RAYMOND DOKPESI - More Than a Media Mogul

July 28, 2013

DOUBLE

TAKE

South Africa’s PAUL VAN ZYL to showcase his 2013 collection at

Native &Vogue, Port Harcourt

RAYMOND DOKPESI

- More Than a Media Mogul

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 4 South Africa’s PAUL VAN ZYL to showcase his 2013 collection at Native &Vogue, Port Harcourt

5 Double Take

HEALTH 11

July 28 - August 3

THIS WEEK

Inside

ON THE COVER

• HEALTHY LIVING -Thunder Thighs Begone!•

FEATURES 12

• Get Captivated - Mr Photo Shoot had plans... - contd.

• Escapades of Style - The School event - contd.

PEOPLE 14 - 15

When Michael Renzler came calling Nkechi Arah Launches new Outlet

8 - 10

Lanson Champagne hosts Wimbledon Night Wosa Night of Wine Tasting.

““Marriage is a very good thing, but it’s a mistake to make a habit of it.”

Al Schlock

“ “Books are a poor substit ute for female companionship, but they are easier to find.””

Patrick Rothfuss

“Share too much and someone can hurt you.”

Dorothy Koomson

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

Somerset Maugham

““You can always surprise your husband on your anniversary by just mentioning it”

...Undoubtedly one of the most influential men in Nigeria’s media industry, Dr. Raymond Dopkesi is an inspiration to many; coming from a humble background but through hard work and determination, he achieved what he set his sights on and continues to reach further. He did not only establish the first privately-owned radio station, Raypower FM, in Nigeria, he also pioneered Nigeria’s first global TV – Africa’s first ever satellite TV station and the first TV station to run 24-hour broadcasting in Nigeria.

Chief Raymond Dokpesi needs no introduction. His remarkable feat with the Africa Independent Television (AIT) is a carrot - you can’t miss its bright hue. And so, Chief is an international figure, an elder statesman, a stakeholder in the project called Nigeria.

Thus, the interview granted Yemisi Suleiman centred on the project close to all our hearts - Nigeria and the problems bedevilling it. I wish there was more time and space to accommodate many of his views; but alas, we are constrained.

The much we have revealed, the chief as a man with candour, integrity and humility. I can tell you for free that chief is not a cradle snatcher - when time came for a younger wife, he took one mature enough to go into the marriage with eyes open and the mental capability to cope with the duties of being a wife.

It is therefore a tragedy for which we shall all suffer its consequences that the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is populated with men and women who say it is okay to bed a 13-year old girl. Please join the campaign against this dastardly act by lending your voice against it. Go to www.change.org and add your signature. Let’s get a million dissenting voices saying a resounding ‘No’ to perverts and paedophiles.

On a more cheering note, the Glo X-Factor is getting super-competitive! Now, the battle has reached fever pitch with the Top 9 who will go into the show proper selected. From the nine, the finalists will have to perform their hearts out to get viewers votes. This is where you -the viewer determines who stays till the end or cries home. Don’t miss tonight’s show.

Enjoy your week!

COVER PHOTO: BAMIYO ISELEMA EMINA

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

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

For advertisement / enquiries, call DEBBIE: 08039675880, OGE: 08039777910 Office Auxiliary: EBERE OKOH

SOUTH AFRICA’S PAUL VAN ZYL TO SHOWCASE HIS 2013 COLLECTION AT NATIVE &

VOGUE, PORT HARCOURT

P

aul van Zyl has become known as one of South Africa’s top Couturiers and also the proud owner of Elegance Fabrics in Cape Town.

PAUL VAN ZYL He is a former Mathematician who left teaching after 13 years to pursue a career in fashion design almost 20 years ago.

Paul van Zyl soon made a mark on the South African Fashion scene and was widely recognized for his flair, creativity and the fact that his garments have a signature fit. The fit, his sense for proportion as well as understanding of difficult figures has made him a very popular designer.

Since the inception of Cape Town Fashion Week Paul was a regular designer to show his Haute Couture Collections annually. He did this for six years running. He also took part in the Jo’burg Audi Fashion Week.

He had a studio in Johannesburg but decided to close the studio up there after two years as the traveling and demand was just too much, together with all his business responsibility in Cape Town.

4

/ July 28, 2013

In 2006 Paul was invited to take part in the Acapulco Fashion Extravaganza which took place on the beach in front of 5000 guest with Super Models from all over the world.

In 2007 he was invited by the South African Embassy in Berlin to do a fashion show at the Ritz Plaza in Berlin Germany.

Paul has dressed the finalist of the Miss Namibia Beauty Pageant for two years running, as well as dressing Miss Namibia to the Miss World and Miss Universe pageants.

In 2011 Paul also dressed finalists to the Miss South Africa Pageant.

He has dresses numerous celebrities like former Miss World Michelle McClean, former Miss South Africa’s Cindy Nel, Joanne Strauss, Vanessa Carreira to name a few.

Paul’s work has also featured on many South African TV magazine and design programmes like Top Billing, Kwela, A list,

Pasella just to name a few.

Paul is also the proud owner of Elegance Fabrics in Cape Town. He has two branches one in Canal Walk and the other in Cavendish Square. Elegance is regarded as one of the best fabric shops in South Africa importing very exclusive and top of the range fabrics.

Paul travels at least four times a year to attend shows and fair from Paris to Seoul to select the most exclusive and best quality fabrics.

In 2011 Paul presented the first Elegance Couture Collection with twelve Top Cape Town designers in Canal Walk.

E L B U O D DOUBLE TAKE

FA S H I ON

by - Jemi Ekunkunbor

When actress, Genevieve Nnaji showed up in this yellow, floor-length number at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), it kind of made up for all the flak she got for the white dress with plunging neckline she had earlier worn. This sunny yellow dress is really something.

From the AMVCA, the dress re-surfaced this time around, worn by Alex Nowe at the recently held, Miss Nigeria beauty pageant. Alex’s modification to the dress-a little detail around the waistline did not make much difference to the essence of the dress and colour.

The question is, who wore it better? Genevieve or Alex?

genevieve nnaji

Alexs Nowe

July 28, 2013 /

5

Pheel

1

Victoria Ebi Gomoti (20)

Philip Otuya (26)

Philip is 26 years old and hails from kwale, Delta state.

He studied industrial relations and personnel management at the University of Lagos and lives in Isolo, Lagos. He started singing at the age of 9 in the church choir, and did his first recording in 2006. He has gone for different competitions and plans to make a career in music. An R ‘n’B singer, Philip says he respects every contestant n the show but “I am focused on coming out as number one. I want to be an example to young people out there, that you can chase your dream and make it no matter how long it takes.” He is from a large family of 12 children.

Eshun

2

21-year-old Ethel dropped out after just two years in junior high school when her parents separated and moved in with her mum. Her father lost his job and her mum was unemployed, so she could not continue her secondary education. She went to a computer school for 6 months but has not been able to further her education since then. Ethel has a five-year-old son who she had when she was 16.

