Allure 15 February 2015

February Fe Feb eb brruary 15, 2015

Gov. Lamido, Others Receive Vanguard Personality Awards Adebayo Jones: Exploring A Designer’s Glittering Side

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T S N E T e m a i l : a l l u r e fo r t h e wo rl d @ v a n g u a r d n g r. c o m

February 15 February 21, 2015

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EDITOR REMMY DIAGBARE DEPUTY EDITOR JEMI EKUNKUNBOR ASST. EDITOR YEMISI SULEIMAN STYLE REPORTER PAMELA ECHEMUNOR CONTRIBUTORS PRINCESS KATE EMIKO BAMIYO ISELEMA EMINA JEROME CODJO-YAOVI ONIPEDE

CONT. EDITOR LATASHA NGWUBE COPY EDITOR DD WILLIAM-WEST CORRESPONDENTS FATIMA GARBA DAVINA AYODELE LAYOUT / DESIGN GREGORY OBI PHOTO OSCAR OCHIOGU (08034746487)

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For advertisement / enquiries, call DEBBIE: 08039675880, OGE: 08039777910 6MĂ&#x201E;JL (\_PSPHY`! ,),9, 626/

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From the editor...

Politics played a role in the outcome of the Vanguard Personality Awards, which held at the Eko Hotel last Saturday. The announcement on postponement of the General Elections , meant the political boat had been rocked, and a lot of wielding and dealing had to be engaged in. Naturally, the show held behind schedule, as we waited. Will they, RU ZLOO WKH\ QRW" $W WKH HQG WKH\ FRXOGQ¡W H[FHSW WKH Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, who arrived with a large coterie, The show took off with a bang, and maintained a high tempo till curtain calls at 11pm. Beamed live on &KDQQHOV WHOHYLVLRQ WKLV \HDU¡V HGLWLRQ ZLOO JR GRZQ as a very peculiar one. To begin with, it had three governors as Personality of The Year, while three others were recognised for outstanding contributions LQ WKHLU YDULRXV Ă&#x20AC;HOGV ,Q WRWDO VL[ 3HUVRQDOLW\ $ZDUGV ZHUH JLYHQ D Ă&#x20AC;UVW IRU WKH 3DSHU Jemi Ekunkunbor captures the evening in a detailed report on the event of February 7th. See pp.4-5

QUOTES... â&#x20AC;&#x153;To marry unequally is to suffer equallyâ&#x20AC;?.

7-10 14 15

FEATURES TEAM

4-5

- Henri Frederic Amiel

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The easiest kind of relationship for me is with ten thousand people. The hardest is with oneâ&#x20AC;?.

- Joan Baez

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A lady respects other peoples time whether at the office or at homeâ&#x20AC;?

The King of Bling, London based , Nigerian celebrity designer, Adebayo Jones was in the country recently, He takes us through his day in 24 Hours, his latest collection and what trends to rock right now. See interview, pp.11-13 Finally, Love won the Day. With the postponement of elections lovers had a free reign to make plans, and go where ever they wished in total freedom. Whoever chose that date, had it coming.

Have a great week!

R.

Remmy Diagbare @ Vanguardallure1

Gov. Lamido, Others Receive Vanguard Personality Awards by - Jemi Ekunkunbor

T

he annual Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards entered its third season last weekend with three governors being honoured as Vanguard Personality of the Year 2014. They are Governors Sule Lamido of Jigawa, Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom and Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State. All three were honoured for their exceptional service in governance. Others on the line up included Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State who was honoured with the Best Tourism Development Award while his Kano State counterpart, Rabiu Kwankwanso, received Openness in Governance Award. The only awardee from the business sector, Mr. Tony Elumelu, received the African Personality of the Year Award.

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The event which took place at the prestigious Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, attracted the cream of the society from the political, business and entertainment spheres who converged at the Convention Centre to support their friends and partners.

Instituted in 2013 to celebrate exceptional achievers in Nigeria and to recognise the stellar actions of hard working individuals, Gbenga Adefaye, GM/Editor-in-Chief, in an opening UHPDUN VDLG WKLV \HDU¡V DZDUG FHOHEUDWHV â&#x20AC;&#x153;people who have left indelible marks of excellence in the society in the preceding yearâ&#x20AC;?.

First to receive his award was Mr. Tony Elumelu, whose sterling achievement as a business man DQG SURSRQHQW RI WKH œ$IULFDSLWDOLVP¡ SKLORVRSK\

that drives economicc prosperity and social wealth was extolled. Mr. Albert Okumagba received the award on his behalf and the d by Erelu Abiola award was presented Dosunmu.

H¡V QXPHURXV *RYHUQRU /L\HO ,PRNH¡V QXPHURXV cts like the state-ofdevelopmental projects orail project as well as the-art Calabar monorail d Obudu Cattle Ranch the lure of Tinapa and clearly places Cross River State among nations in Nigeria. Cross leading tourist destinations sioner for Finance, Rev. River State Commissioner ved the award on his Costakis Etim, received esented by The Guardian behalf and it was presented en Ibru.

Publisher, Mrs. Maiden unde Fashola of Lagos For Governor Babatunde

State, his demonstration and commitment to excellence has set Lagos State as a benchmark for others to beat. His efforts at maintaining this lead has resulted in the current transformation of /DJRV LQWR $IULFD¡V PRGHO PHJD FLW\ $GH ,SD\H $WWRUQH\ *HQHUDO of Lagos State, received the award on his behalf. The award was presented by ace photographer, Sunmi Smart-Cole.

First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Unoma Ekaete Akpabio, stood in for her husband, Godswill Akpabio. The uncommon, physical transformation of Uyo, especially the construction of overhead bridges in the once under-developed capital of Akwa Ibom State and the construction of architectural showpiece, the Akwa Ibom International Stadium are testament to his efforts.

