THISDAY STYLE MAGAZINE 4TH OCTOBER 2020

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

FOLAKE FOLARIN COKER (TIFFANY AMBER) LANRE DASILVA- AJAYI

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2020

DEOLA SAGOE

NI ODION OSEIMONET) (ODION M

TANIA OMOTAYO (ZIVA LAGOS)) LISA FOLAW IYO

0 6 @ A I GER

I N G N I N G I S E D E R

S D N MO A I D E H T G N I K C O UNL

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CONTENT

Fashion NIGERIA 60 UNLOCKING THE DIAMONDS - INTRO

PG 3

SPEAKERS PG 4-7 DESIGNERS PG 9-14 PERFORMERS PG 15-18

photo credit: Kelechi Amadi-Obi makeup: Bimpe Onakoya / Chinwe Obaigbena hair: Chinwe Obaigbena / DV Reloaded (destiny)

THISDAY STYLE FASHION DIRECTAOR/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 RUKY SALAKO ISIOMA USIADE IYANU AYODELE PHOTOGRAPHER TY BELLO DIRECTOR, PRINT PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO 08077092196

Last week THISDAY ARISE group celebrated Nigeria at 60 by hosting a 10 hour global commemoration on ARISE TV. This week’s edition is dedicated to the event. Many speeches were made by global leaders, statesmen, business gurus as well as globally recognized artistes and designers. All these speeches had a common thread...the call for hope and unity regardless of our numerous differences.

Someone once described Nigeria in this scenario... imagine we are in a stadium. In that stadium is a track for runners and grass for footballers. There a runner with running shoes on the track and another runner with no shoes on the grass. They are placed side by side to run a race. One is well geared for it while the other is not. One has trainers. The other doesn’t. One has a track to run on, the other only has grass but the two runners are asked to stand on at the starting line. One has advantage. The other has disadvantage. Regardless...they are dealt the same hand. The starter raises his gun, shoots in the air and both runners take off.

The runner on the tracks runs with great ease. His feet are well-cushioned in his trainers enabling him run at his best speed. The track is also built to enable him run faster. The runner with no shoes on the other hand, has no protection from stones on the grass or the slippery state of it, but still...he runs.

Most times, when this race happens, naturally the advantaged runner wins. Why? Because he was trained to win.

Once in a while though, surprisingly, the disadvantaged runner still wins regardless of the odds against him! Now... imagine if this disadvantaged runner had the same opportunity as the advantaged runner? Imagine if he had the same shoes and was exposed to the same training? Would he not be miles ahead of his competitor given the same opportunities?

That...is how l see Nigeria. With the boundless talent we have, the tenacity, the resilience and the staying power...we surge on regardless of hopelessness. We strive regardless of obstacles. We overcome regardless of challenges.

May God bless us with the changes we yearn for because we have what it takes to rebuild and rebrand Nigeria so that the next 60 years will not be filled with messages of hope or sentiment but rather messages of pride!

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

FASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9278 Sunday, October 4, 2020

STYLE & DESIGN

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S P E A K E R S

BY RUTH OSIME, FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI AND USIADE ISIOMA

BOSS MUSTAPHA SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION (SGF)

NIGERIA @ 60

INTRO Last Thursday, on October 1st, THISDAY/ ARISE Group, founded by the Chairman, Nduka Obaigbena, hosted a 10-hour global virtual commemoration to mark Nigeria’s 60th Independence anniversary to celebrate the milestone of Africa’s premier nation.

The event featured world leaders, statesmen, business gurus, globally acclaimed Nigerian designers and artistes, who all gave speeches and performances celebrating Nigeria’s Independence and giving their own take on Nigeria as a

nation. The show commenced 5pm GMT, Thursday and lasted till the wee hours on Friday.

The event was produced, broadcast and staged in Lagos, Abuja, and London and streamed to a global audience on ARISE Play, ARISE NEWS CHANNEL, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter amongst other media channels.

Laudable speeches were made by all who participated in this worthwhile venture and the overall message was that of hope and unity. Nigerians were acknowledged

MUHAMMADU BUHARI PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA 4

for their tenacity, resilience and their generally happy nature regardless of the harsh realities on ground. These positive attributes were highlighted with the prayer that our resolve can be strengthened if we work in each other’s best interest as we cannot progress divided but can grow in leaps and bounds united.