Her baby’s father wasn’t happy with her relationship with her son and forced them to break the relationship. She hails from Accra, Ghana.

Top 9 performers emerge Organisers of the Glo X Factor singing reality TV show on Saturday unveiled the Top 9 contestants in the competition. The Top 9 emerged after weeks of painstaking auditions held in Port Harcourt, Abuja, Lagos, Kumasi, Accra and the Booth Camp in Lagos.

The Top 9 that will slug it out for the N24 million winner’s cash prize offered by show sponsors, Globacom, as well as a recording contract with Sony Music are 6 solo singers and 3 groups. The solo singers are Ethel Esi Eshun, Michael Inalegwu Ogah, Philip Otuya, Mohie Patience Uyoyo Oghene, Obianuju Catherine Udeh and Victoria Ebi Gomoti. The groups are the DNA Twins, Symphony and SmoothBoiz.

The unveiling was broadcast on AIT, Soundcity, STV, AMC and V Channel. Viewers will also watch the unveiling of the Top 9 today (Sunday) on NTA at 5.00 p.m., WAP TV at 6.00 p.m., ONTV and Real TV at 7.00 p.m. as well as on TVC at 8.30 p.m. and Kennis Music at 9.30 p.m.

The contestants will now begin their live performances and vie for votes from the viewing public to remain in the competition.

X Factor is the world’s number one music singing talent reality

6

/ July 28, 2013

TV show. It is designed to find new talents. It is contested by aspiring singers, drawn from public auditions and is open to all ages, sex, styles, solo acts or groups. A major difference between the show and others is that the judges also double as coaches for the various groups. It is peculiarly split in stages, following the contestants from auditions through to the booth camp, the judges’ homes; to the grand finale.

Bringing X Factor to Africa confirms Globacom as the leading force that connects the youths to their entertainment passion.

“Africa has been yearning for a programme of this optimum quality and we are privileged to have made it possible,” Globacom said at the launch of the show. It added that Glo needed to do something special as part of activities marking its 10th anniversary, hence the gift of “The X Factor” to entertain and delight its teeming subscribers across sub-Saharan Africa and the larger public.

“The X Factor” has been successfully launched in major countries including UK, the United States, Albania, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany and Spain.

20-year-old Victoria from Biseni, Bayelsa State, is a secondary school leaver, but still intends to further her education by studying mass communication in the university and also go for professional course in music. Her parents divorced when her mum could no longer take the violence from Vicky’s father. Her mum, who she says has made plenty of sacrifice for her, has been taking care of her singlehandedly. She prays God will help her do well and will always do her best in the competition so that people will vote for her. She has a younger brother and they live in Gbagada, Lagos.

5

DNA TWINS

Blair and Clinton Robert (17)

Ethel Esi Eshun (21)

Glo X Factor Heats Up:

4

VICKY

Blair and Clinton Robert turned 17 on June 16. The twins come from a polygamous family of 13 children and attended Madonna Model Secondary School, Owerri, Imo State. They had just finished writing their final exams when the audition started and they decided to participate at the Abuja auditions. Their father used to be rich in London, but he suffered a set-back and things became tough financially. The twins then had to move into their uncle’s house.

“Our chances are bright. God has brought us this far, and we believe he will see us through.

And we will do our best. We will work hard, have fun and make the crowd happy. We will be relying on our fans to vote for us.

PRINCESS 3 PAT MOHIE Mohie Patience Uyoyo Oghene (49) Princess Pat is 49 years old and has been married to Patrick Mohie for 21 Years. Together they have 3 beautiful daughters aged 18, 15 and 12. She lives in Ikota, Lekki, Lagos. Prince Pat describes herself as “basically an all-round entertainment person.” And she is very right considering that she is a singer, songwriter, actress, gospel minister and script-writer. She has also released a gospel album. She is from Isoko south, Delta State, but husband is from Ogoja, Cross River State.

8

SmoothBoiz

DJ SWITCH Obianuju Catherine Udeh (29)

6

29-year-old rapper Obianuju adopted the stage name DJ Switch because of her versatility and ability to switch from one thing to another. She is from Udi, Enugu State, and studied geology at the University of Port. She worked briefly with Halliburton and is now a professional DJ. She grew up in Warri, Delta State, but lives in Abuja. Her father is late and she is the last of eight children. “I have my trust in God. I believe everything happens the way it is meant to be and I am confident,” DJ Switche says, adding that she had always loved rapping.

Ankara Boi Michael Inalegwu Ogah (23)

7

23-year-old Michael, a law graduate of University of Abuja, entered the competition with his singing partner, Damola Boaz, a 500 engineering student of the same university. However, Damola pulled out of the show when his department was moved to Minna Campus of Uniabuja. Michael went solo and has made it to the Top 9. He formed the group Ankara Boiz five years ago with Damola after he heard him playing a guitar and liked his performance. He is from Oturkpo, Benue State, and lives in Abuja.

Victor Simeon (25), David Oboh (23), Festus Oboh (24), Peter Godwin (25) The group SmoothBoiz is made up of 25 year-old Victor Simeon from Okpila in Edo State, Festus Oboh and his brother (24), David (23) from Ekpoma, Edo State, and Peter (25) from Obiaruku, Delta state. They came together during their secondary school days at Government College, Ikorodu, Lagos. A major motivation for the group was Victor who lost one of his legs when a lorry ran over it a few years ago. So the friends formed the group to help him raise money for prosthesis. The friends who all live in Lagos now sing professionally at bars, clubs and functions. Sadly, Peter lost his father a few weeks ago, but his three friends say they will work harder in the competition for him.

Symphony

Agyei Solomon (23), Orgle Nii Nortey Vanderpuye (21), Boateng Silas Karikari Mensah (24)

9

The story of the Symphony group is quite inspiring. They only met each other at the audition queue in Kumasi and decided to perform as a group instead of going solo. They group is made up of Solomon, 23, Nii nortey, 21 and Silas, 24. Solomon is a student of materials engineering at the Kwame Nkurumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, while Nii Nortey is studying industrial and rural art in the same school. Silas is a product of University of development Studies, northern Ghana. “It has been very challenging considering that we didn’t know one another before and we have not been together for long, buy we are united in our common goal. We hope to win a lot of Nigerian hearts along with the Ghanaian hearts,’ Solomon says.

July 28, 2013 /

7

Pheel

1

Victoria Ebi Gomoti (20)

Philip Otuya (26)

Philip is 26 years old and hails from kwale, Delta state.

He studied industrial relations and personnel management at the University of Lagos and lives in Isolo, Lagos. He started singing at the age of 9 in the church choir, and did his first recording in 2006. He has gone for different competitions and plans to make a career in music. An R ‘n’B singer, Philip says he respects every contestant n the show but “I am focused on coming out as number one. I want to be an example to young people out there, that you can chase your dream and make it no matter how long it takes.” He is from a large family of 12 children.

