Allure 20092015

September 20, 2015

PEACE ANYIAM- OSIGWE & LYDIA FORSON: The Dreamer and the Face Take On AMAA

20/09 Contents

4

15

FASH IO N

ALLURE’S

WEEKLY FAB LIST !

By - Fatima Garba

Looking for the latest trends to transition into? Hopefully our weekly fab list will help you decide the major trends to keep you looking fab all day and all week.

NECK WRAP TREND

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

6

FASHION 4 5

Figure Flattering Basics Going Greek

FEATURE 14

• Luxury Wines & Spirits

COVER STORY

PEACE ANYIAMOSIGWE & LYDIA FORSON

Quotes...

PEOPLE 14 15

First, it was the high neck, the turtleneck, the skivvy and so on, but it is all about taking away that extra fabric while still being able to rock a conservative-chic look.Enter the neck wrap, which is totally sexy and lady-like all in one hit. The trend comes either separately so that you can throw it on or off as you please or as a built-in feature.

• Damilola Okunola & Funmilayo Akinjuola Emerge Elite Model Look • The Grand Launch of Fahrenheit Loft Hotel • Glitzs as MTV Shuga 4 Premieres • Fashion Designers Laud BoI’s N1bn Fund

Moschino artwork trolley

“Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.”

ART SCHOOL TREND

- Buddha

“Before machines the only form of entertainment people really had was relationships.”

- Douglas Coupland Moschino artwork dress

“To marry unequally is to suffer equally.”

This season designers, it seems, are taking note, crafting scribbled prints and patterns that evoke an art class vibe. The trend takes many forms, from the tattoo-inspired graphics to playful graphics.

Gabrielle Union in halter neck wrap dress

- Henri Frederic Amiel

“I think a good relationship is about collaboration.”

Editor’s Note To initiate anything takes a certain level of depth; a boldness that inspires you to set precedence. And, when that project succeeds, the accolades are sweet. This is the best way I can capture, in this small space, the feeling Peace Anyiam-Osigwe must be feeling. Joy so filling!

Ten years after berthing AMAA, it has become the continent’s most prestigious recognition of excellence in the movie industry.

Today, on our cover, we feature a physically transformed Peace and the Face of AMAA 2015, Ghanaian actress and host of the awards, ....

On fashion, we show you tools to get you all shaped up. As usual, our fab list and regulars are a must read.

Enjoy your week!

CHIBOK GIRLS: 500 days and counting.

R.

Remmy Diagbare @ Vanguardallure1

- Jennifer Aniston

River Island neck wrap halter dress

TEAM

JEMI EKUNKUNBOR

PAMELA ECHEMUNOR

YEMISI SULEIMAN

FATIMA GARBA

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 DODOIYI WILLIAM-WEST CORRESPONDENTS FATIMA GARBA DAVINA AYODELE LAYOUT / DESIGN GREGORY OBI OLAYIWOLA AJAGBE PHOTO OSCAR OCHIOGU (08034746487)

Printed and published by Vanguard Media Ltd Vanguard Avenue Kirikiri Canal; P.M.B 1007 Apapa, Lagos.

For advertisement / enquiries, call DEBBIE: 08039675880, Office Auxiliary: EBERE OKOH

VELVET SHOES

Owen Monique architectural bag

ARCHITECTURAL BAGS Architectural bags seems to be the hot trend now.There were all kinds of weird geometric shapes designed by high-end fashion houses. Some of the fancydancy purses have round or square handles. Some of the bags are soft sided, some are hard sided, and some are just uniquely shaped.

Vionnet geometric architectural purse

Known as “the royal cloth,” velvet came into fashion centuries ago on the backs of kings, queens and their noble courts.

So, it only makes sense that this Victorian trend would be anchored by a velvet shoe. On the runway, Alberta Ferretti and Dolce & Gabbana sent out embellished high heels festooned with buckles, flowers, brooches and the like.

Charlotte Olympia velvet wedges

September 20, 2015

3

20/09 Contents

4

15

FASH IO N

ALLURE’S

WEEKLY FAB LIST !

By - Fatima Garba

Looking for the latest trends to transition into? Hopefully our weekly fab list will help you decide the major trends to keep you looking fab all day and all week.

NECK WRAP TREND

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

6

FASHION 4 5

Figure Flattering Basics Going Greek

FEATURE 14

• Luxury Wines & Spirits

COVER STORY

PEACE ANYIAMOSIGWE & LYDIA FORSON

Quotes...

PEOPLE 14 15

First, it was the high neck, the turtleneck, the skivvy and so on, but it is all about taking away that extra fabric while still being able to rock a conservative-chic look.Enter the neck wrap, which is totally sexy and lady-like all in one hit. The trend comes either separately so that you can throw it on or off as you please or as a built-in feature.

• Damilola Okunola & Funmilayo Akinjuola Emerge Elite Model Look • The Grand Launch of Fahrenheit Loft Hotel • Glitzs as MTV Shuga 4 Premieres • Fashion Designers Laud BoI’s N1bn Fund

Moschino artwork trolley

“Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.”

ART SCHOOL TREND

- Buddha

“Before machines the only form of entertainment people really had was relationships.”

- Douglas Coupland Moschino artwork dress

“To marry unequally is to suffer equally.”

This season designers, it seems, are taking note, crafting scribbled prints and patterns that evoke an art class vibe. The trend takes many forms, from the tattoo-inspired graphics to playful graphics.

Gabrielle Union in halter neck wrap dress

- Henri Frederic Amiel

“I think a good relationship is about collaboration.”

Editor’s Note To initiate anything takes a certain level of depth; a boldness that inspires you to set precedence. And, when that project succeeds, the accolades are sweet. This is the best way I can capture, in this small space, the feeling Peace Anyiam-Osigwe must be feeling. Joy so filling!

Ten years after berthing AMAA, it has become the continent’s most prestigious recognition of excellence in the movie industry.

Today, on our cover, we feature a physically transformed Peace and the Face of AMAA 2015, Ghanaian actress and host of the awards, ....

On fashion, we show you tools to get you all shaped up. As usual, our fab list and regulars are a must read.

Enjoy your week!

CHIBOK GIRLS: 500 days and counting.

R.

Remmy Diagbare @ Vanguardallure1

- Jennifer Aniston

River Island neck wrap halter dress

TEAM

JEMI EKUNKUNBOR

PAMELA ECHEMUNOR

YEMISI SULEIMAN

FATIMA GARBA

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 DODOIYI WILLIAM-WEST CORRESPONDENTS FATIMA GARBA DAVINA AYODELE LAYOUT / DESIGN GREGORY OBI OLAYIWOLA AJAGBE PHOTO OSCAR OCHIOGU (08034746487)

Printed and published by Vanguard Media Ltd Vanguard Avenue Kirikiri Canal; P.M.B 1007 Apapa, Lagos.

For advertisement / enquiries, call DEBBIE: 08039675880, Office Auxiliary: EBERE OKOH

VELVET SHOES

Owen Monique architectural bag

ARCHITECTURAL BAGS Architectural bags seems to be the hot trend now.There were all kinds of weird geometric shapes designed by high-end fashion houses. Some of the fancydancy purses have round or square handles. Some of the bags are soft sided, some are hard sided, and some are just uniquely shaped.

Vionnet geometric architectural purse

Known as “the royal cloth,” velvet came into fashion centuries ago on the backs of kings, queens and their noble courts.

So, it only makes sense that this Victorian trend would be anchored by a velvet shoe. On the runway, Alberta Ferretti and Dolce & Gabbana sent out embellished high heels festooned with buckles, flowers, brooches and the like.

Charlotte Olympia velvet wedges

September 20, 2015

3

FA S H I O N

Going

FIGURE FLATTERING

Greek

FASH IO N

by - Yemisi Suleiman

BASICS

It is evident that ancient Greek costume has influenced modern fashion outfits in a number of ways. Red carpets, galas, and Awards Shows are always flowing with Grecian-inspired dresses.

The drapery of the modern day Grecian-inspired ensembles is most flattering and complimentary, as are comparable to the drape dresses of ancient Greece, known as the doric peplos and iconic Chiton.

Take your style inspiration from the enlightened ancients, with oneshoulder dresses, gladiator sandals, gold jewelry and a Greek key print suit. There are many different styles that will suit every taste, but the concept remains the same.

By - Yemisi Suleiman lbd

Some of the most figure-flattering items may already be hiding in your closet.

These wardrobe saviors are pieces you can always count on to favor your frame.

Here are five items that never fail to always flatter.

A simple black dress It doesn’t get much better than a no-fuss, classic black dress.

The easy-to-wear wardrobe staple allows for a flattering and timeless look every woman can pull off.

POINTY TOE HEELS omawunmi akinnifesi

folake

Pointy toe heels Heels elongate your figure; that is a fact. But, to lengthen your stems to their fullest, opt for a pointed-toe option; the sleek shape will allow you elongate your height by an extra inch.

dark Blue Laurel Leaf crown Greek hair band

gracian casual look

Greek GODDESS Swirling Arm Bracelet

jeans

gracian casual look sandals

HIGH WAIST PENCIL SKIRT

High waisted pencil skirt The beauty behind a high-waisted skirt is that its tailored shape sits smartly at the waist for a flattering fit, no matter your shape. By cinching at your middle, the classic skirt style creates a clean, long line while maintaining a professional look.

4

/ September 20, 2015

Dark denim Darker denim always lends a more flattering look.

The dark hues help to hide any hangups allowing you to appear and feel your best.

v neck blouse Shouldered Chiffon Gown with Embroidered Bodice

V neck blouse The plunging neckline of a simple V-neck T-shirt has the power to elongate your frame by highlighting your collarbone while crafting a flattering and very casual look. Every lady needs a V-neck T-shirt.

Greek inspired party clutch

dorcas sholafapson

Tahari V neck blouse

Gold Patent Gladiators Heeled Sandal

September 20, 2015 /

5

FA S H I O N

Going

FIGURE FLATTERING

Greek

FASH IO N

by - Yemisi Suleiman

BASICS

It is evident that ancient Greek costume has influenced modern fashion outfits in a number of ways. Red carpets, galas, and Awards Shows are always flowing with Grecian-inspired dresses.

