say things the way it is and most people wouldn’t like it.

I think most people have come to understand the kind of person I am. I am not fully staying away but I am not into it. I am more like an observer and whenever anyone needs my opinion about something, I say it the way it is even if it might be offensive.

Your daughter said the friends you had while growing are still intact till date, so that means you intentionally narrowed your friends for longevity

Doesn’t your role as First Lady automatically inherit certain people that play certain roles?

There is a difference between associates and friends.

I have a lot of women around me, I deal with so many and I want to believe that I deal with them right. I give them their respect, I don’t look down at anyone as they all have their role but that doesn’t make them my very close friends. My friends have known from childhood will always be there for me at any given time, not fairweather friends. One day I will leave this position, if I abandon the people that were my friends, it makes no sense because whether you like it or not, most of the new people you have met while on seat will leave you once you exit.

How do you plan to do full evangelism as a First Lady, are you opening a church?

Even while in government house I do that. I won’t create a church. In my church I am involved and I am a member of full gospel too so we visit places for evangelism. Even as a First Lady I do street evangelism, any day we have voice work which is moving from one street to another to distribute our voice magazine, I go with them. All church conventions since I became First Lady I go with them, two years ago I preached in Calabar during the convention. My position has not stopped me in anyway. I am still Edith Okowa and I haven’t changed.

Politics is a very slippery terrain to explore and not for the faint hearted. How have you been able to cope?

Thank God I got to know Christ before my husband got into politics, anytime I am worried, I go to God. He has been the One directing my steps.

16

and trust.

Yes that’s very correct.

Now that you have turned 60, how best will you describe your life so far?

I will say my life is Grace. Whenever I look at my self, I am not the best but there are women my age that don’t have a husband nor children so my life is Grace.

Whatever I am today is just Grace not because I am good or because I pray.

Why was this?

After about a year and three months, my third child started showing symptoms of sickle cell but thankfully with God, she is doing very well. I will say I really have loved God all my years but I got closer to God between 1990 when I had Marylane my second daughter and 1992 with my third daughter. The battle line was already drawn but I knew what I wanted so then it was all God. I left all social gathering/activities and dug deep. I did things that gladdened my heart and even went to school of evangelism to learn more about God. My scripture then was ‘That I will know Christ for who He is’, love him not because of what I want from him but for who he is, the Alpha, my creator.

Has this position of First Lady made you more reserved, are you more careful with your surroundings and people around you?

Definitely I am more careful now because all that glitters isn’t gold. The Lord said they will surely gather, everyone can’t love you but it doesn’t matter. What matters is where you are going to not where you are

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9523 Sunday, June 6, 2021

How do you find time to meet with these friends.

Do you make time out to see them or they come to visit?

Not too much but we always make out time. We have a prayer meeting we started when my husband was SLG and till date, we are still doing it.

With every step we take in life, we pray for God’s guidance. At what age did you begin to understand and appreciate the value of prayer that has carried you thus far?

Somehow, I am a woman of the spirit. Though my parents were not fetish or strong born agains, we were church goers. As a young child I used to tell my mother my dreams which she would write down. And these dreams came to pass so she advised me to nurture the gift. In secondary school I gravitated towards people that love the things of God and l grew up loving Him. After I had my first and second delivery, during the third, I went deeper to God.

During the campaign process especially vying for the position of Governor, the chances of winning is maybe 1/10. Did you at any given time, have doubts about your husband’s outcome?

Hearing from God is my answer, He had spoken to me and I want to believe my husband heard from Him too. If it is about money we didn’t have the money nor connections, we were not the best but it was God’s Grace. Once He has chosen, He always leads you to the end even when obstacles come.

What you believe in will be your drive, I am not falseful over anything. Once God has spoken, I just keep calm, while my husband is on the field working I am on my knees praying for him. I am not the very outing type where you see me everywhere, every person has his own position.

COVER

I keep saying that my report card is in heaven... I am not not a politician and I don’t hide it, I don’t know how to do politics because I don’t have double mouth.

I say things the way it is and most people wouldn’t like it.

For the youths of today who feel so hopeless because of where they find themselves, what can you say to inspire them and encourage them?