Eshun

2

21-year-old Ethel dropped out after just two years in junior high school when her parents separated and moved in with her mum. Her father lost his job and her mum was unemployed, so she could not continue her secondary education. She went to a computer school for 6 months but has not been able to further her education since then. Ethel has a five-year-old son who she had when she was 16.

Her baby’s father wasn’t happy with her relationship with her son and forced them to break the relationship. She hails from Accra, Ghana.

Top 9 performers emerge Organisers of the Glo X Factor singing reality TV show on Saturday unveiled the Top 9 contestants in the competition. The Top 9 emerged after weeks of painstaking auditions held in Port Harcourt, Abuja, Lagos, Kumasi, Accra and the Booth Camp in Lagos.

The Top 9 that will slug it out for the N24 million winner’s cash prize offered by show sponsors, Globacom, as well as a recording contract with Sony Music are 6 solo singers and 3 groups. The solo singers are Ethel Esi Eshun, Michael Inalegwu Ogah, Philip Otuya, Mohie Patience Uyoyo Oghene, Obianuju Catherine Udeh and Victoria Ebi Gomoti. The groups are the DNA Twins, Symphony and SmoothBoiz.

The unveiling was broadcast on AIT, Soundcity, STV, AMC and V Channel. Viewers will also watch the unveiling of the Top 9 today (Sunday) on NTA at 5.00 p.m., WAP TV at 6.00 p.m., ONTV and Real TV at 7.00 p.m. as well as on TVC at 8.30 p.m. and Kennis Music at 9.30 p.m.

The contestants will now begin their live performances and vie for votes from the viewing public to remain in the competition.

X Factor is the world’s number one music singing talent reality

6

/ July 28, 2013

TV show. It is designed to find new talents. It is contested by aspiring singers, drawn from public auditions and is open to all ages, sex, styles, solo acts or groups. A major difference between the show and others is that the judges also double as coaches for the various groups. It is peculiarly split in stages, following the contestants from auditions through to the booth camp, the judges’ homes; to the grand finale.

Bringing X Factor to Africa confirms Globacom as the leading force that connects the youths to their entertainment passion.

“Africa has been yearning for a programme of this optimum quality and we are privileged to have made it possible,” Globacom said at the launch of the show. It added that Glo needed to do something special as part of activities marking its 10th anniversary, hence the gift of “The X Factor” to entertain and delight its teeming subscribers across sub-Saharan Africa and the larger public.

“The X Factor” has been successfully launched in major countries including UK, the United States, Albania, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany and Spain.

20-year-old Victoria from Biseni, Bayelsa State, is a secondary school leaver, but still intends to further her education by studying mass communication in the university and also go for professional course in music. Her parents divorced when her mum could no longer take the violence from Vicky’s father. Her mum, who she says has made plenty of sacrifice for her, has been taking care of her singlehandedly. She prays God will help her do well and will always do her best in the competition so that people will vote for her. She has a younger brother and they live in Gbagada, Lagos.

5

DNA TWINS

Blair and Clinton Robert (17)

Ethel Esi Eshun (21)

Glo X Factor Heats Up:

4

VICKY

Blair and Clinton Robert turned 17 on June 16. The twins come from a polygamous family of 13 children and attended Madonna Model Secondary School, Owerri, Imo State. They had just finished writing their final exams when the audition started and they decided to participate at the Abuja auditions. Their father used to be rich in London, but he suffered a set-back and things became tough financially. The twins then had to move into their uncle’s house.

“Our chances are bright. God has brought us this far, and we believe he will see us through.

And we will do our best. We will work hard, have fun and make the crowd happy. We will be relying on our fans to vote for us.

PRINCESS 3 PAT MOHIE Mohie Patience Uyoyo Oghene (49) Princess Pat is 49 years old and has been married to Patrick Mohie for 21 Years. Together they have 3 beautiful daughters aged 18, 15 and 12. She lives in Ikota, Lekki, Lagos. Prince Pat describes herself as “basically an all-round entertainment person.” And she is very right considering that she is a singer, songwriter, actress, gospel minister and script-writer. She has also released a gospel album. She is from Isoko south, Delta State, but husband is from Ogoja, Cross River State.

8

SmoothBoiz

DJ SWITCH Obianuju Catherine Udeh (29)

6

29-year-old rapper Obianuju adopted the stage name DJ Switch because of her versatility and ability to switch from one thing to another. She is from Udi, Enugu State, and studied geology at the University of Port. She worked briefly with Halliburton and is now a professional DJ. She grew up in Warri, Delta State, but lives in Abuja. Her father is late and she is the last of eight children. “I have my trust in God. I believe everything happens the way it is meant to be and I am confident,” DJ Switche says, adding that she had always loved rapping.

Ankara Boi Michael Inalegwu Ogah (23)

7

23-year-old Michael, a law graduate of University of Abuja, entered the competition with his singing partner, Damola Boaz, a 500 engineering student of the same university. However, Damola pulled out of the show when his department was moved to Minna Campus of Uniabuja. Michael went solo and has made it to the Top 9. He formed the group Ankara Boiz five years ago with Damola after he heard him playing a guitar and liked his performance. He is from Oturkpo, Benue State, and lives in Abuja.

Victor Simeon (25), David Oboh (23), Festus Oboh (24), Peter Godwin (25) The group SmoothBoiz is made up of 25 year-old Victor Simeon from Okpila in Edo State, Festus Oboh and his brother (24), David (23) from Ekpoma, Edo State, and Peter (25) from Obiaruku, Delta state. They came together during their secondary school days at Government College, Ikorodu, Lagos. A major motivation for the group was Victor who lost one of his legs when a lorry ran over it a few years ago. So the friends formed the group to help him raise money for prosthesis. The friends who all live in Lagos now sing professionally at bars, clubs and functions. Sadly, Peter lost his father a few weeks ago, but his three friends say they will work harder in the competition for him.

Symphony

Agyei Solomon (23), Orgle Nii Nortey Vanderpuye (21), Boateng Silas Karikari Mensah (24)

9

The story of the Symphony group is quite inspiring. They only met each other at the audition queue in Kumasi and decided to perform as a group instead of going solo. They group is made up of Solomon, 23, Nii nortey, 21 and Silas, 24. Solomon is a student of materials engineering at the Kwame Nkurumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, while Nii Nortey is studying industrial and rural art in the same school. Silas is a product of University of development Studies, northern Ghana. “It has been very challenging considering that we didn’t know one another before and we have not been together for long, buy we are united in our common goal. We hope to win a lot of Nigerian hearts along with the Ghanaian hearts,’ Solomon says.