The event, was anchored by the duo of Ojy Okpe and Charles Aniagolu and powered by Access Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, Zenith Bank and Bet9ja.

We must salute the courage and painstaking efforts of our founding fathers to bequeath a country of great promises. We also pay tribute to all those who in search for a better Nigeria, made supreme sacrifices with their lives. Our diamond age is by no means a small achievement. The vagaries of life’s journeys, are often filled with great dangers necessitating the effectiveness of consistent innovations and creativity, to be able to manage our individual ambition and destination in many ways, and to maximise the collective benefits of our common humanity.

In the days when we achieved great feats, we had a collective spirit of thinking as one people, living individually for the collective or living collectively for the individual. The support of individuals, the private sector, community and religious growth, traditional rulers and indeed all Nigerians, will be required to achieve whatever we want.

MELE KYARI MANAGING DIRECTOR, NNPC

NIGERIA @ 60

A country that grows today in the global scene is a country that’s completely inclusive in it’s people, it’s relationship, taking into account the interest of others wherever they come from.

AHMED JODA

ELDER STATESMAN

NIGERIA @ 60

This year we are celebrating the 60th anniversary of our independence. I must be one of a very few Nigerians still alive who witnessed it all having participated not just as a spectator, but as an active participant in making that happen. There is better hope for us being together than for us drifting apart, despite of all the disappointments and frustrations.

NAOMI CAMPBELL

HONORARY GRAND-DAUGHTER OF NELSON MANDELA ACTIVIST.

NIGERIA @ 60

Nigeria at 60 is a symbol of perseverance, of potential, of prosperity. My love for Nigeria knows no bounds. From the people to the culture and the art, she is certainly a safe haven for me. l feel the pulse of Nigeria’s fashion getting stronger with each beat and it makes me so thrilled for the present not just the future. l can see it and so can you.

KAYODE FAYEMI GOVERNOR OF EKITI STATE

NIGERIA @ 60

NASIRU EL RUFAI GOVERNOR OF KADUNA STATE

NIGERIA @ 60

History teaches us that a nation building project is a journey and not a destination. A journey that is the collective responsibility of all of us. We must continue to work towards a more perfect union.

As we mark this milestone, l wish to salute all Nigerians as we continue our efforts to build a country that matches the dreams and passions of the independence generation.

GODWIN EMEFIELE

SANUSI LAMIDO SANUSI II

GOVERNOR, CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA

FORMER EMIR OF KANO

NIGERIA @ 60

Today Nigeria is 60 years. At such a momentous occasion, this is a milestone worth celebrating as we remember the sacrifice of our founding fathers when they prevailed on the colonial authorities to grant Nigeria independence on Oct 1st 1960.

NIGERIA @ 60

We have had 60 years of good and bad times. What we need is to unify and dedicate ourselves to a brighter future. Implement the right policies and to remember that together we will remain stronger than divided.

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STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9278 Sunday, October 4, 2020

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9278 Sunday, October 4, 2020 THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9264 Sunday, September 20, 2020

S P E A K E R S

S P E A K E R S

ALIKO DANGOTE

AKINWUNMI ADESINA

BABAJIDE SANWO OLU

RT HON TONY BLAIR

FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT DANGOTE GROUP

PRESIDENT AFDB

GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE

FORMER UK PRIME MINISTER

NIGERIA @ 60

Nobody will come from anywhere to make Nigeria great but us as Nigerians. So let us have faith and great hope in the future of this country. l see in the future, a more united Nigeria where peace, security, productivity and prosperity will reign.

NIGERIA @ 60

Celebration of our birth.

Celebration of our history.

Celebration for a more glorious future. Together we shall thrive and prosper. Together we shall shine. Together we shall bring honour to our land.

NIGERIA @ 60

We might say that we don’t have everything that we require right now. But everyone in a position of leadership needs to know that indeed we need to create that opportunity for the tomorrow and the generations that are coming behind us.

ATEDO PETERSIDE

SAMAD ISHAKA RABIU

FOUNDER, ZENITH BANK

FOUNDER, STANBIC IBTC BANK PLC

CEO/FOUNDER OF BUA GROUP

NIGERIA @ 60

Nigeria is a strong independent country. Largest economy in Africa. l am optimistic about Nigeria. It’s one of the great nations of the world. It’s got many challenges but l thinks it’s got the capability to overcome them.

ADESOLA KAZEEM ADEDUNTAN MANAGING DIRECTOR, FIRST BANK

Nigerians have excelled in various areas of human endeavors. We have struggled through difficult challenges to the extent where we are now the largest economy in Africa. We will continue to serve Nigeria with our might, strength and spirit.

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CEO, ZENITH BANK

NIGERIA @ 60

JIM OVIA

NIGERIA @ 60

EBENEZER ONYEAGWU

NIGERIA @ 60

The future is what we make of it and we owe it to our youth, our children and grandchildren to do our best for Nigeria which is why Agenda 2050 is important.

You must set a destination and direction, only then can you achieve medium term plans.

NIGERIA @ 60

While the journey has not been a smooth sail, celebrating Nigeria at 60 comes with great nostalgia.

Our founding fathers have built us a nation, one that is bound in freedom, peace and unity. As citizens and leaders today, we must do all we can to build on that vision.

NIGERIA @ 60

Our institution, First Bank is woven into the fabric of the Nigeria society. As patriots, we urge President Buhari to continue to lead us in this responsible manner as we journey into the future.

SEGUN AGBAJE CEO GTBANK PLC

NIGERIA @ 60

There is an indomitable Nigerian spirit you cannot break. As we all work collectively towards our desired and glorious future, l will like to urge everyone to commit and do right for our dear nation both in our closets and in the open.

When l look at Nigeria today and look at the things that are around me, l look at the population and the demographics, l look at unexploited natural resources, we have so much going for us. When l think of the next 60 years for Nigeria, l really believe it’s will be better than the last 60 years.

H.E MAREK SKOLIL

HAGE G. GEINGOB

CZECH REPUBLIC AMBASSADOR OF NIGERIA

NIGERIA @ 60

l want to wish Nigeria all the best in its 60th anniversary. And since Nigeria is still a very young democracy, we have asked a brilliant Czech Nigerian and goodwill ambassador from my country to prepare a ‘dancing congratulation’.

HERBERT WIGWE

GEOFFREY ONYEAMA

CEO ACCESS BANK, PLC

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

NIGERIA @ 60

Though we have come a long way and Nigerians have succeeded in several fields of human endeavor, there is so much more work to be done. It is only when we start to think of ‘Nigeria first’ in everything that each and every one of us does will we harness the full opportunity of the human and natural resources we are so well endowed with.

NIGERIA @ 60

This is a very important stage in the life of our dear nation. We are still very much a work in progress.

We have a lot going for us as a nation and a people. Our diversity is an asset. We should stay together and keep hope alive.

The best is yet to come.

IFEANYI OKOWA

AMINA MOHAMMED

GOVERNOR, DELTA STATE

DSG OF UNITED NATIONS

NIGERIA @ 60

NIGERIA @ 60

NIGERIA @ 60

It is my great honour, on behalf of Namibian people, to wish our brothers and sisters a happy 60th anniversary.

For 60 years now we have experienced life as an independent nation. It is not debatable that we are yet to fully realize our collective aspirations as a united prosperous country.

Nevertheless, we must appreciate the progress we have made. l believe we can be proud of how far we have come as a country.

My hope is that we will find it within ourselves to rise up against what divides us and look for the strands and the fabric of Nigeria that binds us together. That we find the wisdom and courage to embark upon a new journey of discovery that will see young people of this generation shape its future.

NAMIBIA PRESIDENT

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9278 Sunday, October 4, 2020

S P E A K E R S

AYO OJUROYE FOUNDER / CEO OF BET9JA

NIGERIA @ 60

ZAINAB AHMED FINANCE MINISTER

Nigeria is blessed with so much, talent and natural resources. l could never be more proud to be experiencing this 60th anniversary of Nigeria. l want to thank those who have helped in the process of nation building and people who have lost their lives in this process.

NIGERIA @ 60

With a great deal of humility and respect, l say our country has come a long way. The greatest success today is our unity. Despite the challenges, we have also had wonderful opportunities with more ahead of us. Nigeria belongs to all of us and we have to appreciate our differences and forge ahead to build a united prosperous nation.

BUKOLA SARAKI FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT

NIGERIA @ 60

I believe there is a bright future.

I believe we should not dwell so much in the past but learn from it. We have cause to celebrate because our problems are not insolvable unlike some other nations. With the greatest conviction, even with evidence abound in these difficult times, Nigerians are displaying brilliance, innovation, willpower and winners mentality and tenacity within the country and across the globe.

NGOZI OKONJO IWEALA FORMER MD OPERATIONS WORLD BANK

NIGERIA @ 60

Even when times are hard, Nigerians are known never to give up. I salute this spirit of optimism, exuberance, innovation and creativity. I salute our young people who embody these attributes.

No matter how tough the times are, l know Nigeria and Nigerians will overcome. My own love for our country and the pride l have in being Nigerian, would never disappear or dissipate.

NDIDI NWUNELI SOCIAL ENTREPRENUER/ACTIVIST

NIGERIA @ 60

I want to encourage Nigerian youths to step into their role as leaders of today and tomorrow.

Shape the future that you desire for this nation. With integrity and excellence, you can fulfill your highest potential. Think about what makes you angry about Nigeria and what you can do to channel that anger into positive change for our future.

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BOLA AKINYEMI

FORMER MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

NIGERIA @ 60

Even though tribe and tongue differ, we regard ourselves as neighbors.

We must have a government that practices inclusiveness. We must have a vision of greatness for this country. Our leaders must have a world view that really believes Nigeria can be the giant of Africa. It is not too late for this dream and this vision to be activated.

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D E S I G N E R S

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9278 Sunday, October 4, 2020

photo credit: Kelechi Amadi-Obi makeup: Bimpe Onakoya / Chinwe Obaigbena hair: Chinwe Obaigbena / DV Reloaded (destiny)

I will love to wish Nigeria a Happy Independence day, its exciting to be a Nigerian, I’m excited, I’m an entrepreneur, My name is Lanre Dasilva Ajayi. I’m Nigerian, I love Nigeria and we can only get better.

I know things can seem a bit tough but there is always that promise.

Nigeria is a land of opportunity, it’s a beautiful place for you to grow.

I started my business here as an entrepreneur and I have grown into what I am today. So I can only say thank you to Nigerians everywhere, around the world and I love you Nigeria.

I am Deola. I am proudly Nigerian. I am a fashion designer. I love Nigeria. I am Nigerian. I was born in Nigeria. I’m proudly of Nigerian heritage. Nigeria is my home. Nigeria is my land of birth.

Others might want to claim me for their land but no, I am not British Nigerian, I am not American Nigerian, I am double dipped Nigerian. I have Nigerian running in my blood and my veins. I thank God that I’m Nigerian. Nigeria is my place.

Naija is my home. I’m a queen in Nigeria.

I belong in Nigeria.

God bless Nigeria. Happy 60th birthday.

DEOLA SAGOE 10

STYLE & DESIGN

LANRE DASILVAAJAYI 11

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photo credit: Kelechi Amadi-Obi makeup: Bimpe Onakoya / Chinwe Obaigbena hair: Chinwe Obaigbena / DV Reloaded (destiny)

As Nigeria turns 60, it is an honour as the founder of Tiffany Amber Nigeria, to join so many other Nigerians near and far in wishing our beloved country the very best as she celebrates her Diamond Jubilee.

After all the staggering experiences of the past Nigeria has remained a home for us; a shelter for us; a place that we can call our own and one that would always have a special place in our hearts. Here is to a future of unity, faith, progress and above all peace.

60 Hearty Cheers and God Bless Nigeria.

Nigeria is home to me and Nigeria turning 60 is me celebrating home, who I am, where I’m from. And as a designer Nigeria has always been my main source of inspiration and even through my creative process, its em, you know from inspiration I dig deep into its diverse cultures, religion, into where I am from, I am a Yoruba girl and growing up has been one of my main sources of inspiration. From going from one part of Nigeria to another.

Visiting my home town and all these things continue to offer me that strong inspiration, the influence of every collection, most collections I have ever created. It’s wonderful to be here celebrating this wonderful place, this great place we call home at 60.

LISA FOLAWIYO 14

FOLAKE FOLARIN COKER (TIFFANY AMBER) 15

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photo credit: Kelechi Amadi-Obi makeup: Bimpe Onakoya / Chinwe Obaigbena hair: Chinwe Obaigbena / DV Reloaded (destiny)

Happy Birthday Nigeria l am Odion Oseni, creative director and founder of the Odion Mimonet brand. The ethos of the brand is an infusion of details, texture and culture. How did I know my brand was different? Our love of Art which reflects in every piece and sets us apart from everyone else. We tend to juxtapose culture and art in all our pieces.

Nigeria is where everything started for me . I was born in Nigeria, Nigeria is part of my story, Nigeria is part of my inspiration and I feel a lot has changed in the creative world in the last 10years in Nigeria, so I’m really grateful to be a part of it in my own little way.

TANIA OMOTAYO (ZIVA LAGOS) 16

With over 24 years in the fashion business, everyday or every other day has something new to offer which is great.

Even though we have a few shows up our belt, every fashion show is just as exciting as the next. When we did one of the Arise Fashion Shows several years ago, we got an award as the Most Innovative Designer of the Year which was pretty exciting. We have also had the opportunity to showcase our pieces in other parts of the world which was enthralling for us. We have stocked our pieces in Selfridges and other stores and it has been a very fulfilling and rewarding journey so far.

At 60, Nigeria is a great turning point, the Odio Mimonet brand can lead and help in the ‘Africa is King’ journey because it is a vision the brand shares.

Nigeria, and indeed Africa as a whole, have changed the narrative and our voices have been heard through our creations.

ODION OSENI (ODION MIMONET)

Good luck Nigeria, Happy Birthday to all of us.

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Y O B A N R BU

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The beauty is that there are few hard Nigerians, serious respectable Nigerians who I would give my last blood for. Who have taken it upon themselves and gone out anywhere in the world and done everything to become who they are positively like Adebayo Ogunnasi. There are so many footballers that have gone and come back to try change something, that’s the only hope we have so far because the leaders and the people that are appointed to do this are just not cutting it at this point. Everyone knows what the problems are just as Fela said “we suffer and smile” but there is a reason why we suffer and smile because that is what we were taught as kids, that has been the setting.

Despite the crisis in the country we have been able to stay in unity. 36 states, a lot of tribes and languages, yet we still manage to stay in love. I look forward to the next 60 years, the new generation. I feel in the future, our leaders will be younger. I see the future of Nigeria as very bright in all aspect’s; entertainment, government, sports, food, culture, fashion everything.

We are a very dominant force all over the world.

DAVIDO

DANJA

LOLA RAE

We are still young compared to so many other nations, we are a large number of people in one space. Nigeria is the headquarter of black people in the world. Nigeria is a very strategic place in Africa and our kind of people, we need to really get it right. We have to understand that it is not going to happen by magic, we have to deliberately make it happen. For me, Nigeria at 60, l am not happy about where we are but I hope that we are able to organize ourselves and get to the level that we are supposed to be at.

Big happy birthday to Nigeria my country and to everyone from Nigeria.

I wish us the good things of life; I wish everybody the best, I pray God will keep strengthening our country and keep blessing us abundantly.

I pray Nigeria go beta; e go beta.

WIZKID 18

OMAWUMI

TU FACE

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E D A L A I YEM

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It has been a lot of growth in certain aspects and there is still room for a lot of improvements especially for the average man and woman out there. We have so many needs and wants from our country that we hope to be met at one point. I will hope that as we mark 60, the government will listen to the yearning of the masses. Generally, in the music industry, there have been growth internationally. Nigeria @60 is an opportunity to reflect on the good things. We have come a long way.

I am here to entertain you not just because I am a great entertainer but because I am celebrating my country and that is epic. Nigeria is 60 we have been through a lot but if you look at the potentials, there is a lot to be grateful for, so much to be happy about and when you are grateful and happy, you have that faith there is more to come.

DBANJ

DAREY

AYODELE

SHINA PETERS FLAVOUR We have women all across the world, we have women who are killing it in the industry in a male dominated industry so I am celebrating all women. Any industry that is growing should have support from the government because we are going out there representing Nigeria.

TIWA SAVAGE 20

The beauty of Nigeria is our different culture and tribes. We all come together because what I have you don’t have and what you have I don’t have. But if we bring all these together, nobody can stop us. So, unity is key, I urge everyone out there to come together as we are celebrating, we need to understand that we must be united.

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