Through his administration, the stigma of being recognised as a state that supplied maids to the entire country has been gradually erased by employing the force of education to reshape the minds of the people. His award was presented by Prof. Anya O.Anya.

Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, was escorted to the event by an impressive delegation of eminent Jigawans and this did not come as a surprise, having radically improved the conditions of service of workers, approved special allowances for physically challenged people in the state, as well as embarking on 5,000 housing units to ease the shortage of accommodation in the state.

Presenting the award, chairman of the occasion, Prof. Anya O. Anya, who expressed his pleasure to do the honours, said the recognition will add credibility to the awards. &RPPHQGLQJ /DPLGR¡V VW\OH RI politics, which he described as consistent, Prof. Anya said the Jigawa State Governor is FRQVWDQWO\ GULYHQ E\ œORYH RI people and love of FRXQWU\¡

PROF. ANYA O. ANYA PRESENTING AWARD TO SULE LAMIDO, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF JIGAWA STATE.

PROF. ANYA O. ANYA PRESENTING VANGUARD PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR AWARD TO MRS EKAETE UNOMA AKPABIO FIRST LADY OF AKWA IBOM STATE WHO STOOD IN FOR HER HUSBAND GODSWILL AKPABIO.

Responding, a grateful Sule Lamido regretted that at 66, age was not on his side; adding therefore: â&#x20AC;&#x153;My main concern every day is my country Nigeria,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a country which he said gave him ÂśVSDFH WR JURZ¡ The evening was not just one of speeches and awards.

The event was spiced with entertainment supplied by wave-making Patoranking, BJ Sax, Jojo Body Beat, Kiss Daniel, and Korra Anita Obidi.

MR. ALBERT OKUMAGBA RECEIVING VANGUARD AFRICAN BUSINESS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR AWARD ON BEHALF OF MR TONY ELUMELU FROM ERELU ABIOLA DOSUMU

Humour house, Bovi who hosted the show along with Osas Ighodalo, kept guests thrilled with wise cracks that left them in stitches.

GOV. SULE LAMIDO

It would be recalled that the maiden edition of the Vanguard Personality Awards 2012 was won by Governor Rotimi Amaechi with Aig Imoukuede, MD/CEO, Access Bank, as running mate while the second edition, in 2013, was won by three eminent Nigerians: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, Chairman, Innoson Group of Companies.

MR. GBENGA ADEFAYE, GM/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RECEIVING VANGUARD PERSONALITY AWARD 2014 ON BEHALF OF GOVERNOR RABIU KWANKWASO OF KANO STATE

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VANGUARD AWARDS: GUESTS EXPRESS OPINION By - Jemi Ekunkunbor, Y emisi Suleiman and Pa mela Echemunor

Well, I think it is a very good idea to recognise some personalities, especially because, at the end of the day, we need such recognitions to serve as inspiration both to those that are recognised and to others who might want to attain the same height. And it’s a very organized ceremony. The entertainment was really very good. Everything went very well.

- Ade Ipaye Attorney General, Lagos State

As always, it was a good show; even though some of the governors could not make it, I guess because of the political tension in the country but their representatives are here and the show went on. It was fantastic.

The recipients are all hard workers.

The governors are. Tony Elumelu is doing a wonderful job and so are the other recipients. So really, I do not expect anything less from Vanguard because I believe they are serious.

They just don’t play to the gallery.

They actually looked out for those who deserve honour and you honoured them and we should be doing that. So Vanguard has done very well and I congratulate them again.

- Erelu Abiola Dosunmu

Good. Excellent. It went well.

- Nduka Obaigbena Publisher, Thisday Newspapers

I believe it’s a very promising event. I say this because I believe people deserve recognition when they perform and the Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards is a very good opportunity for people to be rewarded for a job well done.

Elumelu, for contributing to economic growth, and the governors, for impacting their various state’s infrastructure tremendously. So, big ups to Vanguard for putting this together.

It’s unfortunate that most of the awardees didn’t show up but hopefully for good reason because it’s not every day you get this kind of recognition. But in their various states and areas of work, they have ZRUNHG WLUHOHVVO\ DQG WKH H̆RUW WKH\ SXW GHVHUYHV WR EH DFNQRZOHGJHG So congratulations to them.

- Onyebuchi Franklin Actor

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The show was fantastic and I’d like to come again next year.

Everything you put together was great and I really congratulate Vanguard for putting this together. They did a fantastic job and I can only wish them God’s grace to carry on.

- Benny Uche

It’s a very encouraging thing when \RX KDYH DQ HVWDEOLVKHG ¿UP OLNH Vanguard organize an event like this because then, you’d expect credibility.

Over the years, the choices of the winners of these awards have always been acknowledged as well deserving.

I know the award will challenge the awardees to do more for society.

We have a situation where politics has been given a very bad name and WKDQN *RG IRU WKH LQÀX[ RI QHZ governors and activists, giving it a brand new meaning; the likes of Fashola, Akpabio and the former Cross Rivers State, Governor Donald Duke, giving politics a new colour all together. So, it’s an absolute honour to be at an event like this where such people have been recognized and are given such awards.