July 28, 2013 /

7

REPORTAGE

REPORTAGE

Raymond D okpesi - More Than a

transmission in Nigeria.

Prior to that time, radio stations were just running from about 6a.m. to 12 midnight while television stations would start at about 4a.m. or 5a.m. and close at midnight. So, it was AIT and Ray Power FM that came to the scene and introduced the 24-hour broadcasting revolution. Today, any radio station that is not running 24 hours has not started yet.

A lot of private TV and radio stations have come after Ray Power FM and AIT. Do you think your stations still have an edge over the others as it were?

Well, most of the stations that have come after us, quite naturally, have had to adopt and adapt most of the programming that we have and they were not different, except for the few stations that have come as specialist registration; like Brilla FM that is a sports specialized radio station.

I have not heard of 24-hour news stations but we have the talk (stations), we have the dialects. I must commend the effort to come up with a local dialects radio station; because if you look at the print media, this is one of the major challenges and short comings that we have had.

Media Mogul

By - Yemisi Suleiman

W

e were ushered into his tastefully furnished office at the DAAR Communications Complex, Asokoro-Abuja. High Chief Raymond Dokpesi put us at ease with a warm welcome and we settled down for the interview. Undoubtedly one of the most influential men in Nigeria’s media industry, Dr. Raymond Dopkesi is an inspiration to many; coming from a humble background but through hard work and determination, he achieved what he set his sights on and continues to reach further.

He did not only establish the first privately-owned radio station, Raypower FM, in Nigeria, he also pioneered Nigeria’s first global TV – Africa’s first ever satellite TV station and the first TV station to run 24-hour broadcasting in Nigeria.

Born in 1951 in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria of Agenebode, Edo State parents.

Dr. Dokpesi also has his hands in politics. One of his first political assignments was as a political campaign manager for Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, which saw Tukur into the then Gongola State Government House.

Perhaps, the most impressive thing about Dr. Dokpesi is his humility, with no airs around him. We had a good laugh throughout the interview and photo-shoot session as he took us to the beginning, challenges he encountered, his views on the freedom of the press, current political situation in the country and life generally.

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/ July 28, 2013

• High Chief Raymond Dokpesi How did you get into broadcasting?

After Alhaji Bamanga Tukur won the governorship election, he swore me in as the first chief of staff to be so designated in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, until the military took over. I came back to Lagos, to my base, since I had withdrawn my services from the Federal Civil Service. I set up Africa Ocean Lines with the late Shehu Yar’adua, late MKO Abiola and Alhaji Tukur. We were the four shareholders of Africa Ocean Lines.

I was the managing director and so had the opportunity of going to the shipyard and acquiring four brand new ships for Africa Ocean’s operations. At the peak of its operations, we had about 50 vessels operating per week; it was a very massive effort. But into that crept the internal Nigerian politics, as it were.

There were changes in the Structural Adjustment Programmme of the Babangida administration at that point in time and the volume of cargoes we had coming into and going out of the country reduced tremendously.

Hence, the need to restructure and reorganize the portfolio of vessels that we had in operation became necessary. But what was more challenging was that Alhaji Babagana Tukur had presidential ambitions.

Shehu Yar’adua and MKO Abiola also had presidential ambitions too.

Obviously, we mismanaged the opportunity we had at that time, in trying to resolve the challenges and issues that affected operations. Also, some external persons came into the situation and heated up the disagreements between the four of us.

That led to the collapse of Africa Ocean Lines. After the very heated fight, myself, Alhaji Tukur and Shehu Yar’adua were on one side against MKO Abiola.

Thereafter, we had to wind up and the winding up was done by Captain Adamu, who later became the Secretary of Nigeria Shippers Council.

I went ahead, at that time, to float a shipping line that was involved in carriage of bulk cargo. It was a prosperous operation at that time, until we went ahead to acquire two tankers to participate in the carriage of crude oil from Nigeria to other countries. Then, the powers that be, in spite of the fact that General Ibrahim Babangida approved and the Minister of Petroleum at that time, Professor Aminu, approved that we should go ahead; the Minister of Transport withdrew his preliminary approval. He said he has received some petitions from some people on why I should be granted license and so on.

The NNPC, which had agreements with us, also wavered. With the situation, the vessels that came were unable to go because there was no cargo to carry out operations. So, I ran into very strong challenges because, we had three hundred thousand capacity in two vessels on Nigerian waters, as it were, at that time.

We waited for almost six months to be able to get consignment and when it was not available, the ships had to withdraw and I was compelled to sign off all my rights to the vessels back to the shipyard.

How did you eventually get out of the situation? And, at what point did broadcasting come into the picture?

From then onwards, I got involved with Alhaji Babagana Tukur’s campaign again and, in the process, I got involved in senatorial elections. At the end, there was a change in government and General Sani Abacha took over power.

So, I traveled to the United States. It was while I was there, for the first time, that I felt and enjoyed the clarity

and beauty of America’s radio stations. I was fascinated and it became a refreshing opportunity to go into some of the radio stations in America. The rest is history as I decided to venture into radio broadcasting.

Let me say that, that was the beginning of deregulation of broadcasting in Nigeria. At that time, I was opportune to meet the then minister of information on a flight and we discussed about communities that had radio stations in the country. We discovered that the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria was not effective enough to cover all areas and a lot of people still had to wait for their children in urban areas like Lagos to communicate what was actually happening in the country to them.

It was the minister who told me that they had just passed the Deregulation of Broadcasting Bill into law and if I was interested, it was going to be possible for me to get involved and run it and I said why not. So, my interest was awakened, I applied and they gave me approval to run cable television and provisional license for radio. So, when I was in the US, I went ahead, got all the inspiration and encouragement from the then director general of broadcasting, Dr. Tom Adaba, and chairman, veteran and ace journalist, Mr. Peter Enahoro.

They both encouraged me and gave me good support. While I was in the US, I acquired all the necessary equipment to be able to come back home and set up a station. I came back to the country only after I had acquired all the equipment. So when I came back, I started putting structures in place at Alagbado, Lagos. We tried to do that within record time by working around the clock. The fact that we built the station in record time, made us determined to start 24-hour radio

In your view, would you say that the media in Nigeria exercises fully the Freedom of Information law?

Let me start by saying that Nigeria has one of the freest media in the whole world. But the Freedom of Information Act gives unfettered access to information, which is on the theoretical aspect of it.

There are still some challenges in accessing information as and when due. But we all must appreciate that even the United States of America, where you have the amendment of the First Commandment, as they call it, controls what the media can give to the public. For instance, there are issues that are of strategic national importance like security, which the media should not trample upon.

Some sort of decorum and maturity is required in such issues. Take the very recent few days for instance; what happened in Rivers State, the handling by the media falls a little bit below expectation. We could see that the media misled its reading populace about the facts of what was happening. Actually, it is very glaring that there is a lot of misinformation and which appears to be deliberate.