The drapery of the modern day Grecian-inspired ensembles is most flattering and complimentary, as are comparable to the drape dresses of ancient Greece, known as the doric peplos and iconic Chiton.

Take your style inspiration from the enlightened ancients, with oneshoulder dresses, gladiator sandals, gold jewelry and a Greek key print suit. There are many different styles that will suit every taste, but the concept remains the same.

By - Yemisi Suleiman lbd

Some of the most figure-flattering items may already be hiding in your closet.

These wardrobe saviors are pieces you can always count on to favor your frame.

Here are five items that never fail to always flatter.

A simple black dress It doesn’t get much better than a no-fuss, classic black dress.

The easy-to-wear wardrobe staple allows for a flattering and timeless look every woman can pull off.

POINTY TOE HEELS omawunmi akinnifesi

folake

Pointy toe heels Heels elongate your figure; that is a fact. But, to lengthen your stems to their fullest, opt for a pointed-toe option; the sleek shape will allow you elongate your height by an extra inch.

dark Blue Laurel Leaf crown Greek hair band

gracian casual look

Greek GODDESS Swirling Arm Bracelet

jeans

gracian casual look sandals

HIGH WAIST PENCIL SKIRT

High waisted pencil skirt The beauty behind a high-waisted skirt is that its tailored shape sits smartly at the waist for a flattering fit, no matter your shape. By cinching at your middle, the classic skirt style creates a clean, long line while maintaining a professional look.

4

/ September 20, 2015

Dark denim Darker denim always lends a more flattering look.

The dark hues help to hide any hangups allowing you to appear and feel your best.

v neck blouse Shouldered Chiffon Gown with Embroidered Bodice

V neck blouse The plunging neckline of a simple V-neck T-shirt has the power to elongate your frame by highlighting your collarbone while crafting a flattering and very casual look. Every lady needs a V-neck T-shirt.

Greek inspired party clutch

dorcas sholafapson

Tahari V neck blouse

Gold Patent Gladiators Heeled Sandal

September 20, 2015 /

5

REPORTAGE

REPORTAGE

Peace Anyiam- Osigwe & Lydia Forson: The Dreamer and the Face Take On AMAA

By Pamela Echemunor

T

hey say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. This saying applies to these two phenomenal women, who stand tall as beacons of inspiration to African women all over the world. Both thriving in the creative field and not allowing what people say hold them back, they have distinguished themselves in a way unlike any other. And as the preparations for the AMAA 2015 are underway, Allure features ,Peace Anyiam- Osigwe who is the founder and formal CEO alongside Lydia Forson, who is an actress and this year’s AMAA ambassador and host. Meet the phenomenal and audacious duo.

PEACE ANYIAMOSIGWE eace Anyiam- Osigwe is the founder and outgoing CEO, of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). She is an intelligible woman, who believes deeply in harnessing creativity and making it a viable venture for survival. At an early stage, she started exhibiting signs of creativity in the arts, her parents then sent her to the United Kingdom to help groom the young woman, who is the last child and only girl out of eight children.

The vivacious entrepreneur, is also a Lawyer, a film maker and a political science graduate. In this interview, she speaks about her life, passion and the way forward for the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).

P

How did you come about the concept for the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA)?

Basically, having the need to have something that celebrates filmmakers from the continent brought about AMAA.

6

/ September 20, 2015

When I lived in England, there was nothing that celebrated us; because as a black filmmaker, it was really hard to get into the film industry in the UK. Then I came home and Nollywood was just taking off. I realized we weren’t rewarding what we September 20, 2015 /

7

REPORTAGE

REPORTAGE

Peace Anyiam- Osigwe & Lydia Forson: The Dreamer and the Face Take On AMAA

By Pamela Echemunor

T

hey say when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. This saying applies to these two phenomenal women, who stand tall as beacons of inspiration to African women all over the world. Both thriving in the creative field and not allowing what people say hold them back, they have distinguished themselves in a way unlike any other. And as the preparations for the AMAA 2015 are underway, Allure features ,Peace Anyiam- Osigwe who is the founder and formal CEO alongside Lydia Forson, who is an actress and this year’s AMAA ambassador and host. Meet the phenomenal and audacious duo.

PEACE ANYIAMOSIGWE eace Anyiam- Osigwe is the founder and outgoing CEO, of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA). She is an intelligible woman, who believes deeply in harnessing creativity and making it a viable venture for survival. At an early stage, she started exhibiting signs of creativity in the arts, her parents then sent her to the United Kingdom to help groom the young woman, who is the last child and only girl out of eight children.

The vivacious entrepreneur, is also a Lawyer, a film maker and a political science graduate. In this interview, she speaks about her life, passion and the way forward for the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).

P

How did you come about the concept for the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA)?

Basically, having the need to have something that celebrates filmmakers from the continent brought about AMAA.

6

/ September 20, 2015

When I lived in England, there was nothing that celebrated us; because as a black filmmaker, it was really hard to get into the film industry in the UK. Then I came home and Nollywood was just taking off. I realized we weren’t rewarding what we September 20, 2015 /

7

REPORTAGE

I always say to people, the physical isn’t important; it’s the mental and the spiritual were doing; I see reward as a way of helping to get better quality and it was also a way to eliminate all the elements of unprofessionalism in the industry.

After a while that set a standard, because only certain types of film can be submitted to AMAA. Plus we have an international jury judging the process.

How do you select the judges for AMAA? AMAA is an academy of jurors who have been with us right from the beginning. They are people who actually create African Cinema for the major film festivals across the world. So we have somebody that works with the Berlin Film Festival, the British Film Festival, with Toronto etc and so they all make up AMAA. That’s why I always tell people that the AMAA jury is extremely transparent and cannot be corrupted. I don’t interfere, I don’t even know the procedures for the jury, I don’t get to know who wins. I’m a filmmaker myself so I stay in the background, being the founder, even when I was the CEO. Then I stepped aside so I could be a bit more creative and to run the Africa Film Academy and do more stuff that I really want to do, which is working with the new film makers and also making films and doing other things myself.

How was your experience being the CEO of AMAA for a full decade?

Well, one of the things that being CEO of AMAA did to me was, that I travelled too many times .I was at every festival and I have been to almost every African country that there is. I have been to almost all the Caribbean Islands as well, trying to keep the connection. And that has taken a toll; it takes a toll on your body, your mental state of health, because you’re forever building bridges.

But what I found with AMAA for me, was that it was a passion.

After ten years of being on the road and ten passports for each year of the ten years, I would say I’m passionate about it. AMAA took ten years of my life, out of structured creativity, I’m in the business of creating platforms and when you are creative, there comes a point in your life that you just want to go back and create something again.

So stepping aside as CEO was also to show that AMAA wasn’t about me, but that it belonged to Africa and African Filmmakers across the world, and that I was only the vehicle that birthed this platform that is now owned by Africa and the world.

8

/ September 20, 2015

REPORTAGE

Tell us about the Africa One project?

The Africa one project is a fusion of all the elements that you find in film; music, dance, acting, design etc. Africa One is the tour of ensuring that the concept of who we are as Africans and as black people becomes economically viable for us and we become an economical force. There’s no reason for you to creating, you’re not making money from what you’re create and not make from what you’ve created. It becomes important that someone like me who has done nothing else in her life, but creativity, to do something about that.

Even this last year that I stepped down as CEO, I still worked hand-in-hand with the new CEO during the changeover, because the truth is, AMAA is like a baby that continually needs nurturing. I also found someone who had worked with me to take over- Dayo Ogunyemi who was there from the inception. He is not going to be the long term CEO, because we have other projects we are working on together like a distribution company we have, the Africa One project etc. so we just wanted to nurture this year and probably next year and allow the stability of AMAA to run on its own and we will oversee it from the Africa Film Academy level; but it won’t need mine or Dayo’s direct involvement all the time.

How was growing up like for you?

Well I grew up being the only girl among seven older brothers. I lost one last year his name was Michael. A lot of things are different when you grow up with brothers. I had a fun dad who was my best friend. I usually don’t speak about my dad in the past or say he’s late because I believe he’s always around me. He and my older brother Michael were guiding spirits around me. We were a tight knit family, I grew up with both parents and it was fun growing up with brothers that looked out for me and watched my back; but also knowing that, even if I was going to fall, I had someone to fall back on. I always hear people talk about the amount of rubbish we get from Bayelsa State, I resent that because without my brothers and the AnyiamOsigwe Foundation, AMAA would not be running.

My brothers have thought me to understand the value of family and I have 40 nieces and nephews that keep me on point. It’s nice having a family that love you, both my immediate and extended from both parents. I went to boarding school in England, because my mum wanted to ensure I was brought up like a lady should. So I ended up in an all girl’s boarding school.

How have you been coping with Vitiligo?

The truth is that it came suddenly, about three years ago. When dealing with an industry like this, can be really stressful especially working with some people lacking the knowledge and professionalism that goes into creating anything.

The fact that I have vitiligo doesn’t bother me at all. People wonder why I don’t usually cover up or worry about it. I just tell them that it’s because I wasn’t born that way. And if you can’t see beyond the physical, then you’re wasting your time. I don’t even see it. I have conquered it in a way as far as I’m concerned. I’ve come to accept it. One thing though is that the pain of my brother’s death lives with me, because he spent so much time researching it. About two weeks before he died we went to see one of the doctors, who had told me I won’t get any pigmentation back and when he saw me, he wanted to know how I got up to 80 percent

I tell people that every day is a movie, from when I get up in the morning

of it back and my brother just laughed and told him it’s a trade secret (laughs). Funny enough it’s just natural things one needs to pay attention to like, changing your diet etc.

I always say to people, the physical isn’t important; it’s the mental and the spiritual. So once you’re able to deal with the fact that it’s there, let it go and let people see beyond that, plus I have cover-up makeup, some that can last for a month etc. You need to show people that something that is supposed to disfigure you can be what makes you. Another thing is, I always like to be and have people around me who exude positive energy, because when you have negative energy around you, it drains you and Nollywood has a lot of negative energy.

Why did you choose entertainment over Law and Political Science?

Like I said I’ve always been a creative person, so I already knew that I was going to go into a creative based industry. But my dear mum (laughs), wanted to make sure I studied law, which I eventually did and I am very thankful for that. It has helped me in everything I do in life.

And of course, political science is very interesting, sometimes when you go to my facebook page , you’ll find me writing political based subjects. In the end, studying law was to please mum, but I’m thankful still and I’m very careful when it comes to signing papers and what not.

What should we expect to see from AMAA 2015?

For the first time AMAA is the first year its being held outside Nigeria in Port Elizabeth South Africa.

And on purpose, we chose that location because that is where Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo (men who struggled for the freedom of South Africa) come from. So it’s nice to go somewhere that there is a story and for us, AMAA is something that unites African creativity and therefore, it’s good to go home to where something is. I have always said that after ten years, AMAA would leave and try elsewhere. But we would always be grateful to Bayelsa State and to all our other sponsors, who have helped nurture us.

I will also like to tell Nigerian businesses, that if you don’t support African creativity, especially home grown creativity and keep putting the money outside, you are never going to make sure that you have the brand presence that you want. If you don’t take advantage of the vehicles that are formed around your locality to push your brand forward then you’re failing. The sooner we started to value our creative industries, from writers to filmmakers and celebrate them the better. People that are real, like Tara, who built her business from scratch and revolutionized the beauty and cosmetic industry in Nigeria. Initially, you can’t say you’re makeup artist or stylist as a profession, but now so many people are in it, thanks to her. People like Tara, Banke Meshida and so on, have given jobs and helped improve the lives of people all over, but helping them harness their creativity.

This helps the economy in more ways than one The bottom line is that, the people should learn to appreciate the fact that creativity is one of the things that keeps the economy thriving and cooperate bodies need to invest in, celebrate and appreciate.

Have you written any major movie script that has been released?

Yes, I co-wrote In the Cupboard, for Desmond Elliot.

It won me Best Screenplay at the Ghana Awards. It also won an award in America and most recently at the AMVCA. My movie A letter from Adam, was nominated for Best original story. So those are the two major ones I can talk about. I don’t just write scripts, I have a blog that I run, I am an opinion writer, so if you go online, you will see a lot of opinion pieces I have written about politics and other subjects.

LYDIA FORSON ydia Forson is a Ghanaian born actress, who came into limelight after participating the “Next Movie Star competition” in 2007. She is also has a degree in English Language and Information Studies from the University of Ghana.

The vibrant actress, who is also a writer, is very selective when it comes to scripts, because she believes one has to connect with the script to deliver a believable performance. She has co-written and released several movies of her own. She is also an opinion writer and runs a blog, where she gives advice on topical issues. In this interview, she talks about her life after the Next Movie Star, winning her first major award and what she’s working on next.

L

Did you always want to be an actress?

I always knew I wanted to be in entertainment.

From a very early age, I loved to write, I loved fiction and story telling, but I just didn’t know where I belonged in all of that, but as I grew, I came to understand that I loved acting, writing and movie making. So, eventually it became a natural process.

How was your experience in the “Next Movie Star Reality Show” competition?

Honestly, say what you might say about “The next movie star competition”, to me it was a great time, there were high and low moments. In fact after the Next Movie Star, there was a point where I thought I regretted taking part, mostly because of everything that happened after, but as I have matured, I look back and appreciate that process because when I entered the Next Movie Star, acting was just a hobby, I wasn’t really taking it serious because I didn’t think it was something I could have as a career. The process thought me a lot and prepared me greatly for the industry I was getting into. I learnt how to deal with people of all kinds, good, bad and annoying. As I look back, I take that experience as part of my story.

You mentioned something happening after Next Movie Star, can you elaborate?

Oh no! It’s nothing bad, just that at the time, I was in the University when I entered the Next Movie Star. It would have been different if I was through with school and I had a lot of time, but I was entering my final year and I had missed out on a lot of classes. The competition was great, but coming out of the house was like coming back to reality, getting back to school and all, there were just a lot of complications after that. But looking back now, I don’t regret anything whether good or bad because it has helped shape the person I have become.

As a writer, what would you say your muse is?

I am inspired by life. I think anybody who has read my pieces watched a movie that I have written, would notice that I am as realistic as possible. I tell people that every day is a movie, from when I get up in the morning, when I talk to the person selling me newspapers, when I go and buy food etc, there’s always an experience in there.

So when I write, I want it to be very realistic. Everything around me inspires me. If you read my writing, you’ll find that there’s something in there you have done before.

What do you look for in scripts presented to you?

When I get a script, the first five pages tell me whether I want to be part of it or not. For me, there is no laid down method. I just have to be moved by the story; I should be excited by it. If I’m dreading flipping through pages and if I’m only flipping the pages because I have to, it means I’m not excited. Eventually, if I take that job, it becomes just another money making job; I don’t like that, because it’s unfair to the viewers. If one isn’t excited about the movie one is doing, that unenthusiastic feeling reflects in one’s performance.

Are you single?

(Laughs) I’m not married; I think everybody is single until they’re married technically.

What projects are you working on at the moment?

Well, I don’t necessarily like to talk about projects until they come out. Like my movie A letter from Adam, was shot last year and it didn’t come out until a couple of months later. This year, what I’ve done is toured with my movie, which premiered in London, America and all States in Ghana. It has kept me occupied this year and I actually just came back from London after attending the Nottinghill Carnival. So it’s been all production this year and I am still writing my next film, I also have a production which I’m shooting in a couple of days with some great Nigerian and Ghanaian actors and I can’t wait for people to see that. I won’t talk too much about it until it comes out, because I would like to build up the anticipation for it.

Was the Africa Movie Academy Award you won in 2010, your first major Award?

I wouldn’t say it was my first, I think it was my biggest. I have been in the industry for a while now and I have been nominated for a couple of awards and also honoured a couple of times, but I think AMAA was my first major award. Being chosen among contenders from across Africa, is a big deal.

What do you think about the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA)?

For me, AMAA is more than an award, a lot of times people ask me why I’m still part of the process when I haven’t even been nominated. All I tell them is that they don’t understand it. AMAA is probably the only filmbased award in Africa, which unites people from all parts of the world. Nigeria is a big power house when it comes to film. Now, I won’t discredit other film awards, I think they’re all doing a fantastic job, but AMAA is the only one that truly unites us all. AMAA creates a platform for networking, it’s not just about the awards. Through AMAA, I got jobs. It’s the single place you can meet creative people, brainstorm, network and plan future projects and that’s the great essence of the Africa Movie Academy Awards.

September 20, 2015 /

9

REPORTAGE

I always say to people, the physical isn’t important; it’s the mental and the spiritual were doing; I see reward as a way of helping to get better quality and it was also a way to eliminate all the elements of unprofessionalism in the industry.

After a while that set a standard, because only certain types of film can be submitted to AMAA. Plus we have an international jury judging the process.

How do you select the judges for AMAA? AMAA is an academy of jurors who have been with us right from the beginning. They are people who actually create African Cinema for the major film festivals across the world. So we have somebody that works with the Berlin Film Festival, the British Film Festival, with Toronto etc and so they all make up AMAA. That’s why I always tell people that the AMAA jury is extremely transparent and cannot be corrupted. I don’t interfere, I don’t even know the procedures for the jury, I don’t get to know who wins. I’m a filmmaker myself so I stay in the background, being the founder, even when I was the CEO. Then I stepped aside so I could be a bit more creative and to run the Africa Film Academy and do more stuff that I really want to do, which is working with the new film makers and also making films and doing other things myself.

How was your experience being the CEO of AMAA for a full decade?

Well, one of the things that being CEO of AMAA did to me was, that I travelled too many times .I was at every festival and I have been to almost every African country that there is. I have been to almost all the Caribbean Islands as well, trying to keep the connection. And that has taken a toll; it takes a toll on your body, your mental state of health, because you’re forever building bridges.

But what I found with AMAA for me, was that it was a passion.

After ten years of being on the road and ten passports for each year of the ten years, I would say I’m passionate about it. AMAA took ten years of my life, out of structured creativity, I’m in the business of creating platforms and when you are creative, there comes a point in your life that you just want to go back and create something again.

So stepping aside as CEO was also to show that AMAA wasn’t about me, but that it belonged to Africa and African Filmmakers across the world, and that I was only the vehicle that birthed this platform that is now owned by Africa and the world.

8

/ September 20, 2015

REPORTAGE

Tell us about the Africa One project?

The Africa one project is a fusion of all the elements that you find in film; music, dance, acting, design etc. Africa One is the tour of ensuring that the concept of who we are as Africans and as black people becomes economically viable for us and we become an economical force. There’s no reason for you to creating, you’re not making money from what you’re create and not make from what you’ve created. It becomes important that someone like me who has done nothing else in her life, but creativity, to do something about that.

Even this last year that I stepped down as CEO, I still worked hand-in-hand with the new CEO during the changeover, because the truth is, AMAA is like a baby that continually needs nurturing. I also found someone who had worked with me to take over- Dayo Ogunyemi who was there from the inception. He is not going to be the long term CEO, because we have other projects we are working on together like a distribution company we have, the Africa One project etc. so we just wanted to nurture this year and probably next year and allow the stability of AMAA to run on its own and we will oversee it from the Africa Film Academy level; but it won’t need mine or Dayo’s direct involvement all the time.

How was growing up like for you?

Well I grew up being the only girl among seven older brothers. I lost one last year his name was Michael. A lot of things are different when you grow up with brothers. I had a fun dad who was my best friend. I usually don’t speak about my dad in the past or say he’s late because I believe he’s always around me. He and my older brother Michael were guiding spirits around me. We were a tight knit family, I grew up with both parents and it was fun growing up with brothers that looked out for me and watched my back; but also knowing that, even if I was going to fall, I had someone to fall back on. I always hear people talk about the amount of rubbish we get from Bayelsa State, I resent that because without my brothers and the AnyiamOsigwe Foundation, AMAA would not be running.

My brothers have thought me to understand the value of family and I have 40 nieces and nephews that keep me on point. It’s nice having a family that love you, both my immediate and extended from both parents. I went to boarding school in England, because my mum wanted to ensure I was brought up like a lady should. So I ended up in an all girl’s boarding school.

How have you been coping with Vitiligo?

The truth is that it came suddenly, about three years ago. When dealing with an industry like this, can be really stressful especially working with some people lacking the knowledge and professionalism that goes into creating anything.

The fact that I have vitiligo doesn’t bother me at all. People wonder why I don’t usually cover up or worry about it. I just tell them that it’s because I wasn’t born that way. And if you can’t see beyond the physical, then you’re wasting your time. I don’t even see it. I have conquered it in a way as far as I’m concerned. I’ve come to accept it. One thing though is that the pain of my brother’s death lives with me, because he spent so much time researching it. About two weeks before he died we went to see one of the doctors, who had told me I won’t get any pigmentation back and when he saw me, he wanted to know how I got up to 80 percent

I tell people that every day is a movie, from when I get up in the morning

of it back and my brother just laughed and told him it’s a trade secret (laughs). Funny enough it’s just natural things one needs to pay attention to like, changing your diet etc.

I always say to people, the physical isn’t important; it’s the mental and the spiritual. So once you’re able to deal with the fact that it’s there, let it go and let people see beyond that, plus I have cover-up makeup, some that can last for a month etc. You need to show people that something that is supposed to disfigure you can be what makes you. Another thing is, I always like to be and have people around me who exude positive energy, because when you have negative energy around you, it drains you and Nollywood has a lot of negative energy.

Why did you choose entertainment over Law and Political Science?

Like I said I’ve always been a creative person, so I already knew that I was going to go into a creative based industry. But my dear mum (laughs), wanted to make sure I studied law, which I eventually did and I am very thankful for that. It has helped me in everything I do in life.

And of course, political science is very interesting, sometimes when you go to my facebook page , you’ll find me writing political based subjects. In the end, studying law was to please mum, but I’m thankful still and I’m very careful when it comes to signing papers and what not.

What should we expect to see from AMAA 2015?

For the first time AMAA is the first year its being held outside Nigeria in Port Elizabeth South Africa.

And on purpose, we chose that location because that is where Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo (men who struggled for the freedom of South Africa) come from. So it’s nice to go somewhere that there is a story and for us, AMAA is something that unites African creativity and therefore, it’s good to go home to where something is. I have always said that after ten years, AMAA would leave and try elsewhere. But we would always be grateful to Bayelsa State and to all our other sponsors, who have helped nurture us.

I will also like to tell Nigerian businesses, that if you don’t support African creativity, especially home grown creativity and keep putting the money outside, you are never going to make sure that you have the brand presence that you want. If you don’t take advantage of the vehicles that are formed around your locality to push your brand forward then you’re failing. The sooner we started to value our creative industries, from writers to filmmakers and celebrate them the better. People that are real, like Tara, who built her business from scratch and revolutionized the beauty and cosmetic industry in Nigeria. Initially, you can’t say you’re makeup artist or stylist as a profession, but now so many people are in it, thanks to her. People like Tara, Banke Meshida and so on, have given jobs and helped improve the lives of people all over, but helping them harness their creativity.

This helps the economy in more ways than one The bottom line is that, the people should learn to appreciate the fact that creativity is one of the things that keeps the economy thriving and cooperate bodies need to invest in, celebrate and appreciate.

Have you written any major movie script that has been released?

Yes, I co-wrote In the Cupboard, for Desmond Elliot.

It won me Best Screenplay at the Ghana Awards. It also won an award in America and most recently at the AMVCA. My movie A letter from Adam, was nominated for Best original story. So those are the two major ones I can talk about. I don’t just write scripts, I have a blog that I run, I am an opinion writer, so if you go online, you will see a lot of opinion pieces I have written about politics and other subjects.

LYDIA FORSON ydia Forson is a Ghanaian born actress, who came into limelight after participating the “Next Movie Star competition” in 2007. She is also has a degree in English Language and Information Studies from the University of Ghana.

The vibrant actress, who is also a writer, is very selective when it comes to scripts, because she believes one has to connect with the script to deliver a believable performance. She has co-written and released several movies of her own. She is also an opinion writer and runs a blog, where she gives advice on topical issues. In this interview, she talks about her life after the Next Movie Star, winning her first major award and what she’s working on next.

L

Did you always want to be an actress?

I always knew I wanted to be in entertainment.

From a very early age, I loved to write, I loved fiction and story telling, but I just didn’t know where I belonged in all of that, but as I grew, I came to understand that I loved acting, writing and movie making. So, eventually it became a natural process.

How was your experience in the “Next Movie Star Reality Show” competition?

Honestly, say what you might say about “The next movie star competition”, to me it was a great time, there were high and low moments. In fact after the Next Movie Star, there was a point where I thought I regretted taking part, mostly because of everything that happened after, but as I have matured, I look back and appreciate that process because when I entered the Next Movie Star, acting was just a hobby, I wasn’t really taking it serious because I didn’t think it was something I could have as a career. The process thought me a lot and prepared me greatly for the industry I was getting into. I learnt how to deal with people of all kinds, good, bad and annoying. As I look back, I take that experience as part of my story.

You mentioned something happening after Next Movie Star, can you elaborate?

Oh no! It’s nothing bad, just that at the time, I was in the University when I entered the Next Movie Star. It would have been different if I was through with school and I had a lot of time, but I was entering my final year and I had missed out on a lot of classes. The competition was great, but coming out of the house was like coming back to reality, getting back to school and all, there were just a lot of complications after that. But looking back now, I don’t regret anything whether good or bad because it has helped shape the person I have become.

As a writer, what would you say your muse is?

I am inspired by life. I think anybody who has read my pieces watched a movie that I have written, would notice that I am as realistic as possible. I tell people that every day is a movie, from when I get up in the morning, when I talk to the person selling me newspapers, when I go and buy food etc, there’s always an experience in there.

So when I write, I want it to be very realistic. Everything around me inspires me. If you read my writing, you’ll find that there’s something in there you have done before.

What do you look for in scripts presented to you?

When I get a script, the first five pages tell me whether I want to be part of it or not. For me, there is no laid down method. I just have to be moved by the story; I should be excited by it. If I’m dreading flipping through pages and if I’m only flipping the pages because I have to, it means I’m not excited. Eventually, if I take that job, it becomes just another money making job; I don’t like that, because it’s unfair to the viewers. If one isn’t excited about the movie one is doing, that unenthusiastic feeling reflects in one’s performance.

Are you single?

(Laughs) I’m not married; I think everybody is single until they’re married technically.

What projects are you working on at the moment?

Well, I don’t necessarily like to talk about projects until they come out. Like my movie A letter from Adam, was shot last year and it didn’t come out until a couple of months later. This year, what I’ve done is toured with my movie, which premiered in London, America and all States in Ghana. It has kept me occupied this year and I actually just came back from London after attending the Nottinghill Carnival. So it’s been all production this year and I am still writing my next film, I also have a production which I’m shooting in a couple of days with some great Nigerian and Ghanaian actors and I can’t wait for people to see that. I won’t talk too much about it until it comes out, because I would like to build up the anticipation for it.

Was the Africa Movie Academy Award you won in 2010, your first major Award?

I wouldn’t say it was my first, I think it was my biggest. I have been in the industry for a while now and I have been nominated for a couple of awards and also honoured a couple of times, but I think AMAA was my first major award. Being chosen among contenders from across Africa, is a big deal.

What do you think about the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA)?

For me, AMAA is more than an award, a lot of times people ask me why I’m still part of the process when I haven’t even been nominated. All I tell them is that they don’t understand it. AMAA is probably the only filmbased award in Africa, which unites people from all parts of the world. Nigeria is a big power house when it comes to film. Now, I won’t discredit other film awards, I think they’re all doing a fantastic job, but AMAA is the only one that truly unites us all. AMAA creates a platform for networking, it’s not just about the awards. Through AMAA, I got jobs. It’s the single place you can meet creative people, brainstorm, network and plan future projects and that’s the great essence of the Africa Movie Academy Awards.

September 20, 2015 /

9

FEATURE

luxury

wines spirits

FOOD E

By Pamela Echemunor

ELEVEN AMAZING USES OF VODKA THAT WILL AMAZE YOU Vodka is one of the most fascinating drinks in the world, its versatility and thorough distilling process makes it stand out among the rest. It can be drunk straight, on the rocks or mixed with other beverages. One thing most people don’t know is that it also has other non ingesting uses, especially medically. Here are a few uses of vodka that will interest you.

USE IT AS AN AFTERSHAVE Most aftershaves contain alcohol and with its alcohol density vodka can be used to disinfect the face and it helps prevent inflammation. Vodka is well balanced when it comes to its alcohol content and will work like magic when used on your face.

TOOTHACHE ALLEVIATION There are various treatments for toothache, like gargling with salt water and so on. But do you know that just by dabbing a cotton ball in vodka and placing it on the affected tooth actually helps? It not only disinfects the tooth, it also drastically lessons the pain.

CURE SMELLY ARMPITS AND FEET With just a dab of vodka under the armpits and feet, you can go about daily business without fear of odour. Spraying it before applying your antiperspirant also goes a long way.

USE IT AS A MOUTHWASH Luckily, vodka is quite neutral tasting, and it works great as a disinfectant for treating mouth odours.

Combine a bit of vodka with a few teaspoons of cinnamon and let it rest for a week, after which you can use as a mouth wash.

USE IT TO BATTLE DANDRUFF Measure a bit of vodka with a shot glass into a bigger glass of water and use it to rinse hair after washing with your regular shampoo and conditioner. You can also mix a bit of vodka with

10

/ September 20, 2015

conditioner, this technique will leave your hair frizz free when done weekly.

USE IT TO CLEAN MOULD OR GREASE Having problems with mould and grease?

Apply a bit of vodka to the stubborn spot and use a sturdy brush to scrub. Also, soak dirty dishes in water and add a bit of vodka to it, leave for a few minutes and then wash.

USE AS TREATMENT FOR DARKER CLOTHES Most dark clothes tend to fade especially in specific areas.

To help tackle that, pour a bit of vodka in a spritz bottle, add essential oil to give it fragrance, then spray on the discoloured area.

DISINFECT YOUR RUGS AND MATTRESSES Vodka is a great disinfectant. Rugs and mattresses absorb a lot of dirt from feet and body on a daily basis. To help keep them clean, spray a small amount of vodka on them and wipe clean.

BUG REPELLANT Just pour some vodka in a spray bottle, add a bit of lavender essential oil for fragrance and spray all over your body.

Those bugs won’t stand a chance.

USE IT TO CLEAN WINDOWS Another product that relies primarily on alcohol for its effectiveness is your average window cleaner. You can take a spray bottle and fill it up with vodka, as it will go just as good of a job cleaning your windows.

SOAK RAZOR IN VODKA TO KEEP IT CLEAN AND SHARP Blades become dull quickly because of particles of hair, water and shaving cream left on it after use. To clean properly, soak blade in a glass of vodka and be sure it won’t be eaten up by acid or rust. Instead it will be sharp and bacteria-free.

HEALTHY LIVING101 by - Teri Mendes

Cabbage Delight

HOME REMEDIES TO GET RID OF FACIAL HAIR! Part (2)

With Pamela Echemunor

Continued From Last Week...

The cabbage is a member of the “Brassica” family, a broad family of common vegetables that also include brussels sprouts, cauliflower, bok choy, kale, and broccoli. One of the great things about cabbage is that it’s a great anti oxidant. Cabbage is said to help protect against breast, colon, and prostate cancers. It also helps reduce “bad cholesterol” levels in the blood. Cabbage is basically tasteless, but high in nutrients and excellent for weight loss. Here are a few recipes for your consideration.

GRILLED CABBAGE WEDGES WITH SPICY LIME DRESSING Ingredients • 1/4 cup lime juice (from about 3 limes) 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional) 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped 1/4 cup cilantro leaves 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon sugar Lime wedges, to serve 1 head green cabbage Method: Heat a gas or charcoal grill. Squeeze the limes and add olive oil, fish sauce, garlic, cilantro, salt, cayenne, and sugar in a blender until the sauce is pale orange and the garlic is pulverized. Set aside.

Clean the cabbage by removing outer surface, and cut into 8 evenly sized wedges. Do not remove the inner core. Lightly brush the wedges with olive oil. Place the wedges on the grill and cover. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the edges of each layer are softened. Flip each wedge over, and cook for an additional 5 -7 minutes. Remove the cabbage when it is beginning to wane, but is still firm in the middle. If necessary, turn the heat down or move the wedges to a cooler part of the grill so they don’t burn. But don’t be afraid of those blackened edges; you want a lot of grill and char marks on the cabbage to give it smoky flavor. Take the cabbage off the grill and arrange the wedges on a plate. Pour the dressing over top and serve immediately, with wedges of lime to garnish. Serve as a side dish or with brown rice.

CRISP TUNA-CABBAGE SALAD Ingredients • 5 cans of tuna, drained 2 cups finely chopped green or red cabbage 1/4 cup minced spring onions, from 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt Salt and freshly ground black pepper Method: Shred the tuna with a fork and mix thoroughly with the cabbage.

Stir in the spring onions, mayonnaise, and yogurt. Taste and add salt and pepper to taste. Eat immediately or else refrigerate for up to two days.

H EALT H

4. ORANGE AND LEMON PEEL FACIAL MASK One of the very popular ingredients used by traditional Chinese medicine practitioners for a variety of ailments is Orange peel. The orange oil that you get from orange peel is used in a wide variety of cosmetic products. It is a very popular ingredient that helps in cleansing the skin and gives it a toned look. The orange peel has higher concentrations of Vitamin C like the lemon juice and lemon peels. Both, orange peel and lemon peel are natural exfoliating agents that will help in easily getting rid of unwanted facial hair.

Ingredients • One teaspoon of powdered orange peel.

• One teaspoon of powdered lemon peel.

• 1 teaspoon of ground almond.

• 1 teaspoon of oatmeal.

• 2 teaspoons of olive oil.

• One teaspoon of rose water.

Method Mix all the powder ingredients like oatmeal, dried orange and lemon peel powders and ground almond powder in a bowl.

Now add required amount of olive oil and rose water and make it into a paste.

Apply this paste on your face and leave it to sit for 5 to 8 minutes.

Then use the tip of your fingers to gently rub the paste in circular strokes.

Do this process for about 5 to 10 minutes and then wash it off with water.

Repeat this procedure for two to three times in a week to see effective results.

5. FENUGREEK AND GREEN GRAM Fenugreek is a very good medicinal herb that offers a lot of remedy to women related health issues. It is also very effective in treating hirsutism in which the body parts of the women get hair like men. You can soaked with fenugreek seeds in water overnight and the next day morning, you can drink it fresh, to enjoy all the health benefits offered by fenugreek. You can also use fenugreek as a facial-scrub mask to remove unwanted hair.

Ingredients • One to two teaspoons of fenugreek seeds.

• One to two teaspoons of green gram.

• Water.

Procedure Take fenugreek seeds and green gram in a grinder and make it into a fine powder.

Take this powder mixture in a bowl and add sufficient water to it so that it becomes a paste.

Apply this paste on your face and let it sit on face till it completely dries out.

Now use a soft, dry cloth and gently rub off the dried paste from your face to remove the unwanted facial hair.

6. POTATO, HONEY LENTIL AND LEMON JUICE MASK Potato juice is a powerful hair remover when use in combination with lemon juice and honey, it makes the skin bright, smooth and moisturized. This is a popular method of hair removal from Ayurveda.

Ingredients • 1 cup of peeled and sliced potatoes.

• A cup of yellow lentils, soaked overnight in water.

• 4 tablespoons of lemon juice.

• 1 tablespoon of honey.

Process Extract the potato juice by pressing it on a sieve.

Make a paste of the lentils.

Now mix together lentil paste, potato juice, lemon juice and honey.

TERI Speaks Dear Teri, Thanks for a great job on dark arms and we are waiting for the next issue on ways to eradicate such. Please keep us posted.

Jude

e t o u Q of the week A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.

- IRISH PROVERB Apply this mixture on facial hair area.

Leave it on the face for 20-30 minutes.

Rub it on with your hands in the opposite direction of hair growth to remove hair.

7. BARLEY SCRUBS. If you have stubborn facial hair, then barley is a very good scrub that you can use on your face to get rid of unwanted hair. Barley can also be taken internally and it will help in treating various skin and hair conditions.

Barley will help in leaving your skin glowing and soft.

Ingredients • One tablespoon of barley powder.

• One tablespoon of lime juice.

• One tablespoon of milk.

Procedure Take a small bowl and add barley powder, milk and lemon juice in it. Mix these ingredients well to make a paste.

Apply this paste on your face and leave it to sit for 30 minutes or so.

Wash it off with lukewarm water and pat dry your face.

Repeat this process for 3 to 4 times a day to see visible results.

BEAUTY BYTES:

Sugar crystals rubbed on your lips help to get rid of flaky skin leaving lips smoother and softer.

That is it for today my readers! Hope you enjoyed this piece! Remember you read it here first!

For comments and questions please email terimendes@gmail. com, @terimendes. I would love to hear from you, till next week. - it’s ta ta for now! XOXO

Dear Jude, Thanks for writing in!

Hope you enjoyed the piece!

Follow me on Twitter @terimendes for more quick tips.

Let me know how you get on. And keep writing in!

Best wishes,

Teri M

Email: pamela.echemunor@gmail.com, Instagram: @nanya2207, Twitter @nanya2207.

September 20, 2015 /

11

FEATURE

luxury

wines spirits

FOOD E

By Pamela Echemunor

ELEVEN AMAZING USES OF VODKA THAT WILL AMAZE YOU Vodka is one of the most fascinating drinks in the world, its versatility and thorough distilling process makes it stand out among the rest. It can be drunk straight, on the rocks or mixed with other beverages. One thing most people don’t know is that it also has other non ingesting uses, especially medically. Here are a few uses of vodka that will interest you.

USE IT AS AN AFTERSHAVE Most aftershaves contain alcohol and with its alcohol density vodka can be used to disinfect the face and it helps prevent inflammation. Vodka is well balanced when it comes to its alcohol content and will work like magic when used on your face.

TOOTHACHE ALLEVIATION There are various treatments for toothache, like gargling with salt water and so on. But do you know that just by dabbing a cotton ball in vodka and placing it on the affected tooth actually helps? It not only disinfects the tooth, it also drastically lessons the pain.

CURE SMELLY ARMPITS AND FEET With just a dab of vodka under the armpits and feet, you can go about daily business without fear of odour. Spraying it before applying your antiperspirant also goes a long way.

USE IT AS A MOUTHWASH Luckily, vodka is quite neutral tasting, and it works great as a disinfectant for treating mouth odours.

Combine a bit of vodka with a few teaspoons of cinnamon and let it rest for a week, after which you can use as a mouth wash.

USE IT TO BATTLE DANDRUFF Measure a bit of vodka with a shot glass into a bigger glass of water and use it to rinse hair after washing with your regular shampoo and conditioner. You can also mix a bit of vodka with

10

/ September 20, 2015

conditioner, this technique will leave your hair frizz free when done weekly.

USE IT TO CLEAN MOULD OR GREASE Having problems with mould and grease?

Apply a bit of vodka to the stubborn spot and use a sturdy brush to scrub. Also, soak dirty dishes in water and add a bit of vodka to it, leave for a few minutes and then wash.

USE AS TREATMENT FOR DARKER CLOTHES Most dark clothes tend to fade especially in specific areas.

To help tackle that, pour a bit of vodka in a spritz bottle, add essential oil to give it fragrance, then spray on the discoloured area.

DISINFECT YOUR RUGS AND MATTRESSES Vodka is a great disinfectant. Rugs and mattresses absorb a lot of dirt from feet and body on a daily basis. To help keep them clean, spray a small amount of vodka on them and wipe clean.

BUG REPELLANT Just pour some vodka in a spray bottle, add a bit of lavender essential oil for fragrance and spray all over your body.

Those bugs won’t stand a chance.

USE IT TO CLEAN WINDOWS Another product that relies primarily on alcohol for its effectiveness is your average window cleaner. You can take a spray bottle and fill it up with vodka, as it will go just as good of a job cleaning your windows.

SOAK RAZOR IN VODKA TO KEEP IT CLEAN AND SHARP Blades become dull quickly because of particles of hair, water and shaving cream left on it after use. To clean properly, soak blade in a glass of vodka and be sure it won’t be eaten up by acid or rust. Instead it will be sharp and bacteria-free.

HEALTHY LIVING101 by - Teri Mendes

Cabbage Delight

HOME REMEDIES TO GET RID OF FACIAL HAIR! Part (2)

With Pamela Echemunor

Continued From Last Week...

The cabbage is a member of the “Brassica” family, a broad family of common vegetables that also include brussels sprouts, cauliflower, bok choy, kale, and broccoli. One of the great things about cabbage is that it’s a great anti oxidant. Cabbage is said to help protect against breast, colon, and prostate cancers. It also helps reduce “bad cholesterol” levels in the blood. Cabbage is basically tasteless, but high in nutrients and excellent for weight loss. Here are a few recipes for your consideration.

GRILLED CABBAGE WEDGES WITH SPICY LIME DRESSING Ingredients • 1/4 cup lime juice (from about 3 limes) 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional) 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped 1/4 cup cilantro leaves 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon sugar Lime wedges, to serve 1 head green cabbage Method: Heat a gas or charcoal grill. Squeeze the limes and add olive oil, fish sauce, garlic, cilantro, salt, cayenne, and sugar in a blender until the sauce is pale orange and the garlic is pulverized. Set aside.

Clean the cabbage by removing outer surface, and cut into 8 evenly sized wedges. Do not remove the inner core. Lightly brush the wedges with olive oil. Place the wedges on the grill and cover. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the edges of each layer are softened. Flip each wedge over, and cook for an additional 5 -7 minutes. Remove the cabbage when it is beginning to wane, but is still firm in the middle. If necessary, turn the heat down or move the wedges to a cooler part of the grill so they don’t burn. But don’t be afraid of those blackened edges; you want a lot of grill and char marks on the cabbage to give it smoky flavor. Take the cabbage off the grill and arrange the wedges on a plate. Pour the dressing over top and serve immediately, with wedges of lime to garnish. Serve as a side dish or with brown rice.

CRISP TUNA-CABBAGE SALAD Ingredients • 5 cans of tuna, drained 2 cups finely chopped green or red cabbage 1/4 cup minced spring onions, from 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt Salt and freshly ground black pepper Method: Shred the tuna with a fork and mix thoroughly with the cabbage.

Stir in the spring onions, mayonnaise, and yogurt. Taste and add salt and pepper to taste. Eat immediately or else refrigerate for up to two days.

H EALT H

4. ORANGE AND LEMON PEEL FACIAL MASK One of the very popular ingredients used by traditional Chinese medicine practitioners for a variety of ailments is Orange peel. The orange oil that you get from orange peel is used in a wide variety of cosmetic products. It is a very popular ingredient that helps in cleansing the skin and gives it a toned look. The orange peel has higher concentrations of Vitamin C like the lemon juice and lemon peels. Both, orange peel and lemon peel are natural exfoliating agents that will help in easily getting rid of unwanted facial hair.

Ingredients • One teaspoon of powdered orange peel.

• One teaspoon of powdered lemon peel.

• 1 teaspoon of ground almond.

• 1 teaspoon of oatmeal.

• 2 teaspoons of olive oil.

• One teaspoon of rose water.

Method Mix all the powder ingredients like oatmeal, dried orange and lemon peel powders and ground almond powder in a bowl.

Now add required amount of olive oil and rose water and make it into a paste.

Apply this paste on your face and leave it to sit for 5 to 8 minutes.

Then use the tip of your fingers to gently rub the paste in circular strokes.

Do this process for about 5 to 10 minutes and then wash it off with water.

Repeat this procedure for two to three times in a week to see effective results.

5. FENUGREEK AND GREEN GRAM Fenugreek is a very good medicinal herb that offers a lot of remedy to women related health issues. It is also very effective in treating hirsutism in which the body parts of the women get hair like men. You can soaked with fenugreek seeds in water overnight and the next day morning, you can drink it fresh, to enjoy all the health benefits offered by fenugreek. You can also use fenugreek as a facial-scrub mask to remove unwanted hair.

Ingredients • One to two teaspoons of fenugreek seeds.

• One to two teaspoons of green gram.

• Water.

Procedure Take fenugreek seeds and green gram in a grinder and make it into a fine powder.

Take this powder mixture in a bowl and add sufficient water to it so that it becomes a paste.

Apply this paste on your face and let it sit on face till it completely dries out.

Now use a soft, dry cloth and gently rub off the dried paste from your face to remove the unwanted facial hair.

6. POTATO, HONEY LENTIL AND LEMON JUICE MASK Potato juice is a powerful hair remover when use in combination with lemon juice and honey, it makes the skin bright, smooth and moisturized. This is a popular method of hair removal from Ayurveda.

Ingredients • 1 cup of peeled and sliced potatoes.

• A cup of yellow lentils, soaked overnight in water.

• 4 tablespoons of lemon juice.

• 1 tablespoon of honey.

Process Extract the potato juice by pressing it on a sieve.

Make a paste of the lentils.

Now mix together lentil paste, potato juice, lemon juice and honey.

TERI Speaks Dear Teri, Thanks for a great job on dark arms and we are waiting for the next issue on ways to eradicate such. Please keep us posted.

Jude

e t o u Q of the week A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor’s book.

- IRISH PROVERB Apply this mixture on facial hair area.

Leave it on the face for 20-30 minutes.

Rub it on with your hands in the opposite direction of hair growth to remove hair.

7. BARLEY SCRUBS. If you have stubborn facial hair, then barley is a very good scrub that you can use on your face to get rid of unwanted hair. Barley can also be taken internally and it will help in treating various skin and hair conditions.

Barley will help in leaving your skin glowing and soft.

Ingredients • One tablespoon of barley powder.

• One tablespoon of lime juice.

• One tablespoon of milk.

Procedure Take a small bowl and add barley powder, milk and lemon juice in it. Mix these ingredients well to make a paste.

Apply this paste on your face and leave it to sit for 30 minutes or so.

Wash it off with lukewarm water and pat dry your face.

Repeat this process for 3 to 4 times a day to see visible results.

BEAUTY BYTES:

Sugar crystals rubbed on your lips help to get rid of flaky skin leaving lips smoother and softer.

That is it for today my readers! Hope you enjoyed this piece! Remember you read it here first!

For comments and questions please email terimendes@gmail. com, @terimendes. I would love to hear from you, till next week. - it’s ta ta for now! XOXO

Dear Jude, Thanks for writing in!

Hope you enjoyed the piece!

Follow me on Twitter @terimendes for more quick tips.

Let me know how you get on. And keep writing in!

Best wishes,

Teri M

Email: pamela.echemunor@gmail.com, Instagram: @nanya2207, Twitter @nanya2207.

September 20, 2015 /

11

SPE CIAL REPORT

SPE CIAL REPORT

Why we are delving into COSMETIC SURGERY - ABAYOMI AJAYI

By - Jemi Ekunkunbor

Dr. Abayomi Ajayi

H

ow many women can stand in front of the mirror and say they like what their reflection is? The after effect of child birth and sometimes poor diet and nutrition, has left many women and men feeling ashamed of what their bodies have become. The quest to maintain shape has left many women seeking solutions to better body through cosmetic means. The quest has taken women to different developed countries to seek cosmetic assistance.

Having been in the forefront of helping many couples have babies and earning a reputation in this regard, through his hospital, the Nordica Fertility Centre, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, one of Nigeria’s Fertility experts has gone a notch higher to establish the Body Art cosmetic surgery centre. The new addition to the Nordica family, equipped with the state-of-the-art technology and world class service is aimed at giving Nigerians ‘’the body of their dreams’’ that will restore their self -confidence .

With the first set of surgeries scheduled to take place in the last week in October, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, the Consultant Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and the Managing Director, Nordica Fertility Centre spoke to Allure on what to expect in company of the new hospital team.

12

/ September 20, 2015

You have been known for your work with Nordica.

What is this new project about?

It is about Cosmetic surgery for women who want to look good. You know we do fertility treatment and for some people, after having a baby, sometimes, they lose shape and would want to go back to shape. This could range from having abdominal fat in places you don’t want it to even sometimes, leaking urine. Some women do that. Because they don’t have somebody to help them, they continue to do exercises but you know that that will take forever to have effect. So for women who leak urine, one of the things that we can also do to help in this new clinic, is tightening of the vagina. There is a laser device that we can use to stop this leaking of urine caused by a muscle that lost the tone in the Vagina.

All parts of the body can be done, face, abdomen, butt, breasts etc. We can do all sorts and that is why we are bringing the very best surgeons who are very experienced, with over 20 years experience in cosmetic surgeries. So patients are safe with us. Most of the procedures are going to be done under local anaesthesia.

There is a form of anaesthesia that is being used in cosmetic surgery now that is local.

is actually the inventor of some of the instrument used in cosmetic surgeries. For example, the instrument used in breast augmentation, he is responsible for it. So he is a very vast surgeon.

What kind of collaboration are you looking to having with these people and is it one that will allow our own doctors and nurses to learn from them?

Basically, it will be a transfer of technology. I will be there and we have a training centre where we also collaborate not just with individuals but also with institutions. There is a clinic in New Jersey that we are in collaboration with for this. So it is not only individuals that we are in collaboration with but institutions so that we can give Nigerians the very best because the whole thing is based on safety.

How long will this collaboration last before our own doctors and nurses can stand on their own?

Right now, there are some things that we can do on our own but that is not the issue. There are things that are not wise for us to do on our own now that is why we are bringing these guys. We may not even end the collaboration even when you have somebody who can do it locally. There is nothing wrong in two people rubbing minds together.

From their point of view, it’s supposed to be a long term relationship.

“The commonest thing is liposuction. The tummy not looking Nigerians are a bit vain so nice...We eat a in our outlook with the endless quest to want to lot of things and From the look good. Won’t this new consultation we don’t like to place help fan this vanity? that you have, what would you I don’t know whether it is exercise so say is the common vanity but looking good is good problems that business they say. People want to well” Nigerians would like look good and we should give them the opportunity to look good. So I think it is a mighty step in achieving such so even when you are in your 50s and you want to look 30, it’s okay. We are here to help you achieve that.

We watch some of these procedures on paid TV and doctors make it look so easy. Is this new place going to offer anything like that?

It is easy, seriously and the doctor coming is from Argentina, his name is William Bloggerman. He

to address with cosmetic surgery?

The commonest thing is liposuction. The tummy not looking so nice...We eat a lot of things and we don’t like to exercise so well. Sometimes, this has to do with middle age. They say middle age is when you grow in the middle. So it’s just natural that people start growing in the middle at a particular age.

Is there something genetic about it?

Not at all. Everybody has the tendency to grow bigger in the middle at a particular age. And you know our foods are starchy. So our diet helps to promote people growing fat tummy.

Have you seen Americans? If you say we are big, they are bigger than we are in every area. But you can take care of it.

What particular type of procedure have you scheduled for the ground-breaking take off of cosmetic surgery at Body Art Cosmetic Surgery Centre?

All comers. We are taking on everything. The only thing perhaps is that if we tell the surgeon what we have scheduled, he may probably come with some tools that we don’t have here. So all comers are welcome.

Will these surgeries be affordable by at least the middle class?

Middle class is relative but every middle class person goes to Dubai now. They travel on holidays. So, if you are doing say, a liposuction, it will definitely be cheaper than if you were doing a tummy tuck. A breast augmentation will also be more expensive than a liposuction because you will need an implant for it. So it all depends on the magnitude of the procedure. If you are doing a liposuction for example, and you have fat in your tummy, and you want to lift your breast at the same time, we can lift fat from one part of the body to fill another. So that is not really much of a problem.

But you know we have to pay these doctors coming. So putting a cost to it actually BEFORE depends on the type of surgery you require. I wouldn’t want to use the costing for fertility treatment. But we should be looking in the region of $10,000.

Is this a concern that flowed from treating fertility?

Yes. We see all kinds of things. There are women who don’t want to lose their shape for anything. Some will say they don’t want to have any more children because they want to maintain shape. We tell them not to be afraid. Lose your shape and we would give it back to you.

What about safety which I know is a big concern even for those interested in undertaking these procedures?

You can almost take that for granted because that is what Nordica stands for.

We are going to extend the quality of Nordica services to that.

So Nigerians are ready?

Oh yes. I think so.

BEFORE

I know a lot of people would like to do one procedure or the other but people are generally concerned about privacy which is why I think many secretly travel abroad to do have it done. How do you ensure this?

We have been doing a business that deals with the issues of confidentiality. So, it’s very well up our hands. we are not new to that.

What do you think this will do for us as a people?

Well, for me, the whole essence is, I just don’t like the idea of people taking money from Nigeria outside. Let’’s keep our money inside. We need it. Oil prices are going down. We can’t continue to syphon our money outside. We need to retain the money in Nigeria.

Halle Berry’s before breast implant

Modupe Ozolua

AFTER

Angelina Jolie

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER Rihanna before Nose Job

after nose job

BEFORE

Halle Berry’s breast implant is one of the best

AFTER

Kim Kadasian West Before and after

September 20, 2015 /

13

SPE CIAL REPORT

SPE CIAL REPORT

Why we are delving into COSMETIC SURGERY - ABAYOMI AJAYI

By - Jemi Ekunkunbor

Dr. Abayomi Ajayi

H

ow many women can stand in front of the mirror and say they like what their reflection is? The after effect of child birth and sometimes poor diet and nutrition, has left many women and men feeling ashamed of what their bodies have become. The quest to maintain shape has left many women seeking solutions to better body through cosmetic means. The quest has taken women to different developed countries to seek cosmetic assistance.

Having been in the forefront of helping many couples have babies and earning a reputation in this regard, through his hospital, the Nordica Fertility Centre, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, one of Nigeria’s Fertility experts has gone a notch higher to establish the Body Art cosmetic surgery centre. The new addition to the Nordica family, equipped with the state-of-the-art technology and world class service is aimed at giving Nigerians ‘’the body of their dreams’’ that will restore their self -confidence .

With the first set of surgeries scheduled to take place in the last week in October, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, the Consultant Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and the Managing Director, Nordica Fertility Centre spoke to Allure on what to expect in company of the new hospital team.

12

/ September 20, 2015

You have been known for your work with Nordica.

What is this new project about?

It is about Cosmetic surgery for women who want to look good. You know we do fertility treatment and for some people, after having a baby, sometimes, they lose shape and would want to go back to shape. This could range from having abdominal fat in places you don’t want it to even sometimes, leaking urine. Some women do that. Because they don’t have somebody to help them, they continue to do exercises but you know that that will take forever to have effect. So for women who leak urine, one of the things that we can also do to help in this new clinic, is tightening of the vagina. There is a laser device that we can use to stop this leaking of urine caused by a muscle that lost the tone in the Vagina.

All parts of the body can be done, face, abdomen, butt, breasts etc. We can do all sorts and that is why we are bringing the very best surgeons who are very experienced, with over 20 years experience in cosmetic surgeries. So patients are safe with us. Most of the procedures are going to be done under local anaesthesia.

There is a form of anaesthesia that is being used in cosmetic surgery now that is local.

is actually the inventor of some of the instrument used in cosmetic surgeries. For example, the instrument used in breast augmentation, he is responsible for it. So he is a very vast surgeon.

What kind of collaboration are you looking to having with these people and is it one that will allow our own doctors and nurses to learn from them?

Basically, it will be a transfer of technology. I will be there and we have a training centre where we also collaborate not just with individuals but also with institutions. There is a clinic in New Jersey that we are in collaboration with for this. So it is not only individuals that we are in collaboration with but institutions so that we can give Nigerians the very best because the whole thing is based on safety.

How long will this collaboration last before our own doctors and nurses can stand on their own?

Right now, there are some things that we can do on our own but that is not the issue. There are things that are not wise for us to do on our own now that is why we are bringing these guys. We may not even end the collaboration even when you have somebody who can do it locally. There is nothing wrong in two people rubbing minds together.

From their point of view, it’s supposed to be a long term relationship.

“The commonest thing is liposuction. The tummy not looking Nigerians are a bit vain so nice...We eat a in our outlook with the endless quest to want to lot of things and From the look good. Won’t this new consultation we don’t like to place help fan this vanity? that you have, what would you I don’t know whether it is exercise so say is the common vanity but looking good is good problems that business they say. People want to well” Nigerians would like look good and we should give them the opportunity to look good. So I think it is a mighty step in achieving such so even when you are in your 50s and you want to look 30, it’s okay. We are here to help you achieve that.

We watch some of these procedures on paid TV and doctors make it look so easy. Is this new place going to offer anything like that?

It is easy, seriously and the doctor coming is from Argentina, his name is William Bloggerman. He

to address with cosmetic surgery?

The commonest thing is liposuction. The tummy not looking so nice...We eat a lot of things and we don’t like to exercise so well. Sometimes, this has to do with middle age. They say middle age is when you grow in the middle. So it’s just natural that people start growing in the middle at a particular age.

Is there something genetic about it?

Not at all. Everybody has the tendency to grow bigger in the middle at a particular age. And you know our foods are starchy. So our diet helps to promote people growing fat tummy.

Have you seen Americans? If you say we are big, they are bigger than we are in every area. But you can take care of it.

What particular type of procedure have you scheduled for the ground-breaking take off of cosmetic surgery at Body Art Cosmetic Surgery Centre?

All comers. We are taking on everything. The only thing perhaps is that if we tell the surgeon what we have scheduled, he may probably come with some tools that we don’t have here. So all comers are welcome.

Will these surgeries be affordable by at least the middle class?

Middle class is relative but every middle class person goes to Dubai now. They travel on holidays. So, if you are doing say, a liposuction, it will definitely be cheaper than if you were doing a tummy tuck. A breast augmentation will also be more expensive than a liposuction because you will need an implant for it. So it all depends on the magnitude of the procedure. If you are doing a liposuction for example, and you have fat in your tummy, and you want to lift your breast at the same time, we can lift fat from one part of the body to fill another. So that is not really much of a problem.

But you know we have to pay these doctors coming. So putting a cost to it actually BEFORE depends on the type of surgery you require. I wouldn’t want to use the costing for fertility treatment. But we should be looking in the region of $10,000.

Is this a concern that flowed from treating fertility?

Yes. We see all kinds of things. There are women who don’t want to lose their shape for anything. Some will say they don’t want to have any more children because they want to maintain shape. We tell them not to be afraid. Lose your shape and we would give it back to you.

What about safety which I know is a big concern even for those interested in undertaking these procedures?

You can almost take that for granted because that is what Nordica stands for.

We are going to extend the quality of Nordica services to that.

So Nigerians are ready?

Oh yes. I think so.

BEFORE

I know a lot of people would like to do one procedure or the other but people are generally concerned about privacy which is why I think many secretly travel abroad to do have it done. How do you ensure this?

We have been doing a business that deals with the issues of confidentiality. So, it’s very well up our hands. we are not new to that.

What do you think this will do for us as a people?

Well, for me, the whole essence is, I just don’t like the idea of people taking money from Nigeria outside. Let’’s keep our money inside. We need it. Oil prices are going down. We can’t continue to syphon our money outside. We need to retain the money in Nigeria.

Halle Berry’s before breast implant

Modupe Ozolua

AFTER

Angelina Jolie

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER Rihanna before Nose Job

after nose job

BEFORE

Halle Berry’s breast implant is one of the best

AFTER

Kim Kadasian West Before and after

September 20, 2015 /

13

PEO PLE PEOPLE

“ONE PARTY A T A T IME!”

“ONE PARTY AT A TIME!”

FUNMILAYO AKINJUOLA AND DAMILOLA OKUNOLA Agbani Darego

Damilola Okunola & Funmilayo Akinjuola emerge elite model look

Funmi St Mathew Daniel

Bukola Akinlagun

Chidimma Obianodo

Chidimma Obianodo

Emmanuel Uduma

Producer MTV Shuga Chris Ihidero, Production Manager MTV Shuga Bose Oshin,

Ndidi Obioha

Lanre Da-Silva

14

Eva Robertson

Temi Dollface

/ September 20, 2015

Norden Thurston

Eku Edewor and Kessina

Femi Da-Silva

The Grand Launch of Fahrenheit Loft Hotel

By Latasha Ngwube Chioma Agha

Hawa Mukan

Dolapo Oni

Eunice Efole

By Yemisi Suleiman

By Yemisi Suleiman

Korede Bello

Ezinne CHINKATA

Data Okrodudu

Idia Aisien

Anslem Tabansi formally launched Fahrenheit Loft hotel as the newest runner up to the acclaimed Maison Fahrenheit hotel launched late last year. The Fahrenheit Loft, located in a serene and discreet section of Victoria Island, has been dubbed by the cool kids as “The Loft”, boasting 27 spacious rooms graded on three levels of comfort as Classic, Deluxe and Ocean-View, bringing the character, intimacy and pure modern elegance. The launch of The Loft was a select and exclusive affair with captains of Industry in full attendance. The Bellini restaurant and lounge is now also open to nonguests with it’s exotic cuisine and superb mixologist as the perfect place to indulge after a long day at work.

Emeka Anyanwu, Ashlie Ibe, Olisa Adibua

Anselm Tabansi AND Femi Otedola

The Silverbird Galleria came alive penultimate Thursday, with lots of excitement and glamour as celebrities and other top personalities gathered to witness the world premiere of season 4 of the award-winning series, MTV Shuga, powered by MTV Base Africa and MTV Staying Alive Foundation.

MTV Shuga, an advocacy TV series for responsible sexual behaviour is a global brand telling the stories and realities of youths in a way that’s never been done before. It was first aired in November, 2009 on MTV Base and has since grown to become one of the most followed TV series, winning several awards including the 2015 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.

The fourth season features a crop of amazing talents including Emmanuel Ikubese, Dorcas Shola Fapson, Sharon Ezeamaka, Adesua Etomi, Ghana’s Peace Hyde and began airing on September 11 on TV stations across Nigeria.

Tope Oseni-Ogun

Sharon Ezeamaka

Chris Attoh

kiss daniel

Anthony Shishler

Ben Okuzu

Colette Otusheso

Emmanuel Ikubese

Mallam Mohammed Goni Alkali, Mrs Adenike Ogunlesi, Mr Rasheed Olaoluwa, Mrs Funmi Ajila Ladipo & Mr Waheed Olagunju

Fashion Designers Laud BoI’s N1bn Fund

Glitzs as MTV Shuga 4 Premieres

By Oscar Ochiogu

Damilola Okunola and Funmilayo Akinjuola have emerged winners in the male and female categories of Aquafina Elite Model Look Nigeria, 2015.

The Grand Finale which took place at Eko Hotel and Suites last weekend in Lagos saw contestants showcasing different African pieces on the runway and performances from Shaydee, Banky W and Toni Tones.

The contestants were judged by industry’s best - Ezinne Chinkata, Agbani Darego, Bola Balogun, Lakin Ogunbanwo, Kelechi Amadi Obi and Norden Thurston.

In 2014, Victor Ndigwe and Mayowa Nicholas, won the competition and went on to Elite Model Look New York. This move has seen them walking major runways of the biggest fashion weeks in the world.

Georgia Arnold and Husband

Dakore Egbuson

Adesua Etomi

Lynxx

Olumide Oworu

Timini Egbuson

President of the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN), Mrs. FunmiAjila-Ladipo, has lauded the Bank of Industry (BoI) for its N1billion and single obligor limit of N50million for individual loans provided for the Nigerian fashion industry. The initiative which is part of the bank’s support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is meant to boost the creative arts industry in Nigeria.

Mrs Ajila-Ladipo however proposed the funding of a fashion production hub which, she said, is central to the challenges of Nigerian fashion designers.

The FADAN boss also urged the management of the bank to provide training, build capacity and guidance for budding entrepreneurs in the industry, adding that funding is not the only challenge facing the industry. Ajila-Ladipo’s thoughts were supported by other fashion designers at the event. Mrs. Stella Awoh, Head of Yaba College of Technology Fashion School, urged BoI to also provide support for fashion interns and graduates to set up their businesses. Awoh disclosed that the college churns out about 450 graduates annually, who mostly end up roaming the streets because they have no funds to establish businesses Speaking at the project launch which held recently in Lagos, Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, who noted that Nigerian fashion designers are some of the most creative in the world, said the fund was an initiative under the Gender Unit of the bank, targeted toward women-owned businesses only.

“There has been a lot of talk about SME funding but with less action. This is why BoI has decided to increase its funding initiatives to cluster creations.

“BoI has, so far, recognised 34 cluster creations nationwide to drive our funding initiatives. So, we are able to tailor each cluster, based on its peculiarities.

Mr. Daniel Oyebanjo (D’banj), Mr Rasheed Olaoluwa

September 20, 2015 /

15

PEO PLE PEOPLE

“ONE PARTY A T A T IME!”

“ONE PARTY AT A TIME!”

FUNMILAYO AKINJUOLA AND DAMILOLA OKUNOLA Agbani Darego

Damilola Okunola & Funmilayo Akinjuola emerge elite model look

Funmi St Mathew Daniel

Bukola Akinlagun

Chidimma Obianodo

Chidimma Obianodo

Emmanuel Uduma

Producer MTV Shuga Chris Ihidero, Production Manager MTV Shuga Bose Oshin,

Ndidi Obioha

Lanre Da-Silva

14

Eva Robertson

Temi Dollface

/ September 20, 2015

Norden Thurston

Eku Edewor and Kessina

Femi Da-Silva

The Grand Launch of Fahrenheit Loft Hotel

By Latasha Ngwube Chioma Agha

Hawa Mukan

Dolapo Oni

Eunice Efole

By Yemisi Suleiman

By Yemisi Suleiman

Korede Bello

Ezinne CHINKATA

Data Okrodudu

Idia Aisien

Anslem Tabansi formally launched Fahrenheit Loft hotel as the newest runner up to the acclaimed Maison Fahrenheit hotel launched late last year. The Fahrenheit Loft, located in a serene and discreet section of Victoria Island, has been dubbed by the cool kids as “The Loft”, boasting 27 spacious rooms graded on three levels of comfort as Classic, Deluxe and Ocean-View, bringing the character, intimacy and pure modern elegance. The launch of The Loft was a select and exclusive affair with captains of Industry in full attendance. The Bellini restaurant and lounge is now also open to nonguests with it’s exotic cuisine and superb mixologist as the perfect place to indulge after a long day at work.

Emeka Anyanwu, Ashlie Ibe, Olisa Adibua

Anselm Tabansi AND Femi Otedola

The Silverbird Galleria came alive penultimate Thursday, with lots of excitement and glamour as celebrities and other top personalities gathered to witness the world premiere of season 4 of the award-winning series, MTV Shuga, powered by MTV Base Africa and MTV Staying Alive Foundation.

MTV Shuga, an advocacy TV series for responsible sexual behaviour is a global brand telling the stories and realities of youths in a way that’s never been done before. It was first aired in November, 2009 on MTV Base and has since grown to become one of the most followed TV series, winning several awards including the 2015 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.

The fourth season features a crop of amazing talents including Emmanuel Ikubese, Dorcas Shola Fapson, Sharon Ezeamaka, Adesua Etomi, Ghana’s Peace Hyde and began airing on September 11 on TV stations across Nigeria.

Tope Oseni-Ogun

Sharon Ezeamaka

Chris Attoh

kiss daniel

Anthony Shishler

Ben Okuzu

Colette Otusheso

Emmanuel Ikubese

Mallam Mohammed Goni Alkali, Mrs Adenike Ogunlesi, Mr Rasheed Olaoluwa, Mrs Funmi Ajila Ladipo & Mr Waheed Olagunju

Fashion Designers Laud BoI’s N1bn Fund

Glitzs as MTV Shuga 4 Premieres

By Oscar Ochiogu

Damilola Okunola and Funmilayo Akinjuola have emerged winners in the male and female categories of Aquafina Elite Model Look Nigeria, 2015.

The Grand Finale which took place at Eko Hotel and Suites last weekend in Lagos saw contestants showcasing different African pieces on the runway and performances from Shaydee, Banky W and Toni Tones.

The contestants were judged by industry’s best - Ezinne Chinkata, Agbani Darego, Bola Balogun, Lakin Ogunbanwo, Kelechi Amadi Obi and Norden Thurston.

In 2014, Victor Ndigwe and Mayowa Nicholas, won the competition and went on to Elite Model Look New York. This move has seen them walking major runways of the biggest fashion weeks in the world.

Georgia Arnold and Husband

Dakore Egbuson

Adesua Etomi

Lynxx

Olumide Oworu

Timini Egbuson

President of the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN), Mrs. FunmiAjila-Ladipo, has lauded the Bank of Industry (BoI) for its N1billion and single obligor limit of N50million for individual loans provided for the Nigerian fashion industry. The initiative which is part of the bank’s support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is meant to boost the creative arts industry in Nigeria.

Mrs Ajila-Ladipo however proposed the funding of a fashion production hub which, she said, is central to the challenges of Nigerian fashion designers.

The FADAN boss also urged the management of the bank to provide training, build capacity and guidance for budding entrepreneurs in the industry, adding that funding is not the only challenge facing the industry. Ajila-Ladipo’s thoughts were supported by other fashion designers at the event. Mrs. Stella Awoh, Head of Yaba College of Technology Fashion School, urged BoI to also provide support for fashion interns and graduates to set up their businesses. Awoh disclosed that the college churns out about 450 graduates annually, who mostly end up roaming the streets because they have no funds to establish businesses Speaking at the project launch which held recently in Lagos, Managing Director of the bank, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, who noted that Nigerian fashion designers are some of the most creative in the world, said the fund was an initiative under the Gender Unit of the bank, targeted toward women-owned businesses only.

“There has been a lot of talk about SME funding but with less action. This is why BoI has decided to increase its funding initiatives to cluster creations.

“BoI has, so far, recognised 34 cluster creations nationwide to drive our funding initiatives. So, we are able to tailor each cluster, based on its peculiarities.

Mr. Daniel Oyebanjo (D’banj), Mr Rasheed Olaoluwa

September 20, 2015 /

15