- Paul Adams

PROF. ANYA O. ANYA, MRS EKAETE UNOMA AKPABIO, MR SAM AMUKA, MRS RITA AMUKA, MR. ADEOLA RAHMAN IPAYE AND ERELU ABIOLA DOSUNMU

FACES AT THE VANGUARD PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR AWARDS Pics by - Photo team

KELLY AND PATRICIA ARAWORE

YEYE REWANE

CHIEF AND MRS. OLATOKUNBOR THOMAS

BEN BRUCE

AMB AND MRS. MOKGETHI MONAISA

February 15, 2015 /

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FACES AT THE VANGUARD PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR AWARDS

8

BISI OLATILO

VICTOR HAMMOND

ADE BAKARE

AMINU JAHUN

/ February 15, 2015

MAIDEN ALEX-IBRU

JULIE COKER

CHIOMA OKOYE AND NGOZI EZE

NDUKA OBAIGBENA

FACES AT THE VANGUARD PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR AWARDS

MR SAM OMOTSEYE, MR OMODJEH, MR IKEDI AND MRS CHIOMA IZIGUZO

UDY UMONDAK

DELE COLE

PROF. OLU AKINYANJU

HRH. OLU OLANREWAJU, JENIFER OKEY , OKEY NWOSU, AND DUBEM NGWULUKA

FRED UDUEME,PROF AND MRS ANYA. O. ANYA AND GBENGA ADEFAYE

PRINCE AND PRINCESS ADENIYI

SUNMI SMART-COLE

February 15, 2015 /

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FACES AT THE VANGUARD PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR AWARDS

IDE AJANI & TUNDE OLUGBODI

AYO ONIKOYI, EMMA NNADOZIE, VICTOR OMOREGIE, CHARLES GERALD

RAYMOND ESIRI, DR. MALTHEW ESTRALOMI AND PROF. EGRTON UVIEGHARA

BEN IKISEH AND SUNDAY AWEVIA

QUEEN AND EMEKA NWKOCHA

CECILIA IBRU

SHOLA OJO

BOVI AND OSAS

THE ENTERTAINERS

SUGAR BAND

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PATORANKING

FINEST

I NTERVIEW

Adebayo Jones

Exploring A Designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Glittering Side by - Ifueko Diagbare

What keeps you going when you wake up in the morning?

The grace of a new dawn; to be given the gift RI DQRWKHU GD\ LV FHUWDLQO\ D FRQÂżUPDWLRQ WKDW *RG LV QRW GRQH ZLWK PH \HW )RU PH WR EH NHSW DOLYH ZKROH DQG KHDUW\ , DP VLPSO\ *RGÂśV PLUDFOH How do you start your day?

3UD\HU WLPH WR WKDQN *RG DQG DOVR WR SODFH the day and every plan in His hands and care LV RI XWWHUPRVW LPSRUWDQFH , KDYH WKH FRQYLFtion that what you put in Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hands is VHFXUH DQG VDIH What is your work life like?

0D\D $QJHORX GHÂżQHG VXFFHVV DV ORYLQJ yourself, loving what you do and loving how P\ ZRUN OLIH FRQVLVWV RI WKH LQWHJUDO SDUW RI GHVLJQLQJ VRXUFLQJ IDEULFV WULPV PHHWLQJ FOLHQWV DW WLPHV 7KHUH DUH LQWHUYLHZV IRU SULQW and television, articles to be written for PDJD]LQH SXEOLFDWLRQV DV ZHOO DV VHPLQDUV keynote speeches and lectures to be prepared for when I have invitation to be a guest VSHDNHU &ROOHFWLRQV KDYH WR EH GHVLJQHG DQG GHDOLQJV ZLWK PDQXIDFWXUHUV DQG VDPSOH VWXGLRV DUH PRVWO\ NH\ )DEULF WUDGH VKRZV PHDQV TXLWH D ELW RI WUDYHOLQJ DEURDG DQG YLVLWLQJ PDQXIDFWXUHUV

2QH KDV WR HQJDJH WKH LQWHUQV DW WLPHV MXVW WR HQVXUH WKDW WKH\ DUH IXOÂżOOHG LQ WKHLU H[SHFWDWLRQV RI FRPLQJ WR XV DQG WKHUH LV DOVR the aspect of personal appearances at special RFFDVVLRQV VXFK PRYLH SUHPLHUHV DOEXP ODXQFKHV HWF Tell us about your latest collection.

What is it called and what is the theme?

The latest collection is titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;All that glittersâ&#x20AC;?

It still carries the ethos of the house with JODPRXURXV VW\OLVKO\ DQG H[TXLVLWHO\ ÂżQLVKHG classical lines of wearable, functional and YHUVDWLOH SLHFHV RI DUW 7KH GLUXSWLYH HGJH LQ this collection is the sheer and indulgent DEXQGDQFH RI VSDUNOH GD]]OH DQG FU\VWDOV RQ WKH ULFK VXPSWXRXV DQG OX[XULRXV OHQJWKV RI VLONV FKLĚ&#x2020;RQV FUHSHV ,QGXOJLHQW EURFDGHV FKDQWLO\ ODFHV HYLGHQWO\ H[SORUHG (DFK SLHFH UHĂ&#x20AC;HFWV WKH ,QGLYLGXDOLW\ DQG VRXO RI WKH KRXVH in showcasing the splendour of all thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not only golden but certainly all that glitters is $GHED\R -RQHV

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he King of Bling, London based ba , Nigerian celebrity ce designer, Adebayo A Jones was w in the country recently, re He takes us u through his day in 24 Hours, his la latest collection an what trends to and ro right now. rock

:KDW LQĂ&#x20AC;XHQFHG WKLV FROOHFWLRQ DQG ZKDW XVXDOO\ LQĂ&#x20AC;XHQFHV \RXU FROOHFtion? , ZDQWHG WR FUHDWH VLPSOH DUW WKLV WLPH DURXQG 2QH LV PRVW FHUWDLQO\ D VXPPDWLRQ RI February 15, 2015 /

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INTER VIEW all that has formed the person overtime. Every picture weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been exposed to, places that we have been, art, nature, culture, and environment are all elements that shape the individual and mould the mind, thoughts and ideas.

I wanted to share the experience of beautiful rich IDEULFV VRIW VLONV Ă&#x20AC;RUDOV DEVWUDFWV IXLG FOHDQ HOHJDQW OLQHV EXW DOVR UHĂ&#x20AC;HFW WKH JODPRXU DQG VSDUNOH IRU ZKLFK we are known. Hence the clearly visible indulgent abundance of rich stones, crystals, in bold bright, beautiful colours, shapes and sizes. The classic lines coupled with accents of working with bold, bright and colourful crystals have been key to shaping and evolving the current collection into the success that it is.

What is the fashion trend for 2015 and what should we ditch?

Spring summer 2015 has many interesting moods in LWV WUHQG 7KH PRRGV KDYH DQ HFOHFWLF PL[ RI LQĂ&#x20AC;XHQFHV which take you back in time to the 70s mood, fresh; SULQWV OX[XULRXV IDEULFV DQGURJ\QRXV LQĂ&#x20AC;XHQFHV DQG DQ up to date pallette of colours.

6XOWU\ WUDQVSDUHQF\ ZLWK VRIW Ă&#x20AC;XLG VLONV DQG FKLĚ&#x2020;RQ PDNHV LW PDUN GHÂżQLWHO\ )ODUHG SDQWV PDNH D FRPH EDFN dressed in prints and psychedelic vivid colours. The 70s LQĂ&#x20AC;XHQFHV EORRP RYHU LQ VXEWOH ZD\V KLSSLH PRWLIV balanced out with mordern accents of the present for rich harmony. Other trends include romantic bohemian GUHVVHV LQ VRIW EROG SULQWV DQG Ă&#x20AC;XLG VLONV FKLĚ&#x2020;RQV HWF 'HQLP OX[H LV VWDQGLQJ ÂżUP GHOLYHUHG LQ XQLTXH spectrum of interpretations from design houses, from ZDVK RXW V\VWHPV WR DSSOLTXp HPEHOOLVKPHQWV LQ KLJK fashion trends. Asymmetrical hems, androgynous tailoring, gingham patterns, khaki tones, sporty chic, OX[XULRXV VXHGHV DQG ÂżQH ODFHV DUH DOO GHÂżQLWHO\ NH\ players on the mood themes for spring summer 2015. )ULQJLQJ PDNHV LWV PDUN LQ D GHOLYHU\ RI DFFHQWV WKDW enhance movement in dresses trending in shapes from short mini shapes to long dresses, creating very sexy elegant shapes for women. And of course my all time favourite metallic silhouettes in every shape and detailing IURP ÂżQH WDLORULQJ WR VSRUW\ FKLF GUHVVHV LQ D YDULHW\ RI

ÂżQLVKHV DQG WRQHV &RORXUV KDYH EHHQ EURXJKW XS WR GDWH WDNLQJ LQĂ&#x20AC;HQFHV from past moods into the present. They include Scuba colours in bright rich holiday visions, toasted almond a warm colour that reminds us of summer, classic blue, $TXDPDULQH VRIW ZLWK D JHQWOH DLU DERXW LW UHSOLFDWLQJ WKH colour of the sky, tangerine, custard, masala, glacier grey, strawberry ice, and lucite green, a nature orientated shade of low key green a true composition of nostalgia and mordernity.

As far as fashion is concerned, I am all for taking what you love from the collections which have been showcased and extracting clearly what works the best for your shape DQG SHUVRQDOLW\ FUHDWLQJ \RXU RZQ VW\OH ZKLFK GHÂżQHV the essence of who you are.

What would you not do in the name of fashion? $FTXLUH WKLQJV MXVW EHFDXVH WKH\ are expensive and in trend. One should always be wise to know what suits and aligns with existing wardrobe as well as personality. A practical Who is the Adebayo Jones Woman and what wardrobe is not necessarily successful does she like? just because it a vast composit of trends, 7KH $GHED\R -RQHV ZRPDQ OLNHV WR EH FRQÂżGHQW LQ KHU but because it is edgy, distinctive, appearance. An appreciation of what is stylish, elegant versatile, functional and wearable. A and classically timeless is key always. She has the good grace to love the body she is in and has an understanding fabulous blend of carefully and tastefulthat oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wardrobe should not only consist of trends but ly chosen pieces harmonisizes excellently when juxtaposed with individual also what is timeless and can withstand the seasonal edge.

FKDQJHV LQ IDVKLRQ 6KH DGRUHV VXPSWXRXV TXDOLW\ IDEULFV EHDXWLIXOO\ VNLOOHG ÂżQLVKLQJ DQG XQLTXH GHWDLOLQJ +RZ ZRXOG RQH DFFHVV WKH 1LJHULZKLFK PDNH D XQLTXH VWDWHPHQW DQG FOHDUO\ VHWV RQH an fashion scene and industry?

DSDUW DV ZH DOO NQRZ FRQÂżGHQFH UDGLDWHV ZKHQ \RX IHHO The Nigerian fashion industry is growgood and know that you look good. ing at an alarming rate. We are fashionThe Adebayo Jones woman is every woman. The able people and a nation of fashion EUDQG LV QRW OLPLWHG WR WKH DĚ&#x2C6;XHQW RU VXSHU ULFK EXW ORYHUV )RU PDQ\ RI WKH XSFRPLQJ available to everyone who loves fashion presented in IDVKLRQ GHVLJQ RXWÂżWV LW LV D VLPSOH FDVH FOHDQ OLQHV H[TXLVLWH JODPRXU DQG RUQDWH XQLTXHQHVV of developing brand identify and GHÂżQLQJ WKH HWKRV RI WKHLU LQGLYLGXDO 'R \RX KDYH D Ă&#x20AC;DJVKLS VWRUH LQ 1LJHULD" 2QH RI WKH NH\ VWUDWHJLHV IRU WKH EUDQG LV WR RSHQ LWV Ă&#x20AC;DJ enterprises. This way, the fashion house becomes known for a particular store, a project which we are onto at the moment and VW\OH FXW IDEULFV RU OLQHV WKDW GHÂżQH should be available by summer 2015. the essence of the house. There are many also who are perfectIng the &DQ \RX WDON XV WKURXJK ZKDW \RX DUH ZHDULQJ craft excellently which is pleasing to now?

0XVWDUG EURQ]H GHQLP SDQWV 2\VWHU SLQN ÂżWWHG VKLUW D the observer.

THE ALL THAT GLITTERS 2015 COLLECTION

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/ February 15, 2015

ÂżWWHG VXPPHU MDFNHW LQ VPDOO GDUN EURZQ checks, accessories with burgundy pair of slip on slippers with tassels, a matching tie accessorised with Swarovski crystals, a bugundy keyhole rosebud on the jacket, DQG D PDWFKLQJ 9 QHFN ÂżWWHG FDVKPHUH knit. Other accessories include gold wrist watch, ring and dark sunglasses.

IINTERVIEW N T ER VIEW

On red carpet events however, many still need the assistance of well experienced stylists and shoppers who ZLOO KHOS LQ GHÂżQLQJ DQG HYROYLQJ WKH LQGLYLGXDOLW\ RI WKH star in the case of celebrities. Also having the understanding that just because Kim Khadashian rocks a look does not necessarily make it work for you. Know and choose what works for you personally.

There are those who also make delectable and faultless appearances on red carpet events that make us appreciate the art of fashion , skilled and tasteful personal styling. :H KDYH OHDUQW \RX KDYH D SDVVLRQ IRU VLQJLQJ tell us about that.

I have always loved music. I was in the choir from when I was about eight and right through University in Ife, when I was in the Ayoro Voices. I started the choir at the Baptist Church in England and have over the years written songs and performed at special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, awards and movie premieres, for stritcly selective audiences. , DEVROXWHO\ ORYH WKLV SDUW RI P\ OLIH DQG JHW HTXDOO\ WKH VDPH PRWLYDWLRQ MR\ DQG IXOÂżOPHQW DV , ÂżQG WKURXJK my work in fashion in the music aspect too. I write brand new songs and sometimes rearrange some of my old time favourites to suit my style and vocal range. My brothers too are involved in music aside their full time professions. Two have played in bands and can play multiple instruments though they major between being a professor, a lecturer in Mathematics and a branding and and advertising excecutive.

My siblings vocal fabulously and excellently too and when I sometimes hear my nieces and nephews sing, it gives me a knowing in my spirit that this is a gift from God for the family.

We had a piano at home and most evenings after work my Dad would would get on and play for a hour or so. It was always beautiful and pleasing to watch him play and to listen too.

2Q UHĂ&#x20AC;HFWLRQ , WKLQN WKH ORYH RI PXVLF IRU PRVW RI XV developed from there. Must also mention my mother had a most beautiful voice.

:RXOG \RX KDYH JRQH SUR LQ PXVLF LI IDVKLRQ didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work for you? , GHÂżQLWHO\ WKLQN VR , DEVROXWHO\ DGRUH PXVLF , DP always writing and scribbling new inspiration, ideas, UHDUUDQJHPHQWV ZKLFK Ă&#x20AC;RZ FRQVWDQWO\ , DP IRUWXQDWH WR still have a clear crisp tenor which has not broken. In (QJODQG , WUDLQ UHJXODUO\ LQ PDVWHULQJ P\ WHFKQLTXHV , love to push myself a bit. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the only way to master the craft excellently. I am going to start work on recordLQJ WKH ÂżUVW VLQJOH D VRQJ , UHDUUDQJHG DQG , KDYH performed many times over. I love the gospel, jazz and soulful twist to the vocals and arrangements and I remain positive that it would work marvelously as a single. :KDW LV \RXU JHQUH" Gospel, Jazz, Blues and soul What do you eat for breakfast? , VWDUW RĚ&#x2020; ZLWK FHUHDOV SDUWLFXODUO\ IUXLW DQG ÂżEUH D yoghurt and green tea with honey. Another favourite would be oats with slices of banana. Ocassionslly I might indulge in just a slice of wholemeal toast with a honey spread and a nice cup of Earl grey tea.

Sometimes I juice vegetables and fruits as I enjoying creating my own blends of fresh vegetables and citrus fruits smoothies.

What would you have for lunch?

I love salads and tend have have them in varieties.

Rockets, or mixed leaf salad with cherry tomatoes which , ORYH DEVROXWHO\ DQG FRXOG HDW JDOORQV RI WKHP TXDUWHU chicken and some balsamic dressing or my own mixture of vinegar, olive oil and crushed black peppers work excellently for me. I rotate the chicken either steamed salmon or smoked peppered mackerels at times. I love soups so mushroom and chicken soup work a treat with a slice of mixed seeded and fruit wholemeal bread is pure joy.

When do you close work?

Absolutely when thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hardly any energy left to do any

more work k in the th day.

As late as ever. Bad habit I know, so am working on ridding my system of this workaholic nature.

6R DIWHU ZRUN KRZ GR \RX UHOD[" I love to unwind with a book, a movie or just some really lovely relaxing music.

A glass of wine occasionally as a treat also works marvellously. Sometimes I might write VRPH PXVLF DV WKH LQVSLUDWLRQ FRPHV DQG D TXLWH WLPH RI just lying down and meditating is great too.

What kind of food do you eat for dinner?

Might have some rice based meal at times with lots of vegetables like steamed brocoli, carrots, peas with FKLFNHQ RU ÂżVK , GRQÂśW HDW PXFK RI UHG PHDW , PLJKW also decide to have something authentically Nigerian but it would have to be eaten early enough in the evening.

I love beans and fried plantain too and I cook a real mean private recipe beans occasionally when I feel like indulging and giving everyone a treat. $URXQG ZKDW WLPH GR \RX JR WR EHG" Approximately 3 am. Two many ideas buzzing in this head of mine and wish I could have more hours in the day to do everything.

February 15, 2015 /

13

FE A T UR E

by LATASHA NGWUBE

A weekly column

SIDETALKS&CATWALKS You have something to say to me? Send a text to 07069599985 Ff me on twitter @latashangwube

The Tragedy That Was Bobbi Kristina 6R WKDW¡V KRZ %REEL .ULVWLQD WKH RQO\ GDXJKWHU RI WKH late Singer, Songwriter, Actress and Diva Whitney +RXVWRQ ZDV Ă&#x20AC;QDOO\ WDNHQ RII OLIH VXSSRUW LURQLFDOO\ RQ WKH HYH :KLWQH\¡V WKLUG \HDU UHPHPEUDQFH RI KHU WUDJLF death on the 11th of February 2012. The 21year old Bobbi was in a medically induced coma since she was found unresponsive in a bathtub in her Georgia home on the 31st of January. The only child of both her SDUHQWV %REEL .ULVWLQD KDG D GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW WLPH FRSLQJ ZLWK the death of her mother and other turbulent episodes of her childhood. The police probe has been focused on her boyfriend, Nick Gordon, whom she referred to as her husband and who incidentally discovered her lifeless body. Gordon has a history of domestic violence and authorities are also investigating drugs found in the KRPH ,W¡V D VKDPH ZKHQ KLVWRU\ UHSHDWV LWVHOI LQ WKH worst case scenario and I cannot, right now, think of anything sadder than what the Houston and Brown IDPLOLHV PXVW EH JRLQJ WKURXJK 5HKDVKLQJ :KLWQH\¡V death in itself would already be painful enough, but now, adding this young life, snuffed away so early is truly heartbreaking. All I can say is, Bobby and Whitney did not set the best example for this child, and who knows the extent of damage her mind endured growing up.

Parents have to be careful when at their worst with each RWKHU QRW WR DOORZ WKDW GUDPD Ă&#x20AC;OWHU GRZQ WR WKH NLGV .HHS WKDW WR \RXUVHOYHV DQG IRU JRRGQHVV¡ VDNH NHHS LW together! Your children deserve better.

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7KH &RVW RI Our Lives Nigerian Lawyer turned Media Personality, Ariyike Akinbobola has UHOHDVHG KHU GHEXW QRYHOOD Âś7+( &267 2) 285 /,9(6¡ D PXVW UHDG for everyone who has been through ups and downs and in life and are still striving to make the best out of it. The interesting novella highlights some social issues OLNH F\EHU EXOO\LQJ FKLOG VH[XDO DEXVH KXPDQ WUDIĂ&#x20AC;FNLQJ and fraudulent lifestyle. The book has been read and endorsed by Yours Truly, as well as some Nigerian Celebrities, Bloggers, Authors, Filmmakers and Media Personalities like Funke Akindele, Chibundu Onuzo, 6KDURQ 2MRQJ 3DXOLQH /RQJ DQG PDQ\ RWKHUV ,W¡V DOUHDG\ on sale in all the major book stores including Amazon.

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%DQN\ : DQG '¡%DQM IRU &,52& 7ZR RI 1LJHULD¡V PRVW VXFFHVVIXO DUWLVWV %DQN\ : DQG '¡%DQM KDYH EHHQ VLJQHG WR UHSUHVHQW RQH RI WKH ZRUOG¡V PRVW H[FOXVLYH OLIHVW\OH EUDQGV &Ă?52& Ultra-Premium Vodka. Following the announcement, %DQN\ : DQG '¡%DQM ZLOO EH VWHSSLQJ LQWR WKH FLUFOH DORQJ ZLWK RWKHU &Ă?52& $PEDVVDGRUV IURP DURXQG the globe â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including South African personalities Bonang Matheba, David Tlale, Da L.E.S. and DJ 'LPSOH] DV ZHOO DV $QJROD¡V '- 0DOYDGR ² LQ WKH H[FOXVLYH &Ă?52& &LUFOH D FROOHFWLRQ RI PDJQHWLF talents that personify the new era of luxury ushered LQ E\ &Ă?52& 6LPLODU WR LWV LQWHUQDWLRQDO DOLJQPHQW ZKHUH &Ă?52& ZRUNV ZLWK LQĂ XHQWLDO VXFFHVVIXO talent from around the world, the brand will support %DQN\ : DQG '¡%DQM LQ WKHLU FDUHHU HIIRUWV ZKLOH VLPXOWDQHRXVO\ UDLVLQJ WKHLU SURĂ&#x20AC;OHV ERWK GRPHVWLFDOO\ DQG LQWHUQDWLRQDOO\ ,¡P SHUVRQDOO\ TXLWH PLIIHG WKDW despite my Ciroc-guzzling ways, nobody has seen it Ă&#x20AC;W WR EHVWRZ HYHQ RQH FDUWRQ RI VDLG EHYHUDJH XSRQ me. Infact, this is me telling anybody that knows '¡EDQM RU %DQN\ SHUVRQDOO\ÂŤ/DWDVKD LV ORRNLQJ IRU you two.

Birthday Shoutoutâ&#x20AC;Ś Birthday love going out to Ruth Osime, my former boss and also to Onyebuchi Ajufo, namesake, family friend and sometimes soul sister. Wishing you both a marvelous year ahead.