Was what the media published or broadcast different from what happened?

The man that was wearing white and white and a red cap, was he one of the five? Was he not the Rivers State governor’s supporter? But he was painted as the victim when he was actually the villain. And we misled the entire Nigerian people and that is the power of the media. This is why we need to exercise a lot of caution, care and verification before we come out with information because one little thing can spark off tension.

On the other hand, you see that the Nigerian media has done very well in handling Boko Haram issues; where we needed to show some sort of restraint and care, the media showed that level of care. There is still a learning process especially with the younger generation of journalists that needs to be exposed to more training, exposed to the rigours in a proper and conducive environment, created for them to be able to grow professionally in the industry. That still needs to be done. On the average, I think that the Nigerian journalist and the Nigerian media has done quite well.

What are your views on the current state of the nation; the Nigerian Governor’s Forum crises, River state crises, amongst others?

Well, I believe that a lot needs to be done. I believe that we are all born to one united Nigeria and there is no reason why we must not sustain whatever our forefathers bequeathed to us. It therefore falls on all Nigerians to make sure that they keep this entity that was amalgamated in 1914 as one united country.

I strongly believe that the crisis that emanated in Rivers State was uncalled for. But it is not one that cannot be surmounted and resolved. All parties involved must put the interest of the ordinary people of Rivers July 28, 2013 /

9

REPORTAGE

REPORTAGE

Raymond D okpesi - More Than a

transmission in Nigeria.

Prior to that time, radio stations were just running from about 6a.m. to 12 midnight while television stations would start at about 4a.m. or 5a.m. and close at midnight. So, it was AIT and Ray Power FM that came to the scene and introduced the 24-hour broadcasting revolution. Today, any radio station that is not running 24 hours has not started yet.

A lot of private TV and radio stations have come after Ray Power FM and AIT. Do you think your stations still have an edge over the others as it were?

Well, most of the stations that have come after us, quite naturally, have had to adopt and adapt most of the programming that we have and they were not different, except for the few stations that have come as specialist registration; like Brilla FM that is a sports specialized radio station.

I have not heard of 24-hour news stations but we have the talk (stations), we have the dialects. I must commend the effort to come up with a local dialects radio station; because if you look at the print media, this is one of the major challenges and short comings that we have had.

Media Mogul

By - Yemisi Suleiman

W

e were ushered into his tastefully furnished office at the DAAR Communications Complex, Asokoro-Abuja. High Chief Raymond Dokpesi put us at ease with a warm welcome and we settled down for the interview. Undoubtedly one of the most influential men in Nigeria’s media industry, Dr. Raymond Dopkesi is an inspiration to many; coming from a humble background but through hard work and determination, he achieved what he set his sights on and continues to reach further.

He did not only establish the first privately-owned radio station, Raypower FM, in Nigeria, he also pioneered Nigeria’s first global TV – Africa’s first ever satellite TV station and the first TV station to run 24-hour broadcasting in Nigeria.

Born in 1951 in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria of Agenebode, Edo State parents.

Dr. Dokpesi also has his hands in politics. One of his first political assignments was as a political campaign manager for Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, which saw Tukur into the then Gongola State Government House.

Perhaps, the most impressive thing about Dr. Dokpesi is his humility, with no airs around him. We had a good laugh throughout the interview and photo-shoot session as he took us to the beginning, challenges he encountered, his views on the freedom of the press, current political situation in the country and life generally.

8

/ July 28, 2013

• High Chief Raymond Dokpesi How did you get into broadcasting?

After Alhaji Bamanga Tukur won the governorship election, he swore me in as the first chief of staff to be so designated in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, until the military took over. I came back to Lagos, to my base, since I had withdrawn my services from the Federal Civil Service. I set up Africa Ocean Lines with the late Shehu Yar’adua, late MKO Abiola and Alhaji Tukur. We were the four shareholders of Africa Ocean Lines.

I was the managing director and so had the opportunity of going to the shipyard and acquiring four brand new ships for Africa Ocean’s operations. At the peak of its operations, we had about 50 vessels operating per week; it was a very massive effort. But into that crept the internal Nigerian politics, as it were.

There were changes in the Structural Adjustment Programmme of the Babangida administration at that point in time and the volume of cargoes we had coming into and going out of the country reduced tremendously.

Hence, the need to restructure and reorganize the portfolio of vessels that we had in operation became necessary. But what was more challenging was that Alhaji Babagana Tukur had presidential ambitions.

Shehu Yar’adua and MKO Abiola also had presidential ambitions too.

Obviously, we mismanaged the opportunity we had at that time, in trying to resolve the challenges and issues that affected operations. Also, some external persons came into the situation and heated up the disagreements between the four of us.

That led to the collapse of Africa Ocean Lines. After the very heated fight, myself, Alhaji Tukur and Shehu Yar’adua were on one side against MKO Abiola.

Thereafter, we had to wind up and the winding up was done by Captain Adamu, who later became the Secretary of Nigeria Shippers Council.

I went ahead, at that time, to float a shipping line that was involved in carriage of bulk cargo. It was a prosperous operation at that time, until we went ahead to acquire two tankers to participate in the carriage of crude oil from Nigeria to other countries. Then, the powers that be, in spite of the fact that General Ibrahim Babangida approved and the Minister of Petroleum at that time, Professor Aminu, approved that we should go ahead; the Minister of Transport withdrew his preliminary approval. He said he has received some petitions from some people on why I should be granted license and so on.

The NNPC, which had agreements with us, also wavered. With the situation, the vessels that came were unable to go because there was no cargo to carry out operations. So, I ran into very strong challenges because, we had three hundred thousand capacity in two vessels on Nigerian waters, as it were, at that time.

We waited for almost six months to be able to get consignment and when it was not available, the ships had to withdraw and I was compelled to sign off all my rights to the vessels back to the shipyard.

How did you eventually get out of the situation? And, at what point did broadcasting come into the picture?

From then onwards, I got involved with Alhaji Babagana Tukur’s campaign again and, in the process, I got involved in senatorial elections. At the end, there was a change in government and General Sani Abacha took over power.

So, I traveled to the United States. It was while I was there, for the first time, that I felt and enjoyed the clarity

and beauty of America’s radio stations. I was fascinated and it became a refreshing opportunity to go into some of the radio stations in America. The rest is history as I decided to venture into radio broadcasting.

Let me say that, that was the beginning of deregulation of broadcasting in Nigeria. At that time, I was opportune to meet the then minister of information on a flight and we discussed about communities that had radio stations in the country. We discovered that the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria was not effective enough to cover all areas and a lot of people still had to wait for their children in urban areas like Lagos to communicate what was actually happening in the country to them.

It was the minister who told me that they had just passed the Deregulation of Broadcasting Bill into law and if I was interested, it was going to be possible for me to get involved and run it and I said why not. So, my interest was awakened, I applied and they gave me approval to run cable television and provisional license for radio. So, when I was in the US, I went ahead, got all the inspiration and encouragement from the then director general of broadcasting, Dr. Tom Adaba, and chairman, veteran and ace journalist, Mr. Peter Enahoro.

They both encouraged me and gave me good support. While I was in the US, I acquired all the necessary equipment to be able to come back home and set up a station. I came back to the country only after I had acquired all the equipment. So when I came back, I started putting structures in place at Alagbado, Lagos. We tried to do that within record time by working around the clock. The fact that we built the station in record time, made us determined to start 24-hour radio

In your view, would you say that the media in Nigeria exercises fully the Freedom of Information law?

Let me start by saying that Nigeria has one of the freest media in the whole world. But the Freedom of Information Act gives unfettered access to information, which is on the theoretical aspect of it.

There are still some challenges in accessing information as and when due. But we all must appreciate that even the United States of America, where you have the amendment of the First Commandment, as they call it, controls what the media can give to the public. For instance, there are issues that are of strategic national importance like security, which the media should not trample upon.

Some sort of decorum and maturity is required in such issues. Take the very recent few days for instance; what happened in Rivers State, the handling by the media falls a little bit below expectation. We could see that the media misled its reading populace about the facts of what was happening. Actually, it is very glaring that there is a lot of misinformation and which appears to be deliberate.

Was what the media published or broadcast different from what happened?

The man that was wearing white and white and a red cap, was he one of the five? Was he not the Rivers State governor’s supporter? But he was painted as the victim when he was actually the villain. And we misled the entire Nigerian people and that is the power of the media. This is why we need to exercise a lot of caution, care and verification before we come out with information because one little thing can spark off tension.

On the other hand, you see that the Nigerian media has done very well in handling Boko Haram issues; where we needed to show some sort of restraint and care, the media showed that level of care. There is still a learning process especially with the younger generation of journalists that needs to be exposed to more training, exposed to the rigours in a proper and conducive environment, created for them to be able to grow professionally in the industry. That still needs to be done. On the average, I think that the Nigerian journalist and the Nigerian media has done quite well.

What are your views on the current state of the nation; the Nigerian Governor’s Forum crises, River state crises, amongst others?

Well, I believe that a lot needs to be done. I believe that we are all born to one united Nigeria and there is no reason why we must not sustain whatever our forefathers bequeathed to us. It therefore falls on all Nigerians to make sure that they keep this entity that was amalgamated in 1914 as one united country.

I strongly believe that the crisis that emanated in Rivers State was uncalled for. But it is not one that cannot be surmounted and resolved. All parties involved must put the interest of the ordinary people of Rivers July 28, 2013 /

9

REPORTAGE

By my own nature, I bulldoze a lot of things but it is only after I have attained my goal that I start looking back at the collateral damage I might have caused along the line, what the damages are and how I can repair them.

State first. It should not be an ego fight or the personal ambitions of the people that are involved; all hands must be put together after an election to move the state forward.

Those that are in power must make sure that all those they govern are included, given opportunity to participate and contribute in the running of the state. I sincerely pray and hope that after every war, the warring parties would come back to a round table and resolve the issues.

On the other hand, the Governor’s Forum is not in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and there is no particular importance attached to that forum.

I don’t know of the benefit the presence of Gov. Amaechi in the Governors Forum brings to the people of Rivers State; what economical and developmental benefits the people of Rivers State would gain from his being chairman of the forum. Why should any governor want to sacrifice or be involved in any of these?

I want to believe that the issues are either personal and in the interest of individuals. If it is for the exchange of information, ideas or peer review, all that can take place without any political colouration.

The former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, gave the impression that to become president, you must be from the governors’ forum or those that have been governors. The culture of bringing people outside as presidential candidate seems to be dying off.

Meanwhile, there are competent people outside the forum who can actually provide Nigeria proper leadership required to take us out of the woods. So for me, if the governor’s forum is dissolved, it won’t matter to me because to me, because I do not see the practical benefit it brings to the individual state and Nigeria people as a whole.

That is not to say that what transpired in the last governor’s forum election should not be addressed because it calls for concern. It should be thoroughly looked at and resolved. Whatsoever they call themselves, they must make sure that they don’t exalt any undue political influence in the process. The challenge that we have had from all the political parties is that there is no internal democracy. People are not able to wake up in the morning and say I want to be local government chairman, go for the primaries in free and fair primaries that enable the people to choose who they want. There is no reason why the president or leader in any party must determine who should be governor of a state and who should not. Anyone who wins should be trusted and encouraged as long as that is what the people want.

This issue of imposition by a cabal, a group of elders who determine or endorse does not arise. Let every candidate go to the primaries and let the people determine who they want.

When we do this, we would be returning to politics of yesteryears. Unlike today, where it is a matter of godfatherism, who you know – and that is why we are facing all these challenges and problems that we have.

Once we are able to tell ourselves the truth, it will not happen anymore.

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/ July 28, 2013

You seem to have a special relationship with former military head of state, General Ibrahim Babangida, as you were a strong supporter of his presidential campaign in the build up to the 2011 presidential elections. Why? Well, in 2011, I saw clearly the challenges that Nigeria had; coming from a situation where we had just lost the president, a situation where the relationship between the northerners and southerners was very fragile, where we need a lot of experience and maturity, a lot of understanding of the people and their desires in all parts of the country.

(Due to the) need to build a strong, viral foundation for the future of the country, no doubt, the best candidate to my view, that appeared with the appropriate vision and understanding, the maturity that was required, somebody who could call, at least, three people in almost every local government area in Nigeria to say ‘let us build this country together’ at that point in time was Ibrahim Babangida.

He fit into that picture. Whatever the mistakes, whatever the short comings of his early tenure might have been, we needed at that point in time a strong character, a builder that could bring everybody together and still forge Nigeria ahead in its direction of development. But politics and its intrigues; he went into an agreement of a consensus candidate from the north and so on and destiny and fortune had it that he didn’t emerge and that was the end of it.

So, we said if that is what he had decided, no problem because we knew that if he had gone to the primaries, it would have been a totally different matter.

If there was no consensus agreement at that time, we were to get clearly to the primaries and it would have been a highly competitive primaries. But he said he wanted to be a complete gentleman after the decision so as not to destabilize whatsoever agreement that he had so we had to let go. But prior to the time he signed the agreement, even before I was appointed director general of the campaign, he had always had a clear mind and he is a fine military officer. He is not a politician. Atiku Abubakar is a politician. By the time the decision was taken, Atiku had no structure in any part of the country. It was then he had to set up campaign structures and office whereas Ibrahim Babangida had built structures and offices and we were ready to move.

We had done our formal launch already and we were ready to go ahead and prepare for the PDP national convention and slug it out at that time.