Whenever I find myself speaking to the youth, I always let them know that education is not a scam as they have been brainwashed to believe. There should be dignity in whatever you are doing, be proud of what earns you a living. It is not about how you started; you don’t have to start big.

Although during my time after school I had a job immediately but it is not so now. My daughter after she graduated and came back from the UK, she demanded for a sewing machine and today she has a fashion business. A certificate helps you to work better intellectually. If after school and there is no job, find a skill to do, skills are not just for illiterates. Be proud of whatever you find yourself doing. Start small because there is dignity in little beginnings.

The economy has not done well but that shouldn’t leave us hopeless.

FROM L-R: MARILYN OKOWA-DARAMOLA, GBOLAHAN DARAMOLA, MAXINE OKOWA, BABY ELIANA DARAMOLA, H.E. SEN. DR. IFEANYI OKOWA, H.E. DAME EDITH OKOWA, MARVIN OKOWA, MILDRED OKOWA-IGUMBOR, UCHE IGUMBOR. THE THREE GRANDCHILDREN STANDING: FROM L-R: DAVID IGUMBOR, ELIORA DARAMOLA, DANIEL IGUMBOR

GOV IFEANYI OKOWA (HUSBAND) Your wife has just turned 60 how long have you been married and how did you meet?

We have been married for 34 years and five months now. I actually got to meet her through my cousin several years ago and we eventually met at a party again. That was about seven years before we got married.

she has a dream and offers me some advice, I always try to reason along with her and ask questions too. Many times when she cautions me, I know that is for my own good so I take very keen interest in it and do my best to keep her voice within me.

Was it love at first sight?

I did like her from the very first time I saw her.

At the beginning where there times when you went against her advice and it backfired?

I would not exactly so because we have learnt to talk with each other. Right from the beginning, we tend to accommodate people but I did find in some occasion in the political space, she will caution me to be careful about this person. Sometimes, as a politician you deal with all manner of persons, the good, the bad and the ugly. Sometimes I do delay but I wouldn’t really say I have burnt my fingers. In some occasions I have find out that her word of caution was real because it played out.

Did you immediately know that she was going to be your wife or how long did you take you to realise that?

It took some time although I liked her as we got associated with each other. About two/three years down the road, I had made up my mind though she was still at school and I just got out from the university, so it took a little time before we got married.

Over the years what do you find most endearing about her?

My wife is a very prayerful woman and it’s been very enriching for the family.

I went through ups and down due to politics but her prayers took us further into goals that really helped us as a family and also in my political career.

This has helped me to tolerate a lot more in the political space. I have also known God and love people more which this has helped me grow better politically.

Over the years have you learnt to trust her gut instincts?

Yes of course, she is actually good with it. Whenever

at the Senate, the possibility of becoming Governor dawned on me. She backed me up and as we always do, we kept on praying. At a time, we went collectively on a three day fasting and praying.

When we got confirmation from God, I decided to move ahead without looking back Yes of course, she is and it was supported all actually good with it. through by her.

Whenever she has a dream and offers me some advice, I always try to reason along with her and ask questions too.

Many times when she cautions me, I know that is for my own good so I take very keen interest in it and do my best to keep her voice within me.

Considering how difficult the political space is with its many intrigues, how did she react when you decided to run for Governor?

She was not hesitant because we prayed about it. Actually, before I went for Senate, I was not directly looking into governorship. But while l was

As you know when you are married and in public space, your marriage is looked at with magnifying glasses which sometimes it might put some pressure on both parties, As a man, what are the key things a husband should learn to adopt for sustenance of a good marriage?

Well the real truth is you have to define what you truly want as a family and you have to sit down with your wife to agree on it. The real thing is to love your wife which is also biblical.

You should do everything to protect your wife and I have tried to work on that. That doesn’t mean we don’t have disagreements as humans, but one thing we try to do is not allow the disagreement take us to the next stage. We always find a way to resolve it. I have always

17

COVER

never joined such group. She gained recognition for her work which has makes me proud of her.

Everyone knows what when you become Governor, you belong to the people. How did you prepare your wife and family for the role?

Firstly they know that even before I became Governor, with the various positions I have held, the kids know that they will only see me occasionally because I like to work too hard. Beyond the normal office work, I am a very active politician so most weekends I am away but in some evenings I spend time with them. My wife tolerates and understands that those busy schedules were necessary for my political future, she understood I wouldn’t be a sit-at-home politician otherwise it won’t work. We are always living together until I went into the Senate when she had to stay back in Delta to do her work. At the time, I tried

to be home every two weeks and when things started moving faster, I started coming home weekly. We have always tried to stay together, also the kids went back to school and over time, they adjusted to my timetable.

For someone that you speak so highly of and love so dearly, do you have a pet name for her and what would you like to say to her for going through this journey so far with you through thick and thin?

Well I won’t say it is a pet name, just an abbreviation of her name I have always called her Eddy from the very first day till date.

I must truly thank God for her life and I want my dear wife Eddy to know that I truly love her. She has helped me to grow my life both spiritually and physically. She has made me achieve the goals God has set for me by being very supportive. I cherish this and will continue to love her all the days of my life.

What fond memories do you have of your mom as a child that brings a smile to your face when you remember?

A lot but something I will not forget is the fact that she was always there to do our school runs and it was something to look forward to. The only time she missed it was when she went to the hospital to give birth to my younger brother.

Are there certain things she did for you as a child that you have transferred to your son now?

My mom is a disciplinarian so I learnt that from her, I always tell myself that I have to try as much as possible though is not easy. I feel she is a super human to have been able to do all she did for my siblings and I. When I was a child and she always corrected me I used to wonder why she did but I know better as a mother now and I appreciate her better.

Your mom is prayerful Do you also take the same steps?

Well, we grew up in a Christian home. I got to encounter God in a different way but her seed of training me up in the ways of the Lord has really helped.

Now that she’s turned 60 what loving message would you like to say to her?

QUOTE I would want to say I love her so very much that she might not even understand the extent and my prayer is for her to continue to be strong in good health and she lives long enough to see her great grandchildren and continue to love God. How did you manage to keep the surprise plans for her birthday away from her?

We are tried and it was mostly on my younger sister Maryline because she was the planner in the house. We tried our best because it is not very easy to surprise my mom anyways.

I would want to say I love her so very much that she might not even understand the extent and my prayer is for her to continue to be strong in good health and she lives long enough to see her great grandchildren and continue to love God.

MARYLINE (DAUGHTER)

What persistent role did you take from your mom now that you are a new mom?

Being present for my kids even with my busywork schedule. I always do school runs myself as that is one thing my mom always did for us far back in primary school till my university days. My mom never sent a driver to drop or pick us up. So I find my self doing same.

Do you always seek for advice from her whenever you find yourself in a tight space now that you are a mother? live my life through my mum’s lens. I look at her and I know how to act, I particularly don’t ask so many questions but I already know what to do by looking at her steps for guidance whenever I am faced with any situation.

How have you adjusted to her role as First Lady, how has her position changed the dynamics in your lives?

18

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9523 Sunday, June 6, 2021

MARVIN (SON) If you have to describe your mom what will it be?

She is the most caring person, she is always there and constantly worried about my welfare and the next person right beside me.

Where are you based?

Right now I live in Abuja, I was in school in the UK, I just moved back last year to Nigeria.

A mother is like a counsellor do you still go to her for advice?

Right now if I need to, I go to her but most times, she comes to me to talk because like I said, she worries a lot so I try my best not to add to her worries.

What has changed living as a Governor’s son?

I don’t just go out whenever I want to and that’s part of the reason I had to stay back in the UK. I do have more freedom there than here because I have to move around with security which is not really my thing. I prefer driving myself than people

MILDRED (DAUGHTER)

Why particular thing did your mom do to you that still resonates with you till date?

My mom is always there, she is always a phone call away. Whenever we are out of the country, she is ready to take the next available flight to be with us if necessary. She is there through our laughter and sorrow, she is always present.

COVER

As the First Lady, my mom is not so that, she is very conscious who political so because of that, I don’t comes around her so it’s not just think her role as a mother changed. because of my dad’s position.

I think my dad changed but not my mother. She is still always there, What loving message would the only difference now is that she you like to say to her now as doesn’t have as much time as when she has turned 60? we were younger to travel with us Just like the Bible says ‘Your everywhere. She still prays with us children will arise to call you and does pretty much everything with blessed’. Mom you are blessed, in the us. Even with our kids, she still days leading to your birthday helps pick them up from school all everyone thought about sometime when we are running was how to make you happy. late. She doesn’t keep so many You have done so much for us, people around so I won’t say we we have so many remarkable live my life through my don’t have access to her. She is memories because of you, mum’s lens. I look at her everything we are today, is very guarded, her friends knew her with since I was six are still gladly because of what God and I know how to act, her friends till now.

I particularly don’t ask has used you to do in our lives that is why we put in efforts so many questions but I and Do you think that is how she to ensure that you had a good already know what to do birthday because you deserve was born or she learnt it over by looking at her steps the years because of the role of it all. Like I will always say to you your father as a politician? now is the time to live your own for guidance whenever I think so, she has had her own life because you have given up I am faced with any fair share of challenges in life most of your life just for us, we situation. so I think that taught her how want you to be happy and we to be guarded. I know growing will do anything to make you up, she had some tough time proud and happy. We love you even with family so because of so much.

MAXINE

driving me so it’s not been same.

I love my mom more than anything in the world. She is my friend, I want her to know that we love her and we will continue to love her. I want her to worry less now.

Does your mum still have enough time for you even with her role as First Lady?

When I was a kid she was working actively as a teacher so I did see her whenever I am back from school but now, she has more events to attend to apart from her office. She is a lot more busy now.

What is that special message to her now that she’s clocked 60?

I love my mom more than anything in the world. She is my friend, I want her to know that we love her and we will continue to love her. I want her to worry less now.

(DAUGHTER)

What fond memories do you have of your mother as a child?

I have so many beautiful memories with my mum but I’ll mention a few. My mum paid a lot of visits while I was in university. We shopped together, cooked together, cleaned together and spent a lot of time talking about school and life.

She’ll even invite my friends over to dine with us. Growing up, we also went on vacations together with the rest of the family. Reminiscing on one of these trips, my mum and I, went around New York looking for an African restaurant to eat. Also, on one of our trips we took her to a spa in the Uk. It was such a beautiful experience.

And lastly, I was my mum’s handbag during my early years.

What key traits did she imbibe in you to make you the person you are today?

The fear and wisdom of God, to love and forgive, to treat everyone equally, to be respectful and inquire of the Lord before making decisions.

FU N

learnt to love my wife and with time, I started seeing her more as a sister and that matters a lot to me. Also, we need each other to grow the family and bring up the kids as representatives of who we are. Our Christian faith has truly helped us a lot too, we extended the love to our children and give room for everyone to pour out their mind regarding what they don’t like.

Right from the beginning we enjoyed our friendship and there after, that friendship has remained. She is also very warm to the members of my family which has helped a lot too. I don’t have a situation where family members will come and interfere with what goes on in my home because, if anything were to go wrong, they will support her instead of me. Another thing I love is how hard she works. She has made me proud. She retired as a Permanent Secretary the day she turned 60. Even at the point most of her colleagues stopped working because their husbands are top politicians, she

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9523 Sunday, June 6, 2021

TS C FA

5

best things about being in your 60s!

How long did it take to plan her birthday and how did you manage to not get her involved in the process?

Almost three months.

We tried not to talk about it around her.

What will you like to say to her after marking her special day?

You’re such a priceless gift mum and a rare gem to us and everyone that has ever come in contact with you. When I count my blessings, I count you. Tears of joy roll down my eyes whenever I think of how much you have sacrificed for me. I love you, My Queen. I’m proud of you and all your achievements.

And heaven smiles at you because you’ve been such an amazing disciple of God.

There is nothing left 1 to learn the hard way Well, there’s a lot less to learn anyway.

Yes, you’ve been there, done that and got the much-deserved T-shirt, so now it’s time to look to the future and embrace the new and exciting prospects that lie ahead.

2 The world is your oyster

You’re such a priceless gift mum and a rare gem to us and everyone that has ever come in contact with you.

When I count my blessings, I count you.

Tears of joy roll down my eyes whenever I think of how much you have sacrificed for me.

happens! Whether it’s volunteering, spending time with friends, there’s nothing quite like the retired life.

Endless amounts of 4 wisdom With life lessons comes wisdom, and an abundance of it at that. You’ve been around the block more times than you can count, but you’ve been able to impart some much-needed advice - and given a few lifelong gifts - along the way too.

You can now do all the things you weren’t able to do when you were younger due to work commitments, children, a lack of time...

Not only will you be able to appreciate the finer things in life, but you’ll attack each new venture (and adventure!) with gusto.

3 Retirement!

What’s the best thing about being

5 Grandchildren.

Need we say more?

Nothing quite beats it, does it? Whether you provide regular childcare for your grandchildren or only see them once a week through Skype, the love is endless - and so are the cuddles.

retired? Pretty much everything as it

19

Artists come and go. What’s your plan to sustain relevance in the music industry?

I’m the kind of person who gets bored rather easily. I need things to excite me and grab my attention. It’s the same with my art. If it doesn’t feel fresh and new to me, why would I put it out for the rest of the world to consume? I work with some amazing people: Ibra Balogun (13alogun) who is my graphic designer and Michael (SynX) who is my engineer. All three of us have our fingers on the pulse of what’s current. With the expertise we have in our respective fields along with that of my frequent collaborators K-T3 and JKJMETASCO, we’re going to take over the world and hold our position for a very long while. I’ve talked to God and that much is guaranteed.

10

11

12

1

2

P P A R T L

Could you define your style of music and tell us why you feel you will win the hearts of the people and “take over the world” eventually?

At the end of the day, it’s good music.

In my head, the key elements are almost always an interesting sync and a sexy bassline. Everything else depends on how I’m feeling at the time. I resonate with a lot of genres so I flow in and out of different sounds. If you ask my friends, they’ll tell you that I really am the person you’re hearing on my songs (although sometimes a slightly exaggerated version). I am utterly

20

9

8

7

6

5

4

MINUTES WITH

X

What was life like growing up for you. Any fond childhood memories you care to share?

Growing up was cool. We lived in quite a few different cities around the world but always found our way back to Port Harcourt. That’s definitely one of the best things my parents did for my siblings and I because now I’ve been exposed to so many different cultures and schools of thought but I also know and value my roots one hundred percent. It’s given me the ability to relate to almost anyone and I try to utilize that in my artistic pursuits.

Apart from that, my parents always made sure we had everything we needed and more (if we deserved it) so shout out to them. They’re both hard workers and I like to think that rubbed off on my siblings and I. Give me a little insight into your academic background and current living situation. Any plans for more education?

After finishing up high school in Canada, I studied Digital Enterprise Management at the University of Toronto and then I went to film school for film

I see that exercise is a big part of your life. How did that come about?

I had been working out since I was 14. Within five years, I developed a very decent physique and strength I was proud of but then, my world got turned upside down by the sudden loss of some people that were very close to me. The only way I could cope with it was to eat. I’ve always had a large appetite so that in conjunction with all the junk food readily available to me in Toronto and my loss of will to go to the gym resulted in me ballooning up from around 250lbs (113kg ) of mostly muscle, to 310lbs (140kg) of fat within two years. I realized I had let myself sink too deep when I found out I was prediabetic and could barely make it up a flight of stairs so I did something about it. I started training almost everyday, eating right and I set goals for myself and as of today, all of the goals have been smashed.

I weigh about 205lbs (93kg), I am not prediabetic anymore and have never felt better in my life. Fitness and exercise is how I destress and also how I promise to stay dedicated to bettering myself as a person each day. I plan on continuing with this lifestyle forever.

Could you open up a little about the sudden loss you say you have experienced?

I’ve lost quite a few people within the last decade.

Very close family members and

How have you been able to pinpoint and stick to your personal brand of style especially due to the fact that you stand out so much?

I’m very confident and comfortable with (and in) my personal style but it wasn’t always like that. Growing up, my mum would dress us in ways she felt looked good and due to her very keen sense of style, we did in fact always look good but when I got into secondary school, I would catch a lot of flak for not having whatever shoes or watch that was “in” at the moment. This was because my mum did most of my shopping and wouldn’t find said items appealing but after a few years passed, being unique and confident in my individuality became my thing. When others wore skinny jeans, I’d wear straight leg jeans, when they wore graphic t-shirts, I would wear long sleeved button-downs with a cardigan over my shoulders because that was what I was feeling at the time. Before I knew it, the same people that would tease me because of my different style were begging me to tell them what brands I was wearing and would try and copy certain things I did. That truly made me understand that I always needed to do my own thing despite what was going on around me or what others might think.

I

to

KUF EJ

How do you intend to curb the dangerous vices often associated with your chosen profession like drugs, alcoholism and womanizing?

Fortunately, I just don’t have any interest in drugs, alcohol or being associated with ridiculous amounts of women and luckily, I’m the type of individual that is so comfortable in who they are it’s almost scary. Virtually nothing can sway me once I’ve made up my mind on a particular matter and this is one of those scenarios. Also, I have ideas bombarding my head every single second and I can not afford to have anything cloud my judgment or disturb my ability to bring those ideas to fruition... simple as.

What is the first thing you do as you wake up and what is the last thing you do before you go to bed?

As I wake up, I decide what the best time for me to exercise is based on what I have planned for the day. I then look at my to do list, get off my butt and work, work, work. Before I sleep, I assess the day’s to do list, pat myself on the back or give myself a little slap on the wrist depending on if I’ve achieved everything I set out to achieve and then I finalize the next day’s to do list that I would have been writing throughout the day. I crave order in my life and this helps me achieve that.

By the way, I know some people will be mad I didn’t say I pray and read my bible first thing but that would be a lie.

I do that as the day progresses.

Could you tell us about your style, fashion sense and your interesting hairstyle?

My style is very eclectic and everevolving. While I love and have respect for certain luxury brands, I place more emphasis on the silhouettes of garments, the materials used and attention to detail like quality of stitching and choice of hardware in certain pieces. Right now, I’m really into leather and lace. The only thing I don’t see changing anytime soon is my preference in jewelry.

I love sterling silver, titanium and white gold. I won’t budge on that.

Maybe as I advance in my career I’ll incorporate a few diamonds here and there but I have such an affinity for raw and rugged looking jewelry so that might not even happen. In regards to my semi-freeform locs, my family roots on my father’s side are Jamaican so the locs are a nod to that part of my culture. Despite my mother’s incessant eye rolls and threats to cut them as I sleep, the hair isn’t going anywhere anytime soon haha.

BAB S-

With your mother being a doctor and your father a business man and politician, how did they react to you pursuing a career in music?

I started drumming from the age of five.

My music teacher from school actually came to my house to ask my mother to purchase a drum set for me which she refused to do because of how noisy it would be. I still practised in school and played in the school band and after a while, I discovered rapping and music production and fell in love. At first there was general disinterest from my parents but as time passed, they saw I was serious about taking it on as a profession and I actually had the talent/skill that was necessary so they started to support my choice. I feel my dad is a tad more accepting of my particular brand of artistic expression but they both have a good ear for music so my mum is on her way there too.

two best friends all at different times and all without warning. At only 23 years old, it’s not exactly normal but unfortunately, it’s my reality. I tend to say I’m used to loss but I really do try to stop myself from speaking like that.

Everyday I work through my feelings in regards to this and everyday I promise to always push towards being the greatest at what I do in honour of my family and friends that aren’t physically here with me anymore.

NKE

Who are some of your musical inspirations, who influenced you to get into music and who are your favourite international and local artists.

Honestly, I really don’t have any artists I can point to and say they have consciously influenced me. I make what sounds nice to me and my sound is the result of years of tinkering around with my production software and note books till I figured out how to make the sounds in my head a reality. In terms of inspiration, a real inspiration of mine is Burna Boy. To see someone that grew up in my area of Port Harcourt rise to such astronomical heights made me sure that it was indeed possible. That’s all I needed to see. In terms of my favourite artists, I listen to too many genres to name them all but a few are: Burna Boy, Daft Punk, Don Jazzy, James Blake, Gucci Mane & Slash.

production. I’m currently in Nigeria and I’ve been here for a little over a year now because of the pandemic. I only planned to be here for a month or so but it is what it is. I’m making the most of my time here and I’ve met a lot of very bright and talented people so I’m weirdly glad events occurred the way they did. I might decide to go to NYU for Music Business but that really depends on how my career goes and how much the world opens back up within the next few months. Either way, I’m going to be heavily involved music and I’ll be working with many brilliant people like the guys from Legacy Films Global who are producing my self-directed music video for my song “Barney et Moi” off my EP of the same name.

BY F U

unable to be inauthentic. I figured out a while back that people value authenticity more than anything and that oozes out of every single track of mine. That combined with my need to always improve and my team/support system always having my back equals XL being unstoppable haha.

RUNWAY

Trapp XL (born Olakitan Elendu Ricketts), is a NigerianAmerican, Canadian based producer, rapper with a multidisciplinary passion for pushing the envelope via his music and other creative escapades. He has an unwavering dedication to his craft making him one to keep an eye on within the new pool of talents emerging out of Africa.

One pleasant afternoon he discussed his life, his music and passions in general with AZUKA OGUJIUBA.

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9523 Sunday, June 6, 2021

STYLE & DESIGN

REA L LIF E

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9523 Sunday, June 6, 2021

STYLE & DESIGN

When you’re a celeb or a member of the fashion pack, donning designer outfit is basically a way of life.

Some have the confidence to take the runway styling as a light suggestion and make the look their own, while others appropriate the runway styling head to toe. But the real question is, do they pull it off?

SOPHIA MOMODU IN THE BANKE KUKU ORANGE DELTA TASSLED DRESS

The fashion spotlight seems to be on Banke Kuku designs and we can’t help but notice how celebs and fashion influencers are giving the eponymous brand a lot of love in recent times. Here we spotted Sophia in the Delta Tassle dress that is flying of the Kuku rack faster than you can say jack and we can’t help but love how she looks in it. She added an orange Bottega Venetta Twist Intrecciato clutch to make the fit pop just a little more, her use minimal accessories allows you to take in the dress in its entirety giving room to appreciate its soft feminine sexiness of the dress and her pose just tells us she is body confident in the dress.

21

Fat SHAMING!

STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9523 Sunday, June 6, 2021

STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9523 Sunday, June 6, 2021

BY DONU KOGBARA

WAR ON FAT PHASE TWO: PART 4: JUNE 2021 I usually highlight my own Herculean dieting/exercising struggles on this page. And I’m happy to report that I’ve lost 3kg since last month.

But I won’t go into details about this modest triumph because I think that it will be interesting to focus on someone else’s struggle for a change, especially when the someone else is male.

Most guys, in my experience, are so peacockishly vain that (unlike women, who tend to be self-flagellating) they never regard their bodies as hideous, even when their bodies are extremely imperfect!

I was therefore pleasantly surprised when Olusoji Owoeye, aged 40 and Head of the Finance Business Advisory Technical and External Relations Division at Nigeria LNG Ltd, reached out to me to share his weight loss journey…which, frankly, is a lot more inspiring than mine!

I’ve often stood still or gone backwards; and I’m still, after many months of sharing my dreams of revived slenderness with ThisDay readers, embarrassingly close to my original obese shape.

Whereas, Olusoji, who has maintained a disciplined downward trajectory, has lost 25kg in recent months and is already looking much better and doggedly and steadily heading towards the ideal weight, medically speaking, for a man of his height (6 feet 4 inches).

OK, so please find his story and advice below. You can contact him on sojitek@yahoo.com if you want to communicate with him directly.

Every year for the past 5 years; one of my personal goals had been to reduce weight and get fit; but achieving these objectives proved very elusive as I moved from one diet programme to another. At best, I’d lose a little then quickly regain what I’d lost; and it seemed that my romance with the 155kg I was carrying was like a Catholic marriage.

As the Covid 19 pandemic gained ground last year, organisations encouraged staff to work from home and ‘enhanced immobility’ (EI) became the new norm.

I was averaging 500 steps a day and spending almost every waking hour sitting at a workstation in my bedroom.

During the first two weeks of working from home, I gained 5kg, thereby hitting 160kg.

I remember sitting down and having a conversation with myself, along the lines that if I continued on that path, it would be hard to get into my work clothes when the lockdown ended.

It will be wrong to say that I was able

22

to achieve this all alone, given that I received a lot of help from family, pastors (yeah not getting all spiritual on you now; but trust me there was a significant light bulb moment in here) and work colleagues (yes, despite we all being virtual there was support from the NLNG team as well).

Owning the Problem: - This is really the first step towards any meaningful change; quit the blame game. I had to move away from blaming Mr Covid-19 that kept me locked indoors; to blaming the authorities who had shut down all the sporting facilities; to blaming colleagues for endless back-to-back online meetings; and get to a point at which had to ask myself: In this seemingly dark cloud, where is the ladder hidden? Truth is that in every ‘negative’ situation there is always a hidden opportunity to find the silver lining in the cloud.

I had to real get to the point in which it was no longer a case of what was going on externally; I had to come to a realisation that what mattered was my response to these situations.“No one wey despair dey help o”. Feeling sorry for yourself does not change anything.

Realistic Goal: I listened to pastors who urged congregants to take their health seriously, to improve their chances of surviving the pandemic. In April 2020, Dr Sola Fola-Alade of Liberty Church said that “it is now time to make your one goal for the year 2020 to lose

20kg”. This became a light bulb moment for me.

Immediately I accepted this realistic goal, I started to get results and to lose roughly 2.5kg every month.

Simple Routine Changes: - Changing all routines overnight is very challenging and almost impossible. I found out that making gradual changes was really the way to go. It is not so much about perfection but rather progress.

I first decided to find a new hobby that would be engaging and help me burn some of the excess calories. A quick solution was walking.

I discovered that I enjoyed walking; and walking for 40 minutes most days gave me the space to indulge in a lot of positive introspection.

If you are not staying in a conducive residential area, you can comfortably walk a mile in the comfort of your home.

There are some nice Youtube videos that I found very handy on rainy days.

I also found it useful to compete with my office team at weekends when we would push each other to walk longer distances.

Reduced Calorie Consumption: There can really be no significant change in weight without controlling what you eat.

I invested a good chunk of funds in various diet plans; from the green diet; to blue diet, to liquid only to all sort of

OLUSOJI OWOEYE

BEFORE

AFTER

variants. The real key here is finding out what works for you. You should choose a plan that you can stick to most of the time for the rest of your life because quick fixes need to be combined with lifestyle modification.

I discovered that if you add psyllium fibre to liquified cucumbers or egg plant, you wind up with a dish that resembles garri or yam flour but contains far fewer calories than the real thing; and I must say that this substitute combined with traditional vegetable soup was an great delicacy for me.

I was not on any starvation diet. I just made small changes that helped the needle on my scales move in the right direction.

It’s also important to mention a nugget of wisdom I received from one of NLNG’s excellent medical experts during a staff briefing session: “There are no overweight persons in camps for Internally Displaced People (IDP).

So stories about being naturally fat or having big bones etc are largely figments of our imagination”.

Also please note that no matter whatever food addiction you have, if you go on a three day no food fast, you will see a significant reduction craving levels; this helps to break the habit and you can now make the change to a preferred diet plan.

Improved Sleep: - This is one of the most overlooked causes of obesity, which without doubt is a killer and an invitation to various sicknesses. I found out that most of my sugar cravings during the day was because of a need to keep the brain alert and fully functional; but the root cause was a poor sleep pattern.

Minimal sleep creates a heightened level of stress that in turn leads to increase sugar cravings, and excessive snacking.

Smart devices (watches, phones, fitbits, etc) that enable you to monitor your activity level and sleep patterns can also add so much value. And don’t forget to consult your doctor for advice!

So I currently weight 136kg, which is still far from my destination. But I am determined to get there this year. I hope you have been inspired to modify your lifestyle and become a healthier version of yourself.

Please feel free to share your progress with me. In the meantime: Stay focused; Stay Hungry and Stay Motivated!!!

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 MASCARA WAND

23

GLO MEGA DATA PLANS