Shame On Youâ&#x20AC;Ś Sometime last week, a top blog uploaded a video that was supposedly made during a â&#x20AC;&#x153;media discussionâ&#x20AC;? with APC and PDP delegates. That video went viral and shows a crowd heckling Dr Doyin Okupe as he started to speak. Now, I was there at the forum in Abuja, as I reported last week, but I was quite disgusted at the frenzied and outrageous manner in which the APC supporters carried on. It was fanatical, without reason and downright disrespectful considering how both sides were given ample time to speak and make their points without interruption. I would like to correct the information that went outâ&#x20AC;ŚThose WERE NOT journalists! That was not Aso Rock! That was the PLAY forum for elite youth that was a resounding success but marred slightly towards the end by an unruly $3& VXSSRUWHU ZKR UHVRUWHG WR Ă&#x20AC;VW Ă&#x20AC;JKWLQJ WR PDNH KLV point. If you would like to see the video, hit me up on Twitter or Instagram. @Latashalagos

We had the last laughâ&#x20AC;Ś 9DOHQWLQHV¡ ZLVH , PHDQ $QG E\ ´ZHÂľ ,¡P talking about women.

Last Sunday, here on 6LGHWDONV &DWZDONV , spoke out on the injustice we were about to endure in the name of civic duty/national responsibility and all that great stuff (Elections 2015). I know &XSLG PXVW KDYH GHĂ&#x20AC;QLWHO\ KHDUG P\ cries and intervened on behalf of Nigerian women to right the wrong and restore the natural order and balance of things. I could not stop chuckling at all my male friends and their grudgingly given gifts, hastily made plans and last

14

/ February 15, 2015

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Introducing: %U\PR¡V %DE\PDPD

minute panicking when the postponing of the Presidential elections was no longer just a rumor but reality. But did you guys think you could get away with not doing the needful? Shoutout to INEC, Jega, Mimiko and anyone else who may have played an important role in making this happen.

P.S. 5HDO PHQ NQRZ WKDW (9(5<GD\ LV 9DO¡V GD\ and are ALWAYS ready to make sure she NQRZV LW

Recently it was revealed on social media that singer %U\PR ZDV H[SHFWLQJ KLV Ă&#x20AC;UVW child with his longtime girlfriend. :HOO 6LGHWDONV &DWZDONV FDQ exclusively reveal that the lady in ESE KAKADA TXHVWLRQ LV FDOOHG (VH .DNDGD a caterer and food specialist. We can also tell you that the ccouple have been going strong for well over a year and infact P PD\ EH H[SHFWLQJ WZLQV ,W¡V YHU\ OLNHO\ WKDW E\ 0DUFK WKHUH w will be good news for the loved up couple as the baby(ies) are G GXH WKHQ &DQ , MXVW VD\ , ORYH %U\PR¡V YRLFH DQG , FDQ¡W ZDLW WR WR VHH ZKDW WKH IXWXUH KROGV IRU KLV FDUHHU" ,¡P DOVR SURXG a and extremely happy for my friend Ese, and wish you all the b best. %5<02

P P.S. , ORYH \RXU PDWHUQLW\ JORZ ,

FOOD E

luxury wines spirits

by - Chef Eros

ALAS! SALMON AND KALE SALAD

with Maria Martinez

Unlocking the Mystery of Whisky 6R PXFK RI WKH OX[XU\ OLIHVW\OH LV VR PXFK PRUH WKDQ EULJKW OLJKWV DQG JODPRXU ,W¡V a nod to tradition, to ritual, to a civilized way of being in the world that is rich in character and a coming together of the different and the fascinating. In the same ZD\ Ă&#x20AC;QH 6FRWFK ZKLVN\ LV VR PXFK PRUH WKDQ LQGXOJHQF\ ² LW LV WKH HPERGLPHQW RI D higher state and the result of masterful blending and perfect ageing. %XW PDQ\ RI OLIH¡V JUHDW SOHDVXUHV DUH DFTXLUHG WDVWHV DQG ZRUWK WKH SXUVXLW )RU PDQ\ ZKLVNH\ LV MXVW DV PXFK DQ DGYHQWXUH DV LW LV D GULQN ,W LQYLWHV \RX WR H[SORUH and indulge in its diversity. Each country traditionally produces its own style of ZKLVNH\ EXW HYHQ ZLWKLQ WKDW VW\OH WKHUH LV DQ LQFUHGLEOH UDQJH RI ZKLVNH\V WR FKRRVH from. :KLVNH\ LVQ¡W WKH HDVLHVW GULQN WR HPEUDFH ,WV DOFRKRO OHYHO LV PXFK KLJKHU WKDQ EHHU RU ZLQH DQG VRPH RI WKH QDPHV OLNH WKRVH RI *DHOLF URRWHG 6FRWFK ZKLVNLHV FDQ EH GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW WR SURQRXQFH :KLVNH\V WKRXJK DUH ULFK DQG GLYHUVH LQ Ă DYRXUVÂł PRUH WKDQ DQ\ RWKHU GLVWLOOHG VSLULW $W WKHLU H[WUHPH WKH UHDOO\ VPRN\ SHDW LQIXVHG 6FRWFK ZKLVNLHV FDQ EH GRZQULJKW FKDOOHQJLQJ %XW EHIRUH ZH JHW JRLQJ OHW¡V GHĂ&#x20AC;QH WKH OLTXRU LQ JHQHUDO No matter how you spell it, whisky/ey is an umbrella term for a type of spirit distilled from a mash of fermented grains. $SSUHFLDWLQJ <RXU :KLVN\ 1RZ OHW¡V ORRN DW VRPH GLIIHUHQW W\SHV Within the broad category of whisky/ey are many sub-categories, including bourbon, rye, Tennessee, Scotch, Irish, and Canadian style whiskies. The manufacture of each of these types of whisky/ey is guided and regulated by the government of the VSLULW¡V FRXQWU\ RI RULJLQ $V D UHVXOW &DQDGLDQ whisky, for example, is a whole different animal IURP 6FRWFK ZKLVN\ ,ULVK ZKLVNH\ DQG $PHULFDQ style whiskeys such as Tennessee, bourbon, and straight rye.

Blended Blended whisky, crafted from whiskies from various distilleries, is the very backbone of the Scotch whisky industry. Save the water and lose the ice - neither is required to enjoy a glass of the pure, real thing.

Single Malt While Single malt whisky is made from blends of whiskies produced in a single distillery.

Gaining reputation as a status symbol, single malt whiskies are steadily becoming a lifestyle staple in luxury bars, at parties for the wealthy and famous and can also make for an impressive gift.

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,I \RX¡UH GULQNLQJ ZKLVNH\ MXVW IRU IXQ DQG DUHQ¡W interested in learning more about your whiskey, then go ahead and drink it however you like.

You paid for it and you earned that right.

However, if you want to capture as many DURPDV DQG à DYRUV DV SRVVLEOH WKHQ WU\ WR understand that whiskey expresses itself best at room temperature. I know you are tempted to MXVW JR DKHDG DQG GULQN WKH ZKLVNH\ EXW GRQ¡W Not just yet, anyway.

1. Look: Before you do anything, look at the whiskey. You can learn a lot about your whiskey by its color. Generally speaking, the darker the whiskey, the older it is, because whiskey gets its color from being in contact with the oak barrel during aging.

2. Smell: Realize that you can smell more from your whiskey than you will ever be able to taste.

In fact, all the master blenders work primarily by nosing, not by tasting. So do yourself a favor and smell your whiskey before you taste it.

3. Taste: Now go ahead and taste the whiskey.

Make sure you coat your entire tongue and let it linger on the palate for a little while before swallowing. For many of you, the alcohol will just be too intense to fully appreciate the whiskey. I recommend that you add a little water to your whiskey, then nose and taste the whiskey again, I suggest that you add a little bit at a time (a few drops) and keep adding until \RX Ă&#x20AC;QG \RXU FRPIRUW ]RQH $GGLQJ ZDWHU EULQJV RXW PRUH RI WKH ZKLVNH\¡V DURPD ,W DOVR ORZHUV the alcohol level, reducing its numbing effect on the palate.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been going on about how delicious this salmon and kale salad is for the longest time. I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t deal with the thought of spending one more day without it so I decided to treat myself to a super delicious and easy healthy option for breakfast.

In the kitchen, I already had a can of pink salmon from a recent grocery stock up, sweet corn, and kidney beans. I still needed fresh veggies so I took a jolly ride with a friend to the grocers and picked up fresh tomatoes, a bunch of lettuce, 2 large carrots, a bunch of shallots, 1 red bell pepper and 1 lemon.

To bring in some natural sweetness, I headed for a specialist supermarket to get D SDFNHW RI GULHG ÂżJ and there I got fresh kale. I also picked up a pack of sesame seeds as I was almost out of those.

With all those in hand, I headed back to my Miele kitchen to get started.

Upon arrival, I realized that I hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t thought about what dressing I was going to use so; I opened my fridge to see what options I had. A bowl of farm fresh yogurt and a jar of honey my mum had sent me yesterday popped out at me. I immediately thought â&#x20AC;&#x153;yogurt and honey dressing!!!â&#x20AC;?... Yum. So I grab them, a clear glass and a whisk. Measured 1 cup of yogurt, a 1/4 cup of honey, 1tsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice to cut the sweetness, 1/8 cup of sesame seed, a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste and it was superb.

Grabbed a piece of kale, tasted it and thought â&#x20AC;&#x153;this is a little strong and somewhat pungentâ&#x20AC;?. So I took another bowl, roughly chopped 1 cup worth of the kale after removing the hard stalk, covered with 2 cups of water, 2tsp of lemon juice and 1tsp. of salt and set aside for 10mins.

In another bowl, I roughly cut 1 cup of the lettuce, 1 grated carrot, sliced 1 large tomato, 1/2 cup of sweet corn, 1/4 cup of kidney beans and diced GULHG ÂżJV, tossed them. It looked nice and colorful but I was missing a vibrant red color. Immediately, I remembered that I still had some red bell pepper so I thinly sliced 1/4 of the red pepper and tossed with 1 chopped shallots that I had marinated in a bowl of 1/4 cup of water and 1tsp of honey. Tossed some more.

I could see the Salmon stirring at me from in the corner so I grabbed the can opened it and strained the brine it was preserved in. Into a bowl went 1 can of salmon and with a folk; I crushed it into pieces, bone and all.

Time to serve Grabbed a plate, served in the tossed veggies, topped with the shallots, the kale, which was now softer and no longer as pungent, and then the crushed salmon.

Drizzled them with my yogurt and honey dressing and ÂżQLVKHG XS ZLWK crushed peanuts I got from my pantry. ,W ÂżQDOO\ WXUQHG LQWR D PRUQLQJ RI a healthy satisfaction and we indulged.

TO BE CONTINUED...

0DULD 0DUWLQH] LV WKH 0DQDJLQJ 'LUHFWRU RI /X[HULD 1LJHULDQ EDVHG Ă&#x20AC;QH ZLQH DQG OX[XU\ VSLULW PHUFKDQWV PDULD#OX[HULD QJ _ ZZZ OX[HULD QJ

(PDLO FKHIHURV#LDPFRRNLHMDU FRP ,QVWDJUDP # LDPFRRNLHMDU DQG #FKHIHURV :HEVLWH ZZZ LDPFRRNLHMDU FRP ZZZ HURVDQGJRXUPHW FRP February 15, 2015 /

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