As fate would have it, we didn’t get to the convention and the party decided to choose President Jonathan and as disciplined party people, we decided we had to fall in line. It was a family affair. It wasn’t something that was external.

Away from politics and work, how do you take time to relax?

Well, let me say that in my younger days, I used to read a lot but I think reading is becoming quite challenging right now. I normally read all the newspapers online between 1a.m. to 4a.m. After that,

when I wake up in the morning, I exercise a little - for like 45 minutes to one hour. And the whole day, I am in one meeting or the other. Before you know it, it is night time again; it is time to go back to bed. So, I lie down and wake up; the same routine continues except when I travel for one function or the other.

These days, there are too many of them that distract you and we are not able to concentrate and focus properly on the things that we need to get done, including granting this interview.

So, when it comes to fashion, how do you like it?

Very simple. My background is that of growing up in a very humble background and we never had any butter on our bread. We were the real, original pako boys. We were prepared to meet challenges as they came. So for me, as long as the clothes that I put on are clean, that is fine. I belong to that school that wears a lot of African clothes; whether I am in Europe or America or Asia, the concept of wearing suit and tie is not for me.

What is it that life has taught you?

Life has taught me to be patient. You need to be very patient in life. Also, you need perseverance to be able to preserve because, you will go through many persecutions that will almost derail you from what you want to do if you are not consistent, focused and determined. The fact that you started something and faced challenges does not mean you should abandon it for another. If you do, you will never succeed. You must have the will and the determination to succeed. And, when you put your mind on a dream, you must make sure you translate that dream into reality.

How much of a family man are you?

Well, let me say that this is where I score myself very poor. God has blessed me in almost every way.

There is nothing that I will say that I have touched that has not been successful. Unfortunately, I can’t say same for family. Unfortunately, this has been done at the expense and price of the family but they have been able to tolerate and accommodate me for which I am eternally grateful. They have managed me quite well.

They know that I love them very much and if there is anything that I can do, on my own, to keep the family happy and going, I will equally do. So, the availability of time to spend time with the children is not readily available. That was why, three years back, I decided that all the children, during Christmas, must come together as a family; even if it is just for two or three days in a year – so that we can start building strong family ties. Those that are married are allowed to come with their spouses and children. If they wish, they can spend New Year somewhere else.

What makes you happy?

There is nothing happier than success. Once you set your mind on a goal and, in spite of all the challenges, you are able to attain the goal, then you feel happy and satisfied. You look back and… By my own nature, I bulldoze a lot of things but it is only after I have attained my goal that I start looking back at the collateral damage I might have caused along the line, what the damages are and how I can repair them.

What is your style?

Simplicity defines my style. I love to wear jeans but you know, I can’t wear jeans out all the time. I have to create an image for myself now as President of FADAN. If I’m going to ask people to dress Nigerian, I have to dress Nigerian as well. The journey has started. If we desire change, I have to be the change. I believe that we can be the change that we desire.

What designers in Nigeria do you admire?

I love Maufechi and I love Deola Segoe. When I was younger, I did wild things but realized that after each show, I bring all those things back. I didn’t make money.

Now, I do practical things.

What label do you love to wear?

Regalia!

What do you look forward to?

I look forward to a brighter future for the fashion community. I believe if we all work together, instead of one person going a mile, with the help of others, she will make it in half a mile.

HEALTHY LIVING101 by - Teri Mendes

e t o u week Q of the

THUNDER THIGHS BEGONE!

The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don’t want, drink what you don’t like, and do what you’d rather not.

Short shorts and bathing suits don’t like jiggly thighs and neither do you. Your legs, which hold the largest muscles on your body, would seem to be working so much on a daily basis that they should be strong as mules.

However, the presence of jiggle means you could stand to do a bit more to tighten everything up. Toning the excess skin and burning fat takes a few exercises that, with some consistency, will show you a difference in only a few short weeks.

Jiggly or thunder thighs indicate that there is excess skin in the thigh area. There are exercises that can be done to tone that area of the body and well as burn fat. One exercise that helps thighs is squats. If done properly, squats can tone and develop the thigh muscles. Lunges are also ideal to help reveal toned and well defined thighs as opposed to jiggly thighs. There are different types of lunges a person can perform that include side lunges, jump switch lunges, and walking lunges.

FOODS GO STRAIGHT TO YOUR THIGHS French fries, ice cream, refined sugar and fat such as chips, soda, candy, most junk food. carbs also go to the thighs foods with carbs such as pita bread, white bread, white flour, If u like pasta or bread make sure to get the whole grain.

HOW TO BEAT THE JIGGLE!!

1. Water aerobics People will never understand this because it feels as if you are doing nothing but you burn so many calories and strengthen untoned muscles. In particular, there’s a thigh exercise I do where I tread water and bend legs, as I tread water I

HEA L T H

- MARK TWAIN muscles at the same time.

4. Do squats by standing with feet hip-width a part, and sit down as if you’re sitting in a chair. Go as low as you can making sure your knees do not hover past your toes and stand straight back up squeezing your bottom on the way up. Do several (two to three) sets of squats with eight to 10 repetitions in each set. Choose to do the first set slowly, breathing as you move up and down. Use the second set to pulse a little faster, making sure to pay special attention to your form throughout.

5. Give your inner and outer thighs a challenge and

your back a rest. Lie down on your back with your legs and arms straight down. Keep your hands to your sides and lift the leg straight in the air. Draw several imaginary circles in the air with raised leg. This pilates-style move will help you to feel the burn and is optimal at developing the shapely thighs you desire.

For an advanced toning trick, try spelling your name out in the air with your leg several times. Repeat the same exact workout on the opposite leg.

just open and close my thighs at a very rapid pace. I normally do about 100 each time I do water aerobics.

You can actually feel the burn after about 50 and it feels awesome after you get out the pool. I have lost inches in my thighs and they are tightening up.

2. Cycling: Try proper cycling and going uphill

standing on the pedals. Worked for me and my thighs were like lumps of jelly after 3 months of no exercise due to pregnancy and child birth. You have to give it a good two months though, before you start seeing results but it definitely works. If you can’t cycle outdoors try spinning classes in your local gym.

3. Start your thigh-tightening regimen by selecting a few exercises that target specific muscles like your hamstrings (back of the thigh) or your quadriceps (large muscle on the outside front of the thigh).

Consider doing exercises that work all of your thigh

TERI Speaks Dear Teri, Is it good to eat 2 fried or boiled eggs for breakfast? And is it good to eat Eba for breakfast? BENNY

6. Remain lying down on the floor and roll over on one side. Keep one leg straight on the floor, raise the other about 30 degrees from the floor directly above the straight leg. Make a combination move that consists of making six to eight small circles without lowering the leg and immediately finish with six to eight leg lifts. This tough combination will tone your glute muscles and tone your upper inner thighs, the jiggly culprit area.

7. Finish your workout with a few sets of lunges.

Stand with your feet shoulder-width a part and lunge forward with your left leg, lowering your right leg down in a 90-degree angle. Keep your knees behind your toes to avoid injury. For a cardio and toning challenge, switch your leg with each lunge, giving you a greater workout as you go. For a moderate version, use the same leg to lunge forward and pulse up and down before switching.

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 Benny, Thank you for your mail. Eggs are high in cholesterol so except you are under 21 years of age when you are most active to burn off, I would say 2 eggs a week maximum, preferably egg whites as the yolk is what’s high in cholesterol. Eba is a heavy meal, having said that eating it for breakfast is entirely optional, but may be best to eat after noon (12pm) and before six pm.

Keep writing in! Best Wishes.

July 28, 2013 /

11

FEA T UR E

Get Captivated by - Jerome Onipede ...CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK

MR PHOTO SHOOT HAD PLANS TO USE MORE THAN HIS CAMERA TO TAKE ME What Mr. Photo Shoot didn’t understand is that he is not doing anything new; it is what most men do, because of the picture they have in their head about women.

All you have to be is a female and then you need to be on guard. You walk on the street and a minimum of 6 men want to talk to you. You stand talking to a man and he has his eyes all over your body, your breasts, thinking he is invisible and you can’t

see his eyes going on all over you.

You go to the market to buy things and certain men are holding your hand, touching you in the guise of trying to have you patronize their shop or kiosk. You attend to a male customer and he makes insinuating comments in-between transactions. Even male medical practitioners cross the line now during medical examinations. You attend a church for the first time and the male welcoming new comers have his shortcomings too. Then, you are afraid for your unborn daughter; wondering if she will have to go through the same thing in the hands of men.

But then, your only consolation is that the same God who has kept you will keep her too. Mr. Photo Shoot almost ruined my day except that he didn’t know God was there with me. When Mr. Photo Shoot came at me like a flood, my God raised a STANDARD AGAINST him.

Jerome, I have learnt a lot from your articles. You are definitely a man coming

ESCAPADES of

Style

...CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK

THE SCHOOL EVENT

Anita had been utterly right! The school premises, when we arrived, was already littered with superbly exotic automobile brands and smartly dressed women and men moving up and down. I spotted a popular comedian, wives of some young politicians, some well known bankers and oil company executives. Seeing so many familiar faces, the greetings, hugs and air kisses started way before we entered the hall. All, of course, with surreptitious but sharp glances at what you were wearing, head to toe, and a quick mental calculation of its worth! You could just see the wheels turning in some women’s heads, their eyes so keen on necks, wrists, feet, hands, that I couldn’t help but turn to Anita and say ‘hope they don’t kill themselves in the process of whatever they are seeking o, this one is too much...’ Anita and I started our giggling again..

We were seated and the events began. Lovely performances by the wonderful children who were all seemingly oblivious to the silent theatre of intense competition playing itself out amongst the parents, lol!

Thirty minutes into performances, when the hall had quietened and all were concentrating on the stage, we heard a definite rustle of activity at the back, where the entrance to the hall was. First we saw several MOPOL officers, gun wielding, stern faced and utterly disregarding of everyone, then came about ten ‘aides’, then came two

12

/ July 28, 2013

from somewhere yourself and using your past to create a better future for others.

Thanks for encouraging people like me to hold on. I remember you in my prayers.

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

garishly attired women with huge, floppy hats that were certainly going to annoy and block the vision of whoever sat behind them; and then came their husbands, two former militants turned politicians. They all headed to the front, which incidentally was already full and just turned the entire event into a shameful show about themselves.

‘Naija’s money’, said Anita. ‘They haven’t earned what they’re flaunting, o, they’ve stolen them’. ‘Precisely why we have no respect for them and why they’ll forever keep trying hard to impress our ilk with no success....’ I quipped back.

The school authorities scrambled round to get extra chairs, etc to handle this invasion. The invaders stood round the other parents in the front and glared at them like they expected them to get up from their seats and let them have them. The whole hall was charged with seething indignation at this show of shame at a chidren’s event!

Eventually, they all sat, the two huge hats bocking the vision of half the entire hall and the gun wielding mopols standing at either side of their aisle. One little child saw them and burst into tears at the sight of the guns. The school principal was seen making frantic appeals to the politicians to let their mopols wait outside and away from little children...

Wow. What a filthy little display from small minds, I thought. Rough, rancid, ridiculous, they can never be respected, no matter how hard they try....

Now, almost to the end of the event, the two mamas with the big hats decided they were going outside the hall, for whatever reason. As they marched majestically down the middle aisle in full view of everyone, the first mama, in a ‘vomity’ green outfit complete with ‘vomity’ green, terribly high platforms to match, caught her heel on the edge of the carpet and landed with a thud on the floor!

Everywhere scattered. The mopols ran with cocked guns towards mama majestic on the floor, as if ready to shoot anyone who came near her, the two husbands shot out of their chairs towards her. Her friend, who also wore very high heels, was trying hard to keep her balance and not be toppled by mama on the floor who was holding on to her for dear life... The principal and teachers were all racing towards her...

Anita was giggling hysterically beside me; I was silently wondering if mama majestic had just lost any teeth in this brouhaha; other moms were audibly trying to stifle their giggles; it was just mayhem!

And so satisfying, lol... Anita and I didn’t stay long after that, in case the mopols decided to start shooting those who were laughing, lol! We got Anita’s daughter, who had finished her own presentation and was ready to go, hopped inside our car and left.

Needless to say, we laughed all the way back to the office, so hard, our sides hurt. ‘Just desserts!’, I laughed. ‘That was just a literal translation of ‘Pride goeth before a fall!!!

What a day!

Feedback to escapadesofstyle gmail.com

...secret diary of a fashionista...

F EA T U R E

KATHY EMIKO

BodyPerfect

OOLONG TEA MELTS FAT Food is a drug, take according to your prescription.

TEA DIET: Want to stay fit, healthy, strong and glow as you slim down this season? Then start your day with a mug of Oolong tea. Oolong teas have scientifically been proven to burn fat and suppress appetite – just what you might have been looking for! And if you want a Turboslimming Twist, then you must combine it with foods that naturally trigger the body to burn more fat, and watch your waste line shrink.

Pairing antioxidant Oolong tea with healthy foods shown to have anti-fat benefits such as brightly coloured fruit and lean protein, give amazing results.

WHAT YOU DO Eating more fruit and vegetables can lower blood pressure. This is due to the high content of potassium, which help regulate the body’s fluid balance. An Italian study found that 81 percent of people with high blood pressure who started eating six servings of fruit and vegetables a day reduced their medication by half.

1) Your drink Menu: Body perfect encourages you to drink as much Oolong tea as you like. The minimum amount shown effective in studies is at least 6 cups per day. Organic Oolong tea is most recommended because it contains 50% more active compounds than other varieