Allure 23062013

June 23, 2013

High end Fashion Pieces LADY IN RED

Detoun Ogwo

- On the Dynamics of Life ‘After School’

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

FASHION 3 Red Carpet Moment

4-5

Top High End Fashion Pieces

FEATURES 12

June 23 - June 29

THIS WEEK

Inside

ON THE COVER

• Get Captivated - In the History of Your Life Let God remain the Star

• Escapades of Style - The Transaction - Contd.

BEAUTY 14

Finding the Perfect Foundation

PEOPLE 15

Quintessentially and Angel Champagne Wow with Eye Popping Exhibition

Akokwa eminent persons’ dinner 2013

“For the two of us, home isn’t a place.

It is a person. And we are finally home.”

Stephanie Perkins

“Every man I meet wants to protect me.

I can’t figure out what from.”

Mae West

“Come sleep with me: We won’t make Love, Love will make us.”

Julio Cortázar

“Nothing in this world was more difficult than love.”

...With youth unemployment in the country currently on the rise, the symptoms of youth restiveness are becoming more evident in our society. Giving youths confronted with all manner of uncertainties hope for a brighter tomorrow is Detoun Ogwo, Executive Director of Afterschool Graduate Development Centre (AGDC).

Gabriel Márquez

PHOTOGRAPHY Moussa Moussa. DRESS Hollies. JEWELRY Cephas. MAKE-UP Azuka Mordi

I absolutetly agree with AGDC’s philosophy of retraining graduates to fit into work environment. Most youths come out of university without a clue about what they want or even discovering who they really are. With parents engrossed with the tedious work of providing for their respective houserholds, these kids go through this important phase in their lives without getting needed guidance to help them function effectively.

By the time they get a grip on themselves, much time would have been wasted. So what Detoun Ogwo does is to save that precious time from being frittered away. I am certainly sending my daughter there; so should you send your graduating children.

Believe me, it would be worth every minute they spend there.

Detoun Ogwo has carved a niche for herself. By identifying this lapse in our society and stepping in, she is impacting her generation and the country as a whole in more ways than she herself realises.

And so, I call on state governments to replicate the AGDC initiative in their states, and the Federal Governemt should adopt this format before employing grads into the system. Perhaps with this kind of training we may un-pollute the Civil Service, with these youths who have been trained on integrity, leadership and love of country. Hey, you never know....

On fashion we showcase ‘High End Fashion’ -luxury items to own at a some point in your evolution.

But only if you have worked hard for your money and deserve to reward yourself with the good things of life, Not recommended for thieving politicians and civil servants.

Have a great week!

COVER PHOTO: BAMIYO ISELEMA EMINA

8 - 10

R.

Remmy Diagbare

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

CONT. EDITOR LATASHA NGWUBE COPY EDITOR DD WILLIAM-WEST CORRESPONDENTS FATIMA GARBA DAVINA AYODELE LAYOUT / DESIGN Gregory Obi PHOTO OSCAR OCHIOGU

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Moment

Red Carpet by - Jemi Ekunkunbor

FA S H I ON

A red carpet event is a high fashion event where attendees go to great length to bring on elegance and glamour. While it may be easy for some, for some other persons, it could actually be a project! From picking the dress to choosing the right accessories, and appropriate hair style, to picture perfect make up, one thing is clear- to arrive on the red carpet and have a moment. And that moment comes when you slink down the red carpet in your gorgeous dress and the bulbs of the paparazzis begin to go off in front of you, then you know you have hit the right cord with your dressing. It is a magical moment on the red carpet and celebrities who are regular at A- list events know what this is about.

These four beauties were re cently caught on the red ca rpet of Tinsel 1,000th episode party. All four decid ed to adorn the colour black . Of course, it is the colour associated with glamo ur and what a moment they had.

Uzor Osimkpa

Dolly Ohanyere

Yvonne Vixen Ekwere

Liz John Black

June 23, 2013 /

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TOP FA S H I O N

FASH IO N

HIGH END FASHION PIECES

9

by - Fatima Garba

Class is not just something one is born with.It comes with the way you move, the way you dress and the way you speak. It flows with your actions, reactions and decisions. Today, it is frequently seen in taste, from what you’re wearing to what you’re carrying. From the most prominent fashion houses come classic pieces that are set to represent the labels all through the way. Check them out.

2 6

1

evening outfit of James Bond ladies and many Hollywood stars as well.

2 Louboutin Red Soles - This unique colour choice for soles made a huge difference in the fashion world, making Christian Louboutin famous with his line of glamorous high heeled shoes.

3 Chopard -This luxurious brand is known for its adejoke adepase

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7 / June 23, 2013

stunning wristwatches and exquisite jewelry.

4 Louis Vuitton Speedy - Just the famous LV

sign will set you looking trendy as these very sought after items have been around since forever and they are imitated well and abundant enough simply because they look real good. And who wouldn’t want such a bag?

5 Vera Wang Wedding Dress.-The company

makes every blushing brides dream come true as she happily walks down the aisle in that gorgeous gown. Getting married, anyone?

6 Chanel No. 5 - Wear it

whenever and wherever you want to be kissed. Thanks a lot, Madame Coco!

7 Salvatore Ferragamo

4

1 Valentino Red Dress - It is the favourite

3

wedges - Nothing looks as wedged as Italian-made shoes.

8

8 Givenchy LBD -The designer

10

house who made a perfect little black dress for Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s can make one just for you.

9 Hermes Scarf - You can’t beat the original

10 Chanel Classic Bag -This Classic bag is an expression of a classy and chic woman.

5 June 23, 2013 /

5

TOP FA S H I O N

FASH IO N

HIGH END FASHION PIECES

9

by - Fatima Garba

Class is not just something one is born with.It comes with the way you move, the way you dress and the way you speak. It flows with your actions, reactions and decisions. Today, it is frequently seen in taste, from what you’re wearing to what you’re carrying. From the most prominent fashion houses come classic pieces that are set to represent the labels all through the way. Check them out.

2 6

1

evening outfit of James Bond ladies and many Hollywood stars as well.

2 Louboutin Red Soles - This unique colour choice for soles made a huge difference in the fashion world, making Christian Louboutin famous with his line of glamorous high heeled shoes.

3 Chopard -This luxurious brand is known for its adejoke adepase

4

7 / June 23, 2013

stunning wristwatches and exquisite jewelry.

4 Louis Vuitton Speedy - Just the famous LV

sign will set you looking trendy as these very sought after items have been around since forever and they are imitated well and abundant enough simply because they look real good. And who wouldn’t want such a bag?

5 Vera Wang Wedding Dress.-The company

makes every blushing brides dream come true as she happily walks down the aisle in that gorgeous gown. Getting married, anyone?

6 Chanel No. 5 - Wear it

whenever and wherever you want to be kissed. Thanks a lot, Madame Coco!

7 Salvatore Ferragamo

4

1 Valentino Red Dress - It is the favourite

3

wedges - Nothing looks as wedged as Italian-made shoes.

8

8 Givenchy LBD -The designer

10

house who made a perfect little black dress for Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s can make one just for you.

9 Hermes Scarf - You can’t beat the original

10 Chanel Classic Bag -This Classic bag is an expression of a classy and chic woman.

5 June 23, 2013 /

5

FA S H IO N

red cocktail ring

satin clutch purse

cute-red dress, karenmillen

one arm red dress

Ladyin

Gorgeous Lace Red Platform

Red Fledlen red leather dress

by - Jemi Ekunkunbor

Evaoadia Emeroum

mitchell dede

toyin lawani

It’s not that time of the year when the colour is unmistakably red. But red is one colour that can really pep things up a bit. A favourite of the red carpet, it is the colour for fashion followers. Research has also shown that a lady in red appears prettier, more desirable and more likely to be asked out on a date than one adorning another colour. A lady in red will also find herself conveniently on trend.

A hot heel will add punch to a boring outfit.

Wear head to toe red if you are bold or spice with black or neutral if you find red too loud.

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Juniper Musa... in

Twenty FOUR hrs

by - Ngozi Ihejiako Juniper Musa is a woman who loves being simple yet classy. She works with African Magic, Multi Choice Nigeria as Head, Acquisition Unit. She, in takes us through 24 hours of a typical working day.

What would you not do in the name of fashion?

What I would not do in the name of fashion is wear something that will keep me uncomfortable. I prefer to wear something that will make me feel free and comfortable. That way, I know that this is fashion. But when something is really uncomfortable, like a kind of hair do, a dress or shoes, then I don’t need to do that. I really can’t stand things that make me uncomfortable.

What keeps you going when you wake up in the morning? How do you start your day?

I will give you a typical morning routine for me on a working day. That will be getting up between 6a.m. and 6.30a.m. I normally sleep for six hours; anything more than that, I will wake up. I spend like 5 to 10 minutes doing my meditation. I read my Bible and meditate for 5 minutes and do my prayers. I prepare my meal for the day because I like taking my food to the office; I don’t like buying.

I like to prepare my own food and I use this as warm up exercise in the morning. This paves way for my 10 to 15 minutes exercise for the day. Then, I have my bath and I am ready to go. That’s how my day starts.

What beauty products do you use??

I am going to break it down into body, make-up and hair. For my hair, I use Profective; from the relaxer to the growth, oil sheen and others. I use all the Profective products for my hair. For my body, I like to try stuff. Currently, I am using Venus cream, the Nigeria-made Venus cream and it’s really good to my skin. I use the body lotion, the sun screen and the face scrub. For make-up, I use all the Revlon products; my lip gloss, eyeliner, and eye shadow. I specifically use Mac products for powder and foundation. Basically, that is what I use for my beauty routine.

Can you talk us through what you are wearing now?

What I am wearing is a very comfortable, simple tailored dress; it’s actually made by Just Tailored from the U.S. It’s a navy blue, sleeveless dress because of the weather. Then, for shoes I am wearing LK Benneth from London. It’s soft and it doesn’t give all those wicked hedges that shoes give to your skin when you wear them. It’s really soft, black and it’s lovely. For my wrist watch, it’s Seconda. I like Seconda products. I always buy them on the plane when I am travelling.

As for jewelleries, I just rushed into the shops at Masons and got them so, I don’t really know who made them. That explains what I am wearing now.

Whatever is in your handbag now tells what you carry around on a working day. So, what is in your handbag now?

The normal things you see in a lady’s handbag.

You will see my make-up bag which contains my

How long does it take you to plan your outfit for the day?

That will be precisely 15 minutes. It’s a little bit too long for me though because under the space of 5 minutes, I am done. This is because my clothes are arranged in order in my wardrobe. I know where my shoes are, my shorts, skirts, dresses. I know where the jewelleries are. If I am thinking of a blue dress today or whatever colour I am thinking of, I know where it is. I just go and get it.

I know the jewellery to go with it. I know where they are because they are arranged properly. So, I will go pick them up; under 5 minutes and I am done.

Earlier, you said that you carry your food to the office. When do you eat breakfast?

I eat breakfast on my way to the office because my breakfast is made up of fruits. I eat it in the car and finish it up in the office. I resume by 8a.m. so, between 7.30a.m. and 8a.m., I finish my breakfast.

What would you have for lunch?

I made myself stew; not a particular kind of stew because it has fish, beef and chicken in it.

I will take it with rice. I don’t get to eat lunch JUNIPER MUSA when planned so, I eat any time I have time in the office because, I have scheduled meetings.

When I am able to finish a major part of my meetings, I eat my lunch. Most times, I eat around 2.30p.m. and 3p.m.

Revlon and Mac products. My phones would always be in my bag but because I am in the office, they are on JUNIPER MUSA my desk. I always go along with my dental flux so, I have it in there. I have my wallet, my ID cards and my keys.

So, that’s what you will see in my bag now.

What sets you apart in terms of fashion?

Fashion wise, I will say my classic style, in the sense that I dress simple but very classy. That is what sets me apart. I don’t just wear what everybody is wearing; like so and so is happening right now, go ahead and do it. No. I like to look classy and simple.

When do you close from work?

Closing time is 6p.m.

So, after work, how do you relax?

I go home, take off my clothes, have my bath and eat a light dinner and sleep. Then, if my favourite series is on, I’ll watch and go to bed. On a typical week day, that is what I do.

What kind of light food do you eat for dinner?

It could be vegetable or fruit salad or it could be simple eko and vegetable soup.

Around what time do you go to bed?

On week days, it will be between 11p.m. and 12a.m. During the weekends, I can stay up more than this time.

June 23, 2013 /

7

REPORTAGE

REPORTAGE

Detoun Ogwo

- On the Dynamics of Life ‘After School’ By - Yemisi Suleiman

W

ith youth unemployment in the country currently on the rise, the symptoms of youth restiveness are becoming more evident in our society. Giving youths confronted with all manner of uncertainties hope for a brighter tomorrow is Detoun Ogwo, Executive Director of Afterschool Graduate Development Centre (AGDC). Set up, primarily, to tackle the scourge of wide spread youth employment by developing and improving the capacity of youths for sustainable personal and economic advancement, AGDC is a one-stop social enterprise that prepares and up-skills Nigerian youth for the 21st century work place.

AGDC was established by 3 directors: Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, who is the Board Chair, Funmi Adeyemi and Detoun Ogwo, in response to growing unemployment among youths with its vision to achieve national rebirth and social change by investing in and improving employable and entrepreneurial capacity of Nigeria’s youth.

The reason for this effort is not farfetched. As a seasoned entrepreneur, the board chair was burdened by the scourge while Mrs. Ogwo had a personal tipping-point experience as a human resources manager who had to short list from several thousands to fill just 15 positions at the multi-national she worked at the time.

Established in August 2007 and located in Lagos, the AGDC training and recruitment programmes have created opportunities for about 23,404 youth across Nigeria. In a nutshell, alongside other philanthropic partners and institutions, they work towards building competences of intrapreneurs whilst supporting budding entrepreneurs in improving their economic well being. The centre also ensures that employers have access to well prepared, work-ready and employable workforce.

“...To truly succeed in your career, you must maximize every opportunity to express your true potential...”

8

/ June 23, 2013

What was the most significant barrier you had to overcome in starting the business?

Our challenges were similar to that of every other start up business in our terrain, especially pioneering one in what was an emerging career development sector at the time. It was really tough at inception. I confess there were times when, merely considering the opportunity cost, resources and time expended, one felt like quitting but the beneficiaries made it worth while.

My Board Chair was invaluable in letting me see that challenges come to make us stronger and more determined to make a difference. The biggest barrier, however, remains our institutional inefficiencies and how the effects of youth unemployment on our future, as a nation, currently appear below the radar. Like other proactive nations, we need to define policies and workable solutions for the myriad of youth who have exited the formal education system and roam the streets “certificated” but aimless; such as a private sector led employability council similar to the Skills for America’s Future Initiative I had the privilege of

listening to President Obama announce at an event a while back. We have also found meetings with public sector stakeholders who did not seem to understand the urgency or importance of our cause particularly challenging. However, we have just got to keep going, especially because the symptoms of youth restiveness are becoming more evident in our society. An idle mind, they say, is the devil’s workshop and we must do our part in stemming the tide.

What kind of training do you carry out? Is it that you search for other career areas for them or train them in some sort of craft?

You will agree that the dynamics of ‘life after school’ (i.e. post-formal education) are multifaceted and require strong and reliable tools which young graduates must master in order to excel in their careers.

Our role at AGDC (www.graddev.com) alongside our crop of seasoned facilitators is to ensure that participants of our tailored programmes emerge triumphant in reconciling their academic experience, skills and knowledge

with the realities in our challenging job market, in entrepreneurship or in any vocation they decide upon and are reliably informed to chart.

Needless to say, the world has moved beyond just holding a certificate as a guarantee for living a productive and purpose driven life. Organizations spend huge amounts of money and expend precious time trying to recruit and retain products of our educational system. Our value proposition, as proven from our track record, is matching retrained and reoriented youth who know who they are, where they are going, why organizations are set up and how to add value to the talent pipeline and bottom-line of our partner organizations.

How long does the training take? And, how affordable is it to graduates from low income backgrounds that had to struggle through university?

Our business model is structured to address both the symptoms and root causes of youth employability. Our objectives and activities are, therefore, modelled and driven along four operating platforms – Career Direction, June 23, 2013 /

9

REPORTAGE

REPORTAGE

Detoun Ogwo

- On the Dynamics of Life ‘After School’ By - Yemisi Suleiman

W

ith youth unemployment in the country currently on the rise, the symptoms of youth restiveness are becoming more evident in our society. Giving youths confronted with all manner of uncertainties hope for a brighter tomorrow is Detoun Ogwo, Executive Director of Afterschool Graduate Development Centre (AGDC). Set up, primarily, to tackle the scourge of wide spread youth employment by developing and improving the capacity of youths for sustainable personal and economic advancement, AGDC is a one-stop social enterprise that prepares and up-skills Nigerian youth for the 21st century work place.

AGDC was established by 3 directors: Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, who is the Board Chair, Funmi Adeyemi and Detoun Ogwo, in response to growing unemployment among youths with its vision to achieve national rebirth and social change by investing in and improving employable and entrepreneurial capacity of Nigeria’s youth.

The reason for this effort is not farfetched. As a seasoned entrepreneur, the board chair was burdened by the scourge while Mrs. Ogwo had a personal tipping-point experience as a human resources manager who had to short list from several thousands to fill just 15 positions at the multi-national she worked at the time.

Established in August 2007 and located in Lagos, the AGDC training and recruitment programmes have created opportunities for about 23,404 youth across Nigeria. In a nutshell, alongside other philanthropic partners and institutions, they work towards building competences of intrapreneurs whilst supporting budding entrepreneurs in improving their economic well being. The centre also ensures that employers have access to well prepared, work-ready and employable workforce.

“...To truly succeed in your career, you must maximize every opportunity to express your true potential...”

8

/ June 23, 2013

What was the most significant barrier you had to overcome in starting the business?

Our challenges were similar to that of every other start up business in our terrain, especially pioneering one in what was an emerging career development sector at the time. It was really tough at inception. I confess there were times when, merely considering the opportunity cost, resources and time expended, one felt like quitting but the beneficiaries made it worth while.

My Board Chair was invaluable in letting me see that challenges come to make us stronger and more determined to make a difference. The biggest barrier, however, remains our institutional inefficiencies and how the effects of youth unemployment on our future, as a nation, currently appear below the radar. Like other proactive nations, we need to define policies and workable solutions for the myriad of youth who have exited the formal education system and roam the streets “certificated” but aimless; such as a private sector led employability council similar to the Skills for America’s Future Initiative I had the privilege of

listening to President Obama announce at an event a while back. We have also found meetings with public sector stakeholders who did not seem to understand the urgency or importance of our cause particularly challenging. However, we have just got to keep going, especially because the symptoms of youth restiveness are becoming more evident in our society. An idle mind, they say, is the devil’s workshop and we must do our part in stemming the tide.

What kind of training do you carry out? Is it that you search for other career areas for them or train them in some sort of craft?

You will agree that the dynamics of ‘life after school’ (i.e. post-formal education) are multifaceted and require strong and reliable tools which young graduates must master in order to excel in their careers.

Our role at AGDC (www.graddev.com) alongside our crop of seasoned facilitators is to ensure that participants of our tailored programmes emerge triumphant in reconciling their academic experience, skills and knowledge

with the realities in our challenging job market, in entrepreneurship or in any vocation they decide upon and are reliably informed to chart.

Needless to say, the world has moved beyond just holding a certificate as a guarantee for living a productive and purpose driven life. Organizations spend huge amounts of money and expend precious time trying to recruit and retain products of our educational system. Our value proposition, as proven from our track record, is matching retrained and reoriented youth who know who they are, where they are going, why organizations are set up and how to add value to the talent pipeline and bottom-line of our partner organizations.

How long does the training take? And, how affordable is it to graduates from low income backgrounds that had to struggle through university?

Our business model is structured to address both the symptoms and root causes of youth employability. Our objectives and activities are, therefore, modelled and driven along four operating platforms – Career Direction, June 23, 2013 /

9

REPORTAGE students?

As a young person, you need to understand that you are competing in a very challenging labour market. What makes for success in your career search goes beyond your certificate. You must view your skill set as a much needed commodity and must demonstrate some commitment to developing yourself.

To truly succeed in your career, you must maximize every opportunity to express your true potential as well as embrace the values of hard work and delayed gratification. Real living is more than the acquisition of money and trappings of wealth. I am not saying living comfortably is unimportant. However, your focus should be more on value contribution and excellent service rather than mere financial gain. Everything good will come – eventually.

I realized Nigeria’s problem is not a lack of strategy or policy but endemic corruption.

Employability Solutions, Ignite Enterprise and Advocacy. Our flagship programme is a three-week employability training which is free for graduates to attend. Participants are able to attend cost-free because we have funding or consulting partners for different projects, which currently include the Lagos State Government, the MTN Foundation and the TY Danjuma Foundation.

In March 2010, 7,500 young Nigerians responded to our call for participation in Samsung Real Dreams, our employability development programme organized in conjunction with the International Youth Foundation. Initial funding was for only 70 individuals per quarter. The deluge of applications made us aware of the urgent need to upscale our operational capacity and to liaise with stakeholders at all levels to collectively proffer urgent job creation and engagement interventions for Nigerian youth.

Therefore, I must make a strong appeal here that AGDC actively seeks support, referrals, synergy and partnerships with individuals, states and corporations committed to creating sustainable internship and work opportunities for Nigeria’s youth. Whilst we have also provided some minimal support on the SURE-P Graduate Internship scheme in recent months, we know there is a great deal more that can be done to create more holistic solutions to this scourge.

What do you think is the most important piece of advice you could offer to current graduate

Would you say you have met the objectives for which AGDC was created?

No doubt, we have, within our constraints, done as much as we could have. However, as long as we are yet to record an institutional shift in the school-to-work transition of our youth, there is work ahead.

For instance, the public image of our youth is quite poor. I would like to see a change in how Nigerian youth are perceived; first by advocating that our youth population who are in millions be viewed not as a problem to be solved or a liability, but as latent asset to our economic growth. With this new perspective, we can proceed to invest in their capacity and provide pathways for them to reach their full career potential.

We also need to question this focus on university education as a do-or-die affair; there are so many technical and vocational areas I wish we would re-orientate and channel our human capital towards so we can truly build our nation. Our human capital is wasting away because we have not given the sector the premium attention it needs.

The real asset of our nation is our people, not necessarily our oil. There is a lot of work for us all to do. I am sure you agree. So, I hope we can engage our youth as solution providers to our endemic issues. Nigeria is a phenomenal nation and ours to build. We need more legislative champions of youth employment and positive engagement.

Tell us a bit about your educational background?

I am a proud alumna of Federal Government Girls College, Sagamu. I hold a degree in BioChemistry from the University of Lagos and certification on Effective Youth Employment Policies and Impact Evaluation of Youth Programmes, including a Masters in Development from the ITC/ILO International Training Centre of the United Nations System. I also earned a Certificate in Organization and Strategic Management with Distinction from the Summer School of the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a Senior Leaders Certificate in Social Enterprise from the Columbia Business School, United States of America.

What informed your choice of career while growing up?

I must allude to parental guidance as being my first compass. What particularly stood out was the opportunity my Dad created for us, his children, to develop strong work ethic very early in life by making it compulsory to work during school holidays.

After graduating, I started my first ‘real’ job with Halifax Bank in the United Kingdom and had the benefit of taking my first career profile test. It revealed that with my personality type, I would

thrive in the HR, social and marketing fields. From then on, I zeroed in and started charting the HR path, which is why we try to facilitate career discovery for our beneficiaries at AGDC; because, once you know where your strengths are, you can navigate the labour market easier and with less confusion and the psychological burden unemployment brings What were you doing before AGDC? For nearly two decades, I functioned in the customer relationship and human resource divisions of several multi-nationals in the United Kingdom and Nigeria such as Diageo, British American Tobacco, T-Mobile and Halifax Bank Plc. I must say that all of this combined has proven invaluable to me, because in my present role, I combine my previous experience as human resource manager with my knowledge of the design and implementation of social development interventions for the benefit of Nigeria’s next generation.

There have been complaints about our universities producing low quality graduates, thereby making employment difficult for them.

What would you say is responsible for this?

We all know the sector is plagued by a myriad of issues; our challenge and responsibility is to reposition the sector that determines the quality of our human capital in such a way that our youth and economy recover and develop. We cannot continue like this. I am glad the current administration is calling a summit on solving the issues. I took part in a World Bank programme on global strategies for education sector reforms and I realized Nigeria’s problem is not a lack of strategy or policy but endemic corruption. If we can re-orientate our values and take strategic (steps), we will indeed reach our full potential as the giant of Africa. The term ‘after school’ in AGDC is coined from our belief that direct and specific ‘re-training and re-orientation’ interventions are required to assist our nation’s current generation of graduates after completing their formal education, if they are to compete globally in today’s world of work; which is why we seek to work with universities and institutions of higher learning who need to set their products apart. Our impact at AGDC speaks for us.

How do you juggle being a career woman, wife and mother?

With four kids, which include a set of twins, it has been a real balancing act and I am still very much work in progress. I do, however, have a support system that I often feel undeserving of, starting from a very, very supportive husband to my in-laws and my parents. I am also learning to respect my body when it gets overwhelmed with work; only a healthy mind and body can contribute.

I must categorically say God and the quest to live, love and learn on purpose also shape my values. I have the privilege of attending a church where we are raised as leaders and reformers. My pastor, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, encourages us not to take the gift and capabilities we have been divinely given for granted; so I try to be conscious about ensuring that people’s lives are impacted positively when they cross my path.

How do you spend your ‘me’ time?

I confess shoving everything else aside can be a challenge but I do my best not to compromise resting on Sundays with my husband, Amaechi, issuing me strict orders to that effect when necessary. An occasional visit to the spa also helps, though making that time-out has proven quite tasking. I also love to hang out with my family because they are great fun to be with.

HEALTHY LIVING101 by - Teri Mendes

Trending Now!!! Exercise For My Hair!!! The ultimate

HEA L T H

Did you

KNOW? The average person’s head has 100,000 to 150,000 hairs.

A hair grows by 0.3 to 0.5mm per day - about 1 to 1.5cm a month and 12 to 15cm a year.

Ladies one word: Don’t Let Your Hair Disrupt Your Workout. If you had to choose between either you’re “too cool, gotta keep it dry hairdo” and your “tight and right figure,” which one would you pick? Unfortunately when it comes to African women, 1 out of 3 reside in camp “too cool, gotta keep it dry.”

Mmmmm… No judgement and no worries, because the good news is you don’t have to choose. You can have both: great hair and a fit body to match. So calling all those “1 out of 3” females, yours truly has put together 12 ultimate tips so you can finally stop letting your hair disrupt your health. Here’s how:

• hair blower

1. To shampoo or not to shampoo, that is the question No matter what medal hangs around your neck the key to maintaining any black girls hairdo while working out is to lock in moisture. Sweat and working out kind of go hand in hand, but too much sweat can be super drying and therefore damaging to your tresses. So try and limit your shampoo days to once a week (pH balanced/sulfate free suds of course) and opt for either a dry shampoo (if you have relaxed, natural blown out hair, weave or locks), suds less shampoo, or a rinse and condition regimen (if you have natural hair that is not heat manipulated/ dependent) on the days your drenched in sweat.

2. Up your “hair product” game

I have worked out my entire hair life (through relaxers, natural hair…kinky and fro-ed out, and blow outs….long and sleek). And I can say is that the key to working out and maintaining lovely locks is: styling products. With natural hair, leave-in conditioner is my BFF. The more the better…before, during, and certainly after workouts.

And with natural blown out hair don’t opt out on the heat protectant or anti-reversion styling products. They not only protect the hair from heat and environmental damage but they also lead to a better blow out.

Remember, the better the blow out the better it will hold up during jumping jacks.

3. Sweat it out before you blow it out

I get it, who wants to spend hours and money at the salon only to sweat it out in Zumba class? No one! So ladies know thyself and the intensity of your workouts.

Not all workouts have to leave you drenched in sweat. So if you get your hair done on Fridays your weekly workout may start off with lower impact workouts such as yoga, Pilates, strength training, or even brisk walks. Each day kick up the intensity so by Friday you are literally

slipping in your own sweat!

5. Pull it high and let it dry

Your blowout can and will survive your morning run if you do two things. One, pull it into either one or multiple ponytails on the top of your head (the higher the better) using a cloth based hair tie. Test drive this; depending on your hair, certain hair ties leave a crease while others don’t. And, two….no matter what let your roots dry before your release your locks. Impatience will certainly lead to puffiness.

5. Bring back the sweat band

80’s fitness gear never gets old when it comes to upholding your do, so tie down your edges with either a cotton scarf or headband (not silk….silk can’t handle sweat and 30 mins is not going to break off your edges… so don’t fear the cotton). Also to lock in moisture, oil your scalp and edges pre workout, I like to use coconut and

TERI Speaks Good afternoon, While skimming through ‘Allure’ Magazine, my attention quickly went to your column.

I must commend a job well done there.

Please, would it be possible to be receiving updates via this (my) email? I would not want to miss out of a fun.

Thank you for your favourable reply. BO (Port- Harcourt)

• hair products

jojoba oil. The oil will definitely help repel some of the super drying sweat you accumulate in spin class, so don’t skip this step.

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

Good day, YMany thanks for writing in and I am very glad to read about your interest in the column.

Unfortunately we are not able to send copies to emails; however you can get a copy either in print on Sundays or online on the Vanguard Allure page. Additionally you can follow me on twitter @terimendes for updates and tips. Happy reading!! Best wishes, TM.

June 23, 2013 /

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FEA T UR E

Get Captivated by - Jerome Onipede

IN THE STORY OF YOUR LIFE, LET GOD REMAIN THE STAR! You had trusted God to make payment for your school fees. It took longer than you expected but when it finally came, you were so excited that you forgot how long you had to wait. You were excited that, finally, challenge that is over.

Your younger sister is getting married and you are so excited about it because, that will be the first wedding celebrated in your family. Everyone had once thought it will be yours because, you had this wonderful relationship for seven years. That was until you realized someone else got pregnant for him; someone his mother had preferred to you. So, when the opportunity for your younger sister to be married pulled through, you put in everything like you would have done your own wedding and it was a huge success.

You just left speaking with a marriage counselor.

You and your wife felt hope rise in you again for the marriage that you once thought was over.

Suddenly, it’s like you just discovered each other all over again.

You had a terrible setback with your career but

since the beginning of the year, everything seems to be falling in place for you. You started meeting people who are showing interest in you and your destiny again; friends, old and new, who want to assist one way or the other. You have not been this happy in a while.

You have no formal academic training yet you had risen through the ranks in the organization you have put 17 years into. Now, you have been considered and promoted as a manager of the company. Your joy knows no bounds.

You got pregnant for the most irresponsible man in your community. He took off after he found you’re pregnant. Yet, when the baby arrived, your parents became so excited about life again, took the child as their own, helped you back on

ESCAPADES of

Style

CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK...

THE TRANSACTION ...‘Exactly what I want to discuss over lunch’ the shameless man replied. I didnt blame him too much. An attitude like his is rife in business, you just have to develop your own response to it that would be firm but remain respectful. It also probably had worked for him in the past. What with some of our womenfolk dumping moral behavior in favour of greed, wanting to purchase jewels and designer accessories.... To each his own, but this type of behavior I personally detest....

‘So, oga at the top’, I now said, ‘since you are so impressed with my presentation and negotiation, lets wrap this up quickly, ehn? My team and I will like to close on it.....’

‘Have lunch with me’ the idiot persisted. At this point, I was now ready to walk away. If the seriousness of the proposed deal was lost on this oaf, then I was ready

12

/ June 16, 2013

your feet, and you have not only finished your Master’s degree abroad but also landed a job in an international organization of great repute. And, everywhere you go, you have this “come and see me now” look on your face.

Now, in all this happiness, excitement, joy, etc., you wake up and for no reason and started feeling discouraged. Suddenly, the discouragement is turning into a form of sadness you can literally touch. Then, you begin to wonder: where this is coming from? You had been very happy recently and had tangible reasons not only to be happy but to continue to be.

Well, I guess you are right. You have all the reasons to be happy; except that when you are happy, you forget that someone becomes very unhappy. Satan never wants to see you happy, not even for a second. And, because we forget that, in our joy, we leave ourselves unguarded and open to the attacks of the enemy. We never know when the enemy of our souls tries to creep in. Satan tries to infiltrate through our imaginations. He works on lies all of the time.

The whole idea is to use this to steal the joy in our hearts and replace it with sadness. If we are not on our guards, we will always fall for it.

That’s why we may go to bed feeling very happy and wake up feeling really sad; a seed of sadness was sown while we were excited and we were not sensitive enough to uproot it immediately. We allowed it to fester until it became strong enough to bind and imprison us.

WHEN AND HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN? After paying your school fees and you are so excited about it, satan comes up with a thought for you like: “But did you have to wait for that long to pay your school fees? ...TO BE CONTINUED

Counseling inquiries on Marriage, Relationships, Career and Matchmaking >> @jeromeistalking on Twitter. “Like” Jerome Yaovi Onipede on Facebook.

to stroll......

‘No lunch’, I responded firmly and added ‘No problem though’. When you are ready for the deal, sir, you can always contact me. Shebi you have my card? ‘ Why waste my time? My company pays me handsomely for its judicious use.....

Leave, we did. My team and I. After the recess, I made an excuse that an urgent matter had come up in my office and had to leave, could we reschedule the entire thing? Mr Rude had looked like he would fall off his chair. He probably had thought I was just stonewalling.....

Not end of the story yet, though. Three days later, Mr Rude called me.

‘Madam, please let’s sign this agreement and move forward, he announced, as soon as I picked the call and said hello. ‘I will really like to work with you. I think your company has capacity and besides, you strike me as a professional....’ I smiled inwardly. Doing the right thing always works out so much better, I immediately thought. Agbaya, looking for runs instead of business. Now, he’s probably calmed down to appraise how much he would gain if he went with our deal and wants to work.

‘Shebi you will monitor the project yourself?’ Mr Rude asked...

Unrepentant, I thought. ‘Actually, no, I’ve appointed a project lead who will handle this. He is my deputy and extremely competent. I will give executive oversight as I do all the projects in the company’ I came back promptly and smartly.

Brief pause......then, ‘Okay, madam’ in a resigned tone. Let’s do business. But I like you sha oo....’

I put down the phone and laughed. Another successful deal under our belt in the company. One more call, though. I dialed our accountant, who had prepared the numbers for the transaction. ‘Kayode, increase our charges on this transaction by 20%, I said’ . ‘Wow, madam, a whopping twenty percent?’ asked our very competent Kayode. ‘Yup’, I responded. Just increase it. We need to make more income for the company. Let them negotiate it but we will still come to a higher figure in the end’. ‘Brilliant’, said my colleague.

I dropped that call with an inward smile. Mr Rude would pay for his shenanigans. With cold, hard cash...... Lol! Feedback to escapadesofstyle gmail.com

...secret diary of a fashionista...

F EA T U R E

KATHY EMIKO

BodyPerfect not just slimming but fitness

CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK...

WHAT IS YOUR PERFECT WEIGHT

If you have a large frame, add 10 pounds to your baseline, if you have a small frame, subtract 5 pounds. And if you have a medium frame size, do not adjust your weight calculator.

FRAME SIZE CHART HEIGHT WRIST

CIRCUMFERENCE

FRAME SIZE

UNDER 5.5”

UNDER 5.5” UNDER 6” UNDER 6.25”

SMALL MEDIUM LARGE

5.2” - 5.5”

5.5” – 5.75” 6” – 6.25” 6.25” – 6.5”

SMALL MEDIUM LARGE

OVER 5.5”

UNDER 5.5”

SMALL MEDIUM LARGE

olish Professional

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Start with these detox solutions (08037090382) Are you overweight? A waistline of more than 31 inches for women and 36 inches for men is overweight and if you’ve ready to bring it down in a healthy way, jumpstart with the following Detox Solutions:-

(a) Miracle detox: A cleansing programme that helps rids your system of free radicals that clogs your metabolism and thus can’t lose weight. It is also good for jump starting a weight loss programme.

It is a one month programme which includes 7days of cleansing and 3 weeks metabolic booster; in a month you can shift as much as 10kg. (b) Beach body detox diet: A more intensive detox/diet programme that gives faster and lasting result on weight loss, energy and skin glow. It is a month programme of clean eating based on a calorie intake of 1200 – 1500 of African foods. It has healthy supplements for hunger reducing; sugar craving and belly blast; which helps with suborn abdominal fat, especially after child bearing or a cesarean section. A month of the Beach body you can shift as much as 18kg and 6 inches from the stomach. (c) 48 hour Detox: this is for those already on a weight loss programme or wants to reduce bloating within hours. It is a quick and healthy way to drop as much as 4-5kg in 48 hours. Health is cheap, disease is expensive.

Princess Kathy is a certified nutrition and fitness consultant. Email: bodyperfectng@aol. com | BB: 28356028

THE

by - Chioma Okoye

WHAT MAKES A STAFF A TEAM OF PROFESSIONAL? What makes a staff a team of professional? The key is attitude People think professionalism is action. It’s not. ‘’it’s an attitude’’ and mostly it’s an attitude of self respect.

Developing a professional attitude has to be something staff want to achieve, ‘’not something they have to do’’. Otherwise they won’t put forth the effort. And what makes it attractive is what’s-in-it-for-me, or the personal value it carries, which essentially is the fact that self respect generates

returned respect from the people who sees it.

There are several factors that take staff to the professional level...all of them amazingly simple. But don’t stop with these, let staff develop other elements to add to their professional picture. And don’t expect to create professionalism in a day. The manager has to ‘’remind staff again and again’’ that their attitude is what makes them professionals and that being professional is what brings them personal satisfaction.

A GREETING BEGETS A GREETING

The most important factor of professionalism is also the most often

overlooked: a personal greeting. And part of that greeting is to introduce oneself.

Patients biggest complaint is not the wait but the fact that they aren’t greeted when they come in, A greeting ‘’is a form of respect’’ for the patient and at the sometime ‘’a form of self respect’’ for the staffer, because greeting someone opens door to being greeted back.

If the phone is ringing and its

not possible to speak to someone immediately, double the greeting when the call ends. Stand up ‘’and make a big point’’ of giving a personal hello.

Greetings are important within the office as well, too often staff get so focused on their jobs ‘’that they miss the people’’.

The personal benefit of this element of professionalism: people who greet others warmly and with respect get the same in return.

Chioma E. Okoye is a Corporate Etiquette expert; she is the Principal of the Diamond School of International protocol & Etiquette. She studied International Protocol & Etiquette at the Institut Villa Pierrefeu Switzerland and is Professional Etiquette Certified (PEC) by Charleston School of Protocol and Etiquette Incorporated, United States of America. She worked as a Managing Partner at Lean Sigma Concept for several years (a Management/ Consulting Firm), and was a Managing Partner at Lyndon Cooper (an event consulting firm) before founding Diamond School of International Protocol & Etiquette. She is also a founding team member of John Maxwell group and a certified leadership Coach.

June 23, 2013 /

13

B EAU T Y

Finding the Perfect n o i t a d foun by - Uche Amonye Visage Makeovers

Beauty is all about the skin; it’s an essential component to good looks. When you see someone whom you find pretty, most likely she has clear, smooth skin.

Foundation is a key item in a makeup kit, to ensure you get your perfect shade and formula, buy at a beauty studio, there you will get professional guidance.

OILY SKIN

Look for oil free liquid foundation and if you choose to wear moisturiser, use a mattifying formula, it dries down matte, smoothing the appearance of the skin.

NORMAL TO DRY SKIN

clinique oily skin foundation

You can use a liquid, creamy or stick foundation. Always prime your skin with a moisturiser before applying foundation and give it a minute to absorb.

HOW TO APPLY Use a wedge (triangular synthetic sponge), your finger tips or foundation brush, start with less foundation than you think you need, it’s easier to add a little more later than remove it. Apply to centre of cheeks and forehead, blend towards the edge of your face to assure even coverage, blend gently and carefully around the nose and mouth.

Foundation is also moisturising, which makes for a smoother, creamier finish. Set foundation by applying powder, this locks the foundation into place and helps prevent oil breakthrough.

clarins normal to dry skin foundation

triangle foundation sponge

14

VISAGE’S FOUNDATION TEST...

Finding the perfect foundation is the number one most important thing. The right foundation should not be heavy or artificial. It should, in fact, be so perfectly matched to your skin tone and texture that it disappears. You see not makeup, but smooth, flawless skin. If you already own or want to buy a foundation, try this test. Apply a swipe of it on your cheek; step out into natural light with a mirror and blend, if it’s invisible on your skin, your foundation works, if the swipe is visible (lighter or darker), it’s time to get a new foundation. / June 23, 2013

PEO PL E

“ O N E PA RT Y AT A T I M E ! ”

QUINTESSENTIALLY AND ANGEL CHAMPAGNE WOW WITH EYE POPPING EXHIBITION By - Oscar Ochiogu Angel Champagne and Quintessentially, an internationally renowned concierge company held guests captive with a display of some top international brands, at an event put together by Zakaa Luxury Concept. It was a debut of sort for some of the world’s top brands.

The classy event which held at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja was attended by individuals in the top echelon of the Nigerian success ladder. It was a celebration of pomp, pageantry, luxury and quality.

Guest had enough to eat and drink from the variety served. It was indeed a royal banquet. Here are some pictures from the event.

MR & MRS SOMZE

MORRILYN OGOR and ADEREMI ADIJOHN

DR & DR(MRS) NDUKWE

roland

CAROL

farrah and onoja

AKOKWA EMINENT PERSONS’ DINNER 2013

FMR FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER, CHIEF TOM IKIMI AND A GUEST

By - Oscar Ochiogu

QUEEN AHNEVA WITH SOME GUESTS

This year’s Akokwa Eminent Person’s Annual Dinner was held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos on Saturday.

The event, a yearly gathering of eminent sons and daughters of Akokwa community resident in Lagos, is to, among other things, pray for the development of Akokwa town in a convivial atmosphere.

MRS & MRS JOLLY COLE

MR & mrs ISRAEL OJIEKWE

INGRAM OSIWE

BAR and DR OKEMANU

SADA & ABUBAKAR

MR& MRS MATHEW

HON WALE OGUBANJO

mr and mrs OLUAERI OKEI

CHIABUORU EMMMAUEL

NGOZI ONYEJE

IKECHUKWU SIMEON

June 23, 2013 /

15