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DIY Manicure moves to learn

BISHOP

PEACE OKONKWO: Bringing succour to the less-privileged

JUNE 10, 2012

Celebrity hairstyles we are loving now

20 ways to lose weight without dieting!

this week

INSIDE 4

5 15 Celebrity hairstyles

Isreal Benamesia holds Exhibition we are loving now

On the bright side

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DIY Manicure moves to learn

8-10

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BISHOP PEACE OKONKWO: Bringing succor to the less-privileged

Reproductive Health with Prof. Oladapo Ashiru: Our environmental toxic world and its consequences (Part 2)

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Everyone wants to ride with you in the limo, but what you need is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.

Once you’ve cured this and cured that, if you’re making money out of ill people you’re going to have to produce more ill people to keep going.

A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous

When a man can’t explain a woman’s actions, the first thing he thinks about is the condition of her uterus.

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Allure is all about You

Cover: Bishop Peace Okonkwo Photography: TY Bello EDITOR: Remmy Diagbare DEPUTY EDITOR: Jemi Ekunkunbor ASST. EDITOR: Yemisi Suleiman

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y interview with Bishop Peace Okonkwo who turns 60 today was to be a chat on the celebration of the life of this woman of God. However, for the better part of the short time I spent with her, we dwelt on the issue of dealing with the loss of a loved one. Reflecting later, I had a good pinch at myself. How on earth did the celebration of a wonderful life turn so morbid.

Unknown to either of us, providence had gone ahead. Bishop Peace Okonkwo's message on hope and peace in time of loss is appropriate for these testing times, when the faith of many have been shaken.

The Dana flight that crashed in Lagos has thrown millions into mourning. The cargo plane crash in Ghana and the suicide attack on a church in Bauchi has put death on the front burner. It can happen any time.

The bishop says that she has learnt not to be attached to worldly things. She has, instead, learnt to give her life for the service of God and humanity. Her NGO, Women of Global Impact (WGI), has touched lives in tremendous ways.

The WGI runs six major projects: International Women Prayer Conference, Rehoboth Homes and Skills Acquisition Centre, Widows Empowerment Initiative, Children Education Support, Orphanage Support and the Free Cervical Screening Programme, for which a concert was held last Sunday to mark her 60th birthday and to raise funds to give free screening to indigent women.

Bishop Peace, by her many projects, brings succour and the love of Christ to so many lives. She is truly a remarkable woman. This is what life is really about, not your acquisitions; but how much you have scattered abroad.

The good book says, “He that scatters, gathers”. That doesn't make economic sense, but in the world we live in, what else does?

Dear one, as Christ says, “Live the day as if it is the last, tomorrow will take care of the things of its own.' Enough said!

Have a great week!

CONTRIBUTORS: Princess Kate Emiko Folake Akinola Bamiyo Iselema Emina Jerome Codjo-Yaovi Onipede

ALLURE JUNE 10, 2012

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR: Latasha Ngwube COPY EDITOR: DD William-West CORRESPONDENTS: Fatima Garba - Style Davina Ayodele - Beauty

LAYOUT/DESIGNS: Remi Oguntegbe Isaiah Amupitan PHOTOGRAPHY: Oscar Ochiogu

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Queen Elizabeth in a mint green pearl encrusted coatdress and matching hat

Yousuf Karsh portrait of queen Elizabeth in 1951

Queen Elizabeth II in a metallic lemon shift with multi coloured ruching onthe right shoulder

Ever stylish, Elizabeth II greets NASA GSFC employees May 8 2007

The Queen on point in this white ensemble

Queen Elizabeth II red dress with red hat

Queen Elizabeth's diamond Jubilee:

6 decades of queenly style

By JEMI EKUNKUNBOR

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ngland last weekend, stood still as the British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II marked her 60th jubilee anniversary as the Queen of England. Born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, the 86 year old queen, ascended the throne on February 6, 1952 at the age of 25. The following year on June 2, she was crowned Queen at Westminster Abbey.

It's been 60 years since then for the mother of Prince Charles and the grand-mother of Prince William.

England rolled out the drums to celebrate a woman of style and glamour with pomp and pageantry. Fireworks rent the air and a boat regatta at the Thames crowned the whole excitement.

The amiable queen is always on point with her dressing. Her accessories are a delight to the eyes. She oozes style effortlessly and age agrees with her. Here in Allure, we celebrate Queen Elizabeth's diamond jubilee anniversary with a look at her style through the years.

Queen Elizabeth II acknoledges cheers from the people

Queen Elizabeth II with Kate Middleton

Queen-Elizabeth II in a royal blue dress and matching hat

JUNE 10, 2012 ALLURE Always great in remarkable jewellery pieces

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Christian Lacroix

Turquoise cocktail dress

Colorful cocktail

Phillip Lima Grecian Cocktail Dress

Colour Clutch by Saffron Winds

Valentino layered dress

Colourful cocktail dress

On the A bright side

Analeena crocodile clutch bag

Nitted bag with wood handle

BY JEMI EKUNKUNBOR

Kate spade bow-group Mirra clutch

Fushia pink bag

Mary Sol Gabriella sunflower bag ethical fashion

pretty to liven your outfit during a dull day is to go colour blocking or add a pop of colour to your outfit. Ditch the dark colours; greys, navies for more fun and happy colour.

Ubong here, in this berry dress, sure knows how to work colours clashing the rainbow colours to good effect.

But if you are not bold enough to go for the total colour block trend, you can make shoes and bags the highlight of your ensemble like Vamme has done.

Casadei platform shoe

Schuh Yana Turquoise suede shoes

Nine West

Asos Pace Suede double strap platform high shoes

Vamme Banjo brightens her animal print outfit with a pop of aqau green colour Rachel Roy wedge Ogwa Iweze

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Anita Iseghohi

Ubong Udoh

ALLURE JUNE 10, 2012 Nicholas Kirkwood

By YEMISI SULEIMAN

y t i r b e l e C styles hairare we ng now lovi

Just when you thought you had caught up with the latest hairstyles...they change again!

Celebrities are the trend setters when it comes to changing their looks, so we decided to check out what some of your favorite stars have had done to their hair.

Whether it's a straight locks, face-framing layers or a pixie cut we have 8 Pretty Celebrity Hairstyle ideas to take to the Salon

GENEVIEVE NNAJI Star actress Genevive Nnaji takes a break from her signature long sultry curls and tries on a pixie cut. The short simple and sexy cut, gives her face the r e l a xe d l o o k structure. we love the look on her because, it makes her look a lot more beautiful and individualistic .

EUNICE EFOLE Eunice Efole’s bangs are the quintessential, flattering cut: They hit just below her brows and have slightly longer sides that blend with her layers.

MUKA NWOKEDI Looks alluring with bouncy waves set with her a pretty middle part.

TIWA SAVAGE

IFEOMA WILLIAMS

Playful ringlets give the music star a stunning yet natural look. Her polished curls scream red-carpet glam.

We often seen her in short hair styles, but this time around this stylish wardrobe consultant choose to go with long layers fixed in gradual, tumbling waves that suits her perfectly.

CHIOMA CHUKWUKA AKPOTIA To achieve a flawless, sexy look, star parts her hair down the middle and lets her long, ruffled waves cascade down her shoulders.

INI EDO We often see this Nollywood hottie with long, loose locks, but this time around, Ini slicks her braids off her face in a pincurled updo. A look that gives her younger apeal.

TY Bello Famous for her music and photography as with her beautiful afro textured hair. TY Bello is a fresh of breath air in a society that is anti-afro texture like Nigeria.

JUNE 10, 2012 ALLURE

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Healthy Living101 terimendes@gmail.com

By Teri Mendes

Quote of the week:

A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book.

— Irish Proverb

20 ways to lose weight without dieting!

Hello readers, today's edition is on secrets to losing weight without dieting! I have put together 20 fabulous ways of doing this that can become part of your everyday lifestyle. Here's how:

Time your meals

Sleep more, weigh less

When soup's on, weight comes off

Set a timer for 20 minutes and reinvent yourself as a slow eater.

This is one of the top habits for slimming without a complicated diet plan. Relish each bite and make the meal last. Paced meals offer great pleasure from smaller portions and trigger the body's fullness hormones. Wolfing your food down in a hurry blocks those signals and causes overeating.

Sleeping an extra hour every night could help a person drop six kilos (14 pounds) in a year, according to a university researcher who ran the numbers for a 2,500 calorie per day intake.

His scenario shows” that when sleep replaces idle activities and the usual mindless snacking you can effortlessly cut calories by 6%”. Results would vary for each person, but sleep may help in another way, too. There's evidence that getting too little sleep revs up your appetite, making you uncommonly hungry.

Adding a broth-based soup to your day fills you up on fewer calories.

Think minestrone or Chinese won-ton. Soup's especially handy at the beginning of a meal because it slows your eating and curbs your appetite. Start with a low-salt broth or tinned soup, add fresh or frozen vegetables and simmer. Beware of creamy soups, which can be high in fat and calories.

Go for whole grains Whole grains such as brown rice, barley, oats, buckwheat and whole wheat also belong in your weight loss plan.

They help fill you up with fewer calories and may improve your cholesterol profile, too. Whole grains are now in many products including pizza crust, pasta and soft "white" whole-wheat bread.

Skip the bacon or Dodo

Cut back on sugar

Say "no" to those two rashers of bacon for breakfast or in your sandwich at lunch time. Or the fried plantain with your jollof rice for lunch This simple move saves about 100 calories, which can add up to a 4.5 kilo (10 pound) weight loss over a year. Other sandwich fillings can replace the flavor with fewer calories. Think about tomato slices, peppers, roasted peppers, grainy mustard and for the rice have a salad or some coleslaw (no dressing) I find it still scrumptious!

Replace one fizzy sugary drink with water or freshly squeezed juice and you'll avoid 10 teaspoons of sugar. Add lemon, mint or frozen strawberries for flavour and fun. The liquid sugar in fizzy drinks appears to bypass the body's normal fullness cues. One study compared an extra 450 calories per day from jelly beans vs. fizzy drinks.

The sweet eaters unconsciously ate fewer calories overall, but not so the ones having fizzy drinks. They gained more than a kilo (2.5 pounds) in four weeks.

Go for green tea

Slip into a yoga state of mind

Eat at home

Drinking green tea may also be a good weight loss strategy. Some studies suggest that it can rev up the body's calorieburning engine temporarily, possibly through the action of phytochemicals called catechins. At the very least, you'll get a refreshing drink without loads of calories.

Women who do yoga tend to weigh less than others, according to one study. What's the connection? The yoga regulars reported a more attentive" approach to eating. For example, they tend to notice the large portions in restaurants but eat only enough to feel full. Researchers think the calm selfawareness developed through yoga may help people resist overeating.

Eat home-cooked meals at least five days a week to live like a thin person.

One survey found this was a top habit of "successful losers." Sound daunting? Cooking may be easier than y o u t h i n k .

Shortcut foods can make for quick meals, such as lean minced beef for fajitas, bolognese, washed lettuce, pre-cut vegetables, tinned beans, cooked chicken strips.

Catch the "eating pause" Most people have a natural "eating pause," when they drop the fork for a couple of minutes.

Watch for this moment and don't take another bite. Clear your plate and enjoy the conversation. This is the quiet signal that you're full, but not stuffed.

Most people miss it.

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ALLURE JUNE 10, 2012

To be continued....Stay Tuned to next week's edition for 11-20

For comments and questions please email terimendes@gmail.com look forward to hearing from you, ta ta for now xoxo!

JUNE 10, 2012 ALLURE

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BISHOP PEACE OKONKWO: Bringing succor to the less-privileged

BY REMI DIAGBARE

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ishop Peace Okonkwo is the Resident Pastor of the Headquarters of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), a member of the Board of Trustees and Advisers of TREM, Proprietress of Word of Power Schools and Rehoboth Homes and Skills Acquisition Centre. She is the host of the open counseling programme, “Women Let's Talk�.

Her love, care and concern, particularly for women and children sent her to her knees to seek the face of God on how to be a blessing to these two groups of people.

In 1998, this desire gave birth to the International Women Prayer Conference, an inter-denominational monthly meeting for women, which today is not restricted only to Lagos, but is held in other states in Nigeria and in other nations, including the United Kingdom, the United States of America and other parts of the world.

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he also went a step further to start the Word of Power Group of Schools in a bid to establish Solid Educational Foundation for children, which is an assurance of a brighter future. Still seeking out further ways to impact women, she developed compassion for stranded ladies on the streets. This produced Rehoboth Homes and Skills Acquisition Centre, a home for stranded ladies. The first home was built and dedicated in June 2007.

In a bid to ensure that she touches all classes of women and challenging each one appropriately to be all that they can be, she founded the Women of Global Impact a non- governmental organization strategically positioned to reach out and touch lives.

She is married to Dr. Mike Okonkwo, the Presiding Bishop of TREM and they are blessed with a daughter, Uche. She spoke with Remi Diagbare on her faith and burden for the less-privileged.

AS YOU TURN 60 TODAY, WHAT LESSONS HAS LIFE TAUGHT YOU? Life has taught me that one should depend absolutely on God because I came from a very humble background. We lost our father when we were very young and my mother had to look after eight children. It was not easy. We just followed God. My mother was always praying. She never stopped praying. Today, all her children are graduates. How did she do it? She held on to God and taught us how to hold on to Him too.

WHAT WERE SOME OF THE DECISIONS THAT YOU MADE THAT HAS MADE YOU WHO YOU ARE TODAY? Well, I will say that I did not allow difficulties to weigh me down.

I decided to follow the God that my mother brought me up to know. Then, I decided to marry the presiding bishop when it was not popular to marry a pastor. People tried to discourage me. The church I attended, at that time, didn't pay pastors, so there was nothing to look forward to. Now, I know it's the Holy Spirit - that something inside was saying: “Go ahead with it. You will not regret it.”

HOW HAS YOUR JOURNEY WITH GOD BEEN? Of course, there are trials and temptations. I wouldn't say it has been smooth all the way.

There are days you will look for food to eat at the beginning. There are days you will soak garri to drink at the beginning; because we were planting.

We were trying to bring up people. It is not now that people are blessed doing pastoral work. At that time, I was still working because I had seven siblings behind me. So, I had to also try and help my mum. We were just trusting God for every meal. At times, he will tell me: “Go and put pot on the fire.” That's where we grew our faith - just pot with water. Then, super-naturally, someone will bring food; not from where we are, but from another place entirely. You see, it is not what we see these days. We had to grow our faith trusting God, knowing that this Bible is real and it's true.

I KNOW YOU ARE A WOMAN OF FAITH. BUT THERE MUST HAVE BEEN CHALLENGES WITH THIS FAITH WALK… A lot. It has been very hard work. At times, you are praying for things to happen, but you are seeing the other side of it. I lost my only child in this work.

I had already become a pastor. Then, after six years, God restored. Although, there was a restoration but that was my only child as at that time.

HOW DID YOU DEAL WITH THAT? WHERE YOU BLAMING GOD? It was difficult but one thing I have learnt over the years is not to say the wrong thing and then start asking for mercy. It was difficult. I cried. It was just was after Christmas. When it happened, I was just looking onto God, to see what He will come up with. Like I said, the presiding bishop has been a very good husband and help. He kept on encouraging me from the Bible, telling me it is not the end of the world. God is still God and all that.

How I handled it at that time has helped a lot of women in my ministry (today). The child was going to be buried on a Friday but rather than stay at home as expected, I went to church to preach, because it was a service day.

WAS SHE SICK? No, no. She sang on Christmas Day in the children's department. She was about four. We had a wonderful Christmas programme for the children. In the evening, she suddenly caught fever and before we could say “Jack Robinson”, she was dead. The presiding bishop's immediate younger brother is a doctor. She went to his hospital.

WHEN ONE PASSES THROUGH A VERY PAINFUL SITUATION, LIKE THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE, HOW DO YOU HANDLE SUCH A CASE? WERE YOU OVERWHELMED? I was just talking to a lady who lost her mother. You know, one thing you shouldn't allow is the spirit of grief to overtake you because, if it does, you will go into depression. You see, it is difficult. I told her, “You will cry.

Anyone telling you that you shouldn't cry is not real because you are still in the flesh but please don't allow it to overwhelm you.”

Yes, cry. It is normal. Bishop knows about it. He lost two junior ones. It was as if: what is this? But the Bible says that David encouraged himself in the Lord. He didn't allow it to overwhelm him. We still know that whatever it is, God is still God. Though He slays me, yet will I trust Him. So, that was what helped us at that time. Shortly after, he lost his parents.

HOW SHOULD CHRISTIANS RESPOND TO DEATH, ESPECIALLY OF A LOVED ONE? Everybody will die some day. They should know that it is turn

by turn. God controls our lives. He knows the day that everyone will die. I think Christians should mature; not to be afraid of death. If it comes, once you are in the Lord, you know it's a transfer to a better place.

One of the men of God I respect so much told the family: “If I drop dead, don't pray for me to come back. That place is better than here.” And Christians should not weep so much like people without hope. Because, this world is not our final destination, we still have heaven to go to.

WHEN HAS BEEN YOUR BEST MOMENT IN CHRISTENDOM? When I see certain things happen in the lives of women; when I see a woman looking for a child for sixteen years and all of a sudden God heals her, it excites me. When I see somebody that is sick, supernaturally God heals the person. When I see miracles, it does excite me and I have seen a lot of it. From place to place, state to state and outside the country.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES THAT GO WITH BEING THE WIFE

Bishop Peace Okonkwo OF A BISHOP, A MOTHER AND A PASTOR? I will tell you that it was not easy from the beginning. For instance, I have about twenty under the headquarter church.

One thing I have learnt over the years is to be able to give

AS THE HEAD PASTOR AT THE TREM HEADQUARTERS, HOW WILL YOU RESPOND TO THE THINKING THAT WOMEN SHOULD LEAD IN THE CHURCH? Don't forget, I am not the head pastor. I am just a pastor. The Bible says there is no male, no female. I do not see anything wrong. The only thing the Bible says is that a woman should not usurp authority over the man. Foursquare was founded by a woman and a woman preached the resurrection message.

So, they don't understand the scriptures.

I WILL LIKE TO RAISE THE ISSUE OF WIFE-BATTERING. THE CHURCH HAS BEEN FOUND CULPABLE IN THIS REGARD. A WOMAN WHO IS BEING BATTERED IS ASKED TO GO BACK TO HER HUSBAND BECAUSE, THE LORD HATES DIVORCE AS IN THE AROWOLO EXAMPLE… I don't understand which pastor will tell you to go and die. You see, we are of a different specie. It is a personal thing for me.

Once your partner starts battering you, I will not advise you to go back to that house. It depends on the way people see the scriptures. I felt so bad that the lady left the husband and she went back. I felt so bad. I have handled several cases where women were battered by their husbands. I handled a particular case where a woman was being battered and at night, the man would attempt to strangulate her. I told her 'find your father's house'. If he strangulates her, she is dead, she is dead. So, what happens? Women should be wise.

YOU RUN AN NGO, WOMEN OF GLOBAL IMPACT THROUGH WHICH YOU ORGANISE THE INTERNATIONAL PRAYER CONFERENCE. PLEASE, WHAT PROPELLED YOU TO START IT? The rate at which people were coming with problems actually made me start the International Women Prayer Conferences. Because, I sat behind the counselling desk for more than twenty years and each time a woman wants to come and talk to you, she will cry for about thirty minutes before she will be able to open up and say this is my problem. And, I kept on asking God: “What should we do? They cannot continue like this?” He told me, “Bring them, let them pray and I will hear their prayer.”

That was how we started. Like a mustard seed. If you come here in two weeks, you will see about four thousand women praying. I followed the blue-print that God gave me because, we had an issue with the time. Lots of people advised that it had to be on a Saturday, so that people will come but God told me “No, to show you I am in this. It has to be on a Thursday. So on Thursday, 9a.m. 12 Noon, women from different walks of life come here for prayer. Then as the programme became more popular, people started flying from outside Lagos. Eventually, we had to start it in other states. The vision progressed. Now, I go from place to place for the conference programmes.

Like tomorrow, I will be going to Asaba to mark ten years' celebration of IWPC, and then ten years in Abuja. I started small but we will converge at the Ecumenical Centre because of the large turnout of women.

SO, WHAT HAS BEEN THE IMPACT? WHAT TESTIMONIES HAVE COME OUT OF THE IWPC? There are lots of wonderful testimonies. I will give you volume 1, volume2, volume 3 of the praise reports. I am bringing out volume 4 on my birthday. So, you will read the testimonies.

Because God has done great things concerning his Word.

TELL ME ABOUT THE OTHER PROGRAMMES UNDER THE IGWI. LET'S START WITH THE REHOBOTH HOMES AND SKILLS CENTRE. My dear sister, I had a young lady who died in a restroom because she didn't have anywhere to go. She will go out in the morning and come back into the toilet and at a time, she caught a disease. It is a terrible thing to go to toilet alone, how much more sleeping there. She caught a disease and died. A lady was trying to help her to take her to the hospital; she said: “What are you taking me to the hospital for? I will still come back here and sleep. She died. It broke my heart. I said: 'God this is not supposed to be so”. I started praying, because everything I do must set out with prayer. The Lord told me: “You can do something. You can put up a home. Get them out of the streets, give them a home, teach them a vocation.” And, the ones that want to go to school, Bishop' s less privileged foundation is there. I have four graduates out from university but the rest are in different vocations.

My women believe so much in me. Once I say, “God said…”, they know I don't joke with God said. So, we put up a four storey building at Ketu. The ladies are there. We have a matron that runs the home.

The Lord told me: “You can do something. You can put up a home. Get them out of the streets, give them a home, teach them a vocation.” people honour. We work as a team; when we are having a meeting, you wouldn't even know who is who. Everyone brings their own thing to the table. One thing about me, I am very organised. I plan myself well. I have travelled back to back.

I went from America to England; went to Israel before coming home. I space myself. I take a day or two days off when my body is over-stretched. I withdraw a little to be able to get time for the next journey. I plan myself and when my daughter was young, I wasn't travelling that much because I noticed that it was affecting her schooling. But now, she is a big lady, almost out of the Master's degree. So, I go to anywhere I want to go to now.

JUNE 10, 2012 ALLURE

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The Okonkwo family We have pregnant girls who have nowhere to go to. We take them in, we help them deliver their babies - because we have hospitals that work with us. One thing we do, once you have had your baby, you will decide what you want to do with yourself. Either vocational training or school and you decide what you want to do with your child. I don't get involved in that area because I am not running an orphanage. They decide for themselves.

HOW BIG IS THE HOME? The place can take about 90 or 50 at a time but they come and go after sometime.

DO YOU HAVE TO BE A MEMBER OF TREM TO BE GIVEN SHELTER? No. You don't have to be a member of the church. Once you are homeless, come. As a matter of fact, I just heard that in my absence, five young girls came in. We are working on their documentations, because we have to document everything, and we work with NAPTIP. So, they bring in some ladies often.

WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER PROJECTS UNDER WGI? We have the Widows Empowerment Initiative. This was established to provide a social security net for needy women who have lost their bread winners. The programme provides money and essential materials to widows.

There is also the Children Education Support. Here, we give scholarships to children who have financial challenges. We give N60,000 per annum to deserving beneficiaries to sponsor their university education.

The Women of Global Impact also has a firm relationship with the Strong Tower Mission. Rather than set up an orphanage, we chose to collaborate with them.

I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU ARE PLANNING A PROGRAMME TO MARK YOUR 60TH BIRTHDAY, TELL ME ABOUT IT Yes, I am doing cervical screening. This disease has been known to kill thousands of women who are ignorant of its existence, and unfortunately, could not take advantage of the various preventive measures available. The WGI has taken it upon itself to reach out to women by sponsoring them for free screening in order to detect early where found and hopefully, save lives.

The screenings have been held in Idah, Ogbunike., Akure and in Lagos.

So far, The WGI has screen over 1500 women, and we want to

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take it round Nigeria. Hence, I am using my 60thbirthday concert to raise funds to be able to fund this life saving project.

The beautiful thing about the concert is that everyone who came to perform refused to be paid. They said it was their contribution to the project. I don't know how to thank them. It is only God who can reward them.ss YOU SEEM TO BE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN HELPING PEOPLE. MANY PASTORS WIVES ARE JUST CONTENT TO BE MAMA GO, WITH EVERY ONE FRETTING AROUND THEM. AND A LOT OF THE TIME, MONIES COLLECTED ARE NOT USED FOR THE CHURCH USE. One thing I have learnt over the years is let everyone worship Him the way they can. God records everything we do. One, some pastors wives are not called into the ministry, they are just pastor' s wife., so you should understand that their ministry is to serve their husbands and take care of their children, which is good.

I don't see how money should be given to church for the work of God and somebody will take it. I feel very sad about it. Yes, there are charlatans, in every vocation. So there are people that are just there for the money and there are people that are there for the money. God said, let the wheat and tares grow, there is a day of reckoning.

LET'S LOOK AT SOME ISSUES AFFECTING PEOPLE TODAY, FOR WHICH THE CHURCH IS AT LOGGERHEAD WITH THE WORLD. FIRST IS THE ISSUE OF DIVORCE. SHOULD CHRISTIANS DIVORCE? All things are lawful, but all things are not expedient. There are things that the bible says, but we are living in the real world. My husband will tell you Divorces still happen, that you divorced your wife or husband, does not mean you will not go to Heaven. if you are born again, you will still go to Heaven. But, it shouldn't be the norm WHAT IS THE SECRET OF YOUR MARRIAGE? I respect my husband, know your place, play your part make sure you are there for him, fulfill your own part. Don't compete with him, because the bible says those that compare themselves with themselves are not wise. I know that my husband is my head. No matter what happens today I know there are things I can't do unless I ask him. Every year, I put my schedule down , I let him know what I am going to back to back, any one he approves, I go ahead with but, if he says no, I

drop it.

WHAT IF YOU ARE A CARRIER WOMAN? Even if you are a career woman, you should be able to bring your husband into your career.

You should carry your husband along WHATS YOUR OPINION THE PREVALNCE OF HOMOSEXUALITY IN OUR SOCIETY TODAY To me it is not acceptable. God said a man and a woman should come together He didn't say a man and a man. A lot of atrocity and a lot of things are happening these are the last days anyway, these things are the signs.

ARE YOU AWARE THAT EVEN MEN IN RESPECTABLE MARRIAGES ALSO HAVE MALE PATNERS Yes, that's even the worst. How can you be in marriage, you have your wife, then you are looking for another man. If you read the bible, you will see that these are indeed, the signs of the end times. .

BUT THERE ARE MORE CHURCHES NOW, YET YOU HAVE THESE ATTROCITIES GOING ON. Lets continue to have churches, because if we do not have Churches, it would have been terrible. I know that some are just ' churches' Before you go to any church, read your bible very well, when you there look at what they are doing does it correspond with what the bible say.

If it does then, stay and be nourished. My husband will tell you anything the word cannot give you does not exist and you don't need it.

Because there are so many acrobatics that are that are happening in Church these days.

YOU GRANTED AN INTERVIEW DURING PRESIDENTT OBASANJOS TENURE WHERE YOU SAID NIGERIA CANNOT GO WORSE. BUT NIGERIA HAS GONE FROM WORSE TO TRAGIC, WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY NOW , Things don't get better until they gone worse. There is a prophetic unction over this nation and that is what the devil is fighting. And that is why different things are emerging. But the prophesy will soon come to pass because I believe Nigeria is going to carry on to the end time WHO PROPHESIED AND WHAT WAS THE PROPHESY? Dr Morris Cerrulo came here, he said you are working at a very horrible situation. He said things will get worse, but there will be light at the end of the tunnel and I believe him. Because he gave a prophesy -before the change. That was before by president Jonathan came in, he said that there was going to be a change.

If not, there are countries which have not passed through half of what we are going through, and have broken up. But God is still keeping us, because of the end time agenda He has for this country.

WHAT ABOUT WOMEN IN POLITICS. PEOPLE SAY IF WOMEN WERE RUNNING THE COUNTRY WE WON'T HAVE THE KIND OF PROBLEMS FACING THE COUNTRY TODAY I agree. Because when a woman wants to do something she does it very well .I have seen a few that I was really proud of.

Dora Akunyili when she worked with NAFDAC and Kema Chikwe then, we saw what they did. Even the women in government today are doing tremendously well. I believe they should bring in more women. Women are more sincere.

AT 60, YOU HAVE A YOUTHFULL AURA. WHAT IS IT THAT RELAXES YOU SO? If you mean what I enjoy as a pastime, I like football,. I am a Chelsea fan, but I am glad that Mancity won though.

Another is lawn tennis, I watch those two games. I don't joke with them. So that is my relaxation But what gives me peace is what God has promised. His word over my life, over the years I see them unfolding, day by day and year by year. So, I still look forward to greater things.

WHAT IS YOUR PHILOPHY? Keep on living. Live a day at a time. you should make plans for your life, but let the plans be according to God's direction ONE LAST WORD FOR WOMEN WHO ARE READING YOUR STORY TODAY. Women I want to encourage you. Don't give up on your homes don't give up on what God has ordained for your life. Any area that you want to excel, so go for it. There are things you need to do. There are trainings you have to undertake, go for it.

Be the best in anything you do.

You need that professional poise!

Missed Manners? 1

Ayoka has just been introduced to Tonye. From the gleam in his eyes she can tell he is quite interested‌ to her shock he gives her his card and says 'call me'. Oh no! she certainly is not having that. She takes the card, writes down her number behind, returns it to him, and says 'you call me'. You go girl!

Chukwudi invites Kike to the movies. He tells her 'here's my address. Meet me at home then we will go to the movies from there. Ugh!

Femi is taking Ifunnaya out on a date. He goes to her place, as she gets to the car, he tilts his head at her and yells 'hop in.' Oh dear!

Asuquo takes Efe to a function. He opens the door to the room, goes through it first and walks blithely on, unaware that the swing door has just hit her.

Ene has just enjoyed a lovely meal paid for by Tade. At the end of it, she hops out of her chair, says 'hey I gotta go, see ya later.'

Sule is driving.. a vehicle cuts in front of him. He quickly overtakes the vehicle, rolls down the window, and 'gives the driver the finger', only for him to realize too late that the lady driver is his boss's wife. Naughty naughty naughty!!!

Nkese has this habit of coming very close to people when talking to them. To her shock the other day, she was speaking to Ije, not known for her diplomacy, Ije yelled at Nkese 'will you please get out of my face!'

Nkese was embarrassed.

What do all these scenarios have in common?

They are all cases of missed manners.

In the first scenario, Tonye should have asked for Ayoka's number, then asked for permission to call her. 'May I call you sometime?' A gentleman never asks a lady to call him. He initiates that very first call.

In scenario number two, a gentleman shouldn't ask the lady to meet him at his home. He could either pick her up at her place, or they meet at a designated place.

Scenario number three calls for Femi holding open the door of the car for Ifunnaya to enter, then once she gets in, from the inside, she opens the door for Femi.

In scenario four, Asuquo should hold the door for Efe to go through.

Scenario six calls for Ene thanking Tade graciously for the meal. She should have taken her leave gracefully and elegantly, not in the 'hoodish' way she did.

Although the lady driver was wrong, Sule should not have given her the finger. It's rude, vulgar and absolutely despicable.

And in the final scenario, you do not stand too close to people when speaking with them.. when you do so, you invade their personal space and make them uncomfortable.

When manners go missing, respect and affection for that individual go missing as well. So please make an effort to know the correct thing to do, anytime, anywhere, and with anybody. It will save you a lot of grief.

Until next week, it's good bye, and put your best foot forward.

Ngozi Chantal Caulcrick is a business image coach, trained and certified by the Protocol School Of Washington. She offers seminars in Business Etiquette and Protocol Intelligence, as well as Fine Dining Skills. You can reach her on 08033023790, 08082365506, or courtneyinglis1@gmail.com

Our environmental toxic world and its consequences Continues from last week

The Colon and the process of Body Detoxification Similarly, the colon is important in detoxification. Once the food and drinks that the body requires are absorbed from the small intestine, the excess unabsorbed portions become wastes. These wastes are generated constantly especially as we usually eat more than the body requires at each meal. The wastes need to be shuttled out and, this is done through the colon.

At the end of the digestive journey, the colon is where this natural biological waste is collected and stored, and from which it is eventually excreted. This is meant to be a timely affair usually about 18 to 24 hours. If the body does not move the waste through in a well-timed manner, you can experience increased blockage, making bowel movements difficult and resulting in painful constipation and bloating. In very bad cases, fecal impaction can result, which can be serious enough to warrant surgery. Some people can have these wastes remain in the colon for up to 200 hrs!

The effect of this retention is that the body begins to ferment this waste and with fermentation comes purification leading to production of toxins such as histamine, methanol and other chemicals that are now absorbed into the body from the intestine. The toxins find their way through the lymphatic system into the body tissues, and the various organs such as the kidney, ovaries, testis, uterus, joints, skin and muscles to create havoc.

Natural Detoxification Enter the concept of all-natural cleansing and detoxification. While inappropriate for babies' growing bodies and pregnant women alike, natural cleansing and detoxification are something of a safety net. When done correctly, using all-natural products that are intended to support the body's own detoxification abilities, cleansing can be a major step towards better health.

Several authors recognize the fact that the modern diet, with excess carbohydrates, animal proteins, fats, caffeine, alcohol, and chemicals, inhibits the optimum function of our cells and tissues. The cleansing of toxins and waste products may help restore function and vitality to our body system.

The best colon cleansing and detoxification programs will be thorough, gentle, and made with herbal ingredients. The liver can be supported through the use of several oral herbal infusions and liver compress available in a good medical detoxification program like those that utilizes the modern mayr medicine techniques. Colon health can be supported by the inclusion of a premium-grade herbal fiber blend that contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. This dietary fiber bulks up as it travels through the digestive tract, sweeping the intestines clean along its way. Additionally, some fiber also feeds the friendly bacteria in the colon, promoting overall immune function and digestive wellness. Again there are newer techniques for detoxification of the colon; they include daily oral flushing with MART-VIVA salt and base powder, colon hydrotherapy, foot detox and a number of other methods available at the Mart-Life detox clinic.

While our bodies may be built for the challenges of living in a toxic world, they can use some help from time to time. Finding and completing a cleansing and detoxification program is a great way to help your body's detoxification system do its best to keep you healthy and to guard your overall well-being. A natural cleansing program that utilizes the power of herbs to support liver and a healthy colon, for example, can go a long way in giving your body the assistance it needs to thrive.

Health Vacation in a Detox centre.

In the developed countries a good number of people recognize the need to find a two-week break in the year to detox. Really Dr. F. X. Mayr who pioneered the modern mayr medicine 100 years ago said "By fasting using the modern mayr method, you see an improvement in your general health". It is advocated that one Mayr Detox in a one day per week or one Mayr Fasting in 2 weeks per year is useful to one's health. This mind set encourages those in the western countries to take a proper resting vacation to detoxify from their environment in various health farms or detox programs. This is unlike our culture which our typical vacation involves over indulging in fast foods or sometimes taking local foods e.g gari, panla, palm oil and more to our various overseas destinations.

The onus is on us as a culture and individual to improve our overall health and well being thereby increasing life expectancy. This becomes increasingly important as one gets older and is faced with health challenges including surgery especially of the digestive organs, obesity, infertility, menopause, andronpause, diabetes, hypertension and several other conditions. Detoxification is a great avenue to begin to prevent and also manage several of these health challenges. Fortunately MART-LIFE detox clinic, which is a unit of the Medical Assisted Reproductive Technology Center (MART), in collaboration with VIVA-MAYR clinic is now available and the first modern medicine detox clinic in Africa as the ideal medical spa.

Subsequent writings will address the various ramifications of the toxic world on specific organ systems and some of the possible remedies.

Prof. Oladapo Ashiru OFR CEO-MART-LIFE detox clinic 2 Olatubosun Street, Maryland, Ikeja, Lagos. denrele@uic.edu

JUNE 10, 2012 ALLURE

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ALLURE JUNE 10, 2012

get captivated

ria’s e g i N ading s Le ht-Los g Wei Expert

body perfect

...not just SLIMMING but FITNESS

JEROME ONIPEDE

Dear Jerome,

I need a companion

I always get captivated reading your article every Sunday in Allure Vanguard. I am in my fifties and will not mind benefitting from your match making services. I am financially independent and satisfied with life but wouldn't mind having a companion, that I can share my day to day activities with. I meet men everyday because of the nature of my job but I find out that a lot of them are not usually who they claim to be. Do you have men that are trust worthy?

Augustina, Abuja.

Dear Augustina, Thank you for enjoying “Get Captivated” on Sundays. Funny enough, when the editor, Remmy Diagbare, and I were choosing that name for the column, we didn't know a lot of people were going to end up being captivated by it. I give the glory to God. I also thank God that you have done so well for yourself in life. I congratulate women who have risen above the tide, despite many hurdles encountered in the race of life.

Unfortunately, not many men in your age group (45 65 years) can say so. A lot of men in this age bracket are not doing well economically in Nigeria. Most of the married ones among them are actually being catered for by their wives who also bear the cost of maintaining the entire family. Some of these men cannot be blamed completely for where they find themselves today; they are victims of policies which produce more victims than benefactors.

Unknown to many, this is the period most men give up in life because, for most, they have to start life all over due to pressing challenges they encounter. Most men find this stage of life too much to bear; the situation is worse if they also have health challenges to deal with. As if this is not enough, when they attend old boys' association meetings, they are confronted with peers who show off what they have achieved.

When it comes to religion, it is also this age group that is expected to keep God's work going through their generosity. Most of them stay back saying that all they hear in places of worship these days is money, money, money.

This too is unfortunate because they really need God during this period of their lives. Sadly, most of them end up in politics where they believe they don't have to do much to make so much.

So you see, when I am dealing with your age group, I always advise the person to exercise patience so that we can find a credible and noble man who does not even have to be a Nigerian, as long as he is flexible and wouldn't insist you have to come and live in his country. But, I need to state that most women in your age bracket are much richer than their male counterparts. I hope I haven't scared you by telling you this truth which I guess you already know. I have met some good men in your age bracket that I can vouch for though. Call me if you are interested.

For those interested in attending “Let's Get Married in June” which comes up on June 30th in Lagos, registration is on.

Keep your blood sugar levels healthy

KATHY EMIKO

Health News 101:Look into your eyes to check cholesterol levels! One tip off is a milky white ring around the colored part of your eye, say researchers. It's called “arcus senilis, and it's formed when cholesterol lodges in tiny capillaries as blood circulates through the eye.

What you can do: If your doctor confirms that your cholesterol's high, ask if you can first try adding red grape fruit to your diet before resorting to medication studies suggest eating one of these ruby-red gems everyday reduces LDL cholesterol by as much as 20%.

Body Perfect 101: skinny does not mean healthy! You are what you eat!

To keep your blood sugar levels healthy, follow these steps:1. Eat whenever you drink Alcohol: Alcohol is a serious liver stressor. When you drink anything alcoholic, your liver forgets its work of regulating blood sugar to concentrate on getting the alcohol out of your body fast. Eating slows absorption especially fiber rich foods like brown rice, yam and lots of vegetables and fruits.

2. Opt for a vinegar based salad dressing: The rise in your blood sugar levels after eating will be 55% less than usual, research shows vinegar's acetic acid blocks the enzymes that break down carbohydrates, decreasing the amount of glucose that can enter cells.

3. Enjoy fruit salad: Most fruits are rich in soluble fiber, which a study in the New England journal of medicine shows effectively steadies blood sugar.

NOTE: Fruit salad and fruit juice are not the same thing. Fruit juice is high in fructose and no fiber while fruit salad is loaded with fiber.

4. POP a glucose regulating supplement: talking a good glucose regulating supplement daily lowers glucose levels by helping to turn sugar into energy say USDA scientists.

5. Follow Glycemix index: Centering your menu on foods that are low on the glycemix index (a measure of how much a food affects blood glucose levels), can lower your blood glucose levels 30% in 30days.

Ask Princess Kathy (Princess Kathy is a Certified Nutrition and Fitness Consultant.

E-mail: bodyperfectng@aol.com or call +234-8101840449, 8034545819. BB: 28356028.)

Dear Kathy, I switched to soy milk a few months ago because of lactose sensitivity.

Now my bloat is gone, but I've put on 10kg! WHY? Anita, Lagos.

Dear Anita, Your new drink could be causing weight gain for two reasons; first, unfermented soy (found in soy milk contains Phytates, salts that inhibits the absorption of metabolism supporting minerals. Second, soy's goitrogens can prevent the thyroid fromn absorbing iodine, which leads to shortfalls of thyroid hormones. This is especially problematic if you have borderline hypothyroidism and based on my experience, two out of three women do. For these reasons, I suggest eliminating soy milk since alternatives can be high in sugar; your best bet for weight loss is a whey protein powder drink.

Also smart: Cut out processed foods with soy protein. After 10 soy-free days, the weight should start falling off.

WANT TO GET THAT EXCESS FAT OUT AND STAY HEALTHY? YOU NEED “PRINCESS KATHY WEIGHTLOSS PACK” (08132164772, 08034545819).

For counselling on marriage, relationship, match making and career, call Jerome on 08037194335 or 08099118377. To book for our monthly programme, call 08053537663 or 08020977877. BB 2219041E. You may also follow Jerome on twitter as jeromeistalking.

JUNE 10, 2012 ALLURE

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DIY Manicure moves to learn

(DO IT YOURSELF)

By AYODELE DAVINA

T

hese are the steps you need to follow to get a perfect manicure in the comfort of your own home without the bills.

Remove: Take off old nail polish with cotton balls and non acetone polish remover. If you've got nail wipes, all the better.

Trim: cut and file your nails to either a square or oval shape. Other complicated nail shapes should be left to a certified nail technician. These two shapes can still be done at home.

Soak: Pamper your hands by soaking them in a bowl of warm water and hand washing liquid for 5minutes.

Soften: Apply cuticle oil on towel dried hands to soften the skin. If you don't have cuticle oil, olive oil will do just fine.

olive oil and brown sugar works wonders.

Moisturize: rinse off your scrub and rub in a rich moisturizer to nourish your skin Paint: Pick out your desired shade of nail polish, apply a base coat first, two thin coats of color and finish off with a top coat.

There! You have it, the most perfect DIY manicure ever! And pretty simple too!

TIPS Store nail polish in the freezer to avoid thickening. No file? Use the rough edge of a match box, it works Just like a file too.

Push/Cut: Use the orange stick to push back your cuticles or cut them carefully.

Exfoliate: whip out your hand scrub, dampen your hands and go at it gently for the next 3 minutes. If you don't have a scrub, a mixture of

You can do it yourself

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ALLURE JUNE 10, 2012 Oscar manicure

Curator of the National Museum (middle) & friends

Ruth Benamaisia, Nike Soleye, Chief (Mrs) Beatrice Ubeku

Mr Paolo & Ms Siene Allwell-Brown

Israel Benamaisia holds Exhibition at National Museum

By Oscar Ochiogu

Emenike Ogwo & Israel Benamaisia

Israel Benamaisia, a graduate of The Yaba College of Technology in Lagos with many exhibitions to his credit since 1998, held a one week exhibition at the premier National Museum and Monuments at Onikan Lagos.

The exhibition titled 'Colours of Nigeria,' featured a kaleidoscope of the Nigerian culture. As aptly put by the artist, Nigeria is a treasure trove for art and artefacts waiting to be discovered and celebrated.

Israel Benamaisia admitted that in researching and preparing the paintings he featured in this exhibition, he traveled through Nigeria over a period of three years, attending festivals, weddings, traditional rituals, cultural get-togethers, etc. to produce the works.

His mission was for the paintings to serve as visual historical documents of our culture for posterity as the Nigerian art form seems to be fast evolving through adulteration, filtration and outright adaptation of foreign

themes, ideals and colouration.

Predictably present to throw his and his ministry's weight behind the artists celebration of our culture was the Hon. Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture High Chief Edem Duke and Director's General of most of the parastatals under his ministry. Also present was Mr Donald Duke who took tourism and recreation to an enviable level in the Cross River State of Nigeria. Below are pictures of some guests at the event.

Patience Okonta & Ms Uduak Umondak

High Chief Edem Duke cutting the opening tape, Israel Benamaisia & former Governor of Cross River State Mr Donald Duke

Israel Benamaisia, Ms Allwell-Brown, Mrs Abel-Ubeku & Mrs Agnes Ojehomon

Sola Gbinigie & Sister

Ms Rean Opia - actor

Tendercurls Salon Opens

By Bubu Okpala Tendercurls Salon, an Ikeja based salon, has taken salon services to a new level with the introduction of kiddies section. The first of its kind, the new section boasts of several exciting packages for children.

The formal opening took place recently, had friends and clients in attendance.

Wale Akala

Latifah

Junaid Bisi Deola Shitta

Joke Jaiyesimi

Stanley Nku

Ufuoma marries Edafe

By Janet Najomoh

Ijelenze Chigozie Okpalor

Adewale & Adesola Adetola

Ufuoma Obahor and Edafe Oyibo recently, tied the nuptial knot according to native law and custom in Warri, Delta State. The marriage ceremony was attended by family and friends including their parents, Major and Mrs. Cletus Obahor and Chief & Mrs. Andrew Ochuko Oyibo.

Edafe & Ufuoma Oyibo with their parents

JUNE 10, 2012 ALLURE

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Major & Mrs Cletus Obahor (Bride's Parents), Edafe & Ufuoma (New Couple), Chief & Mrs Ochuko Oyibo (Groom's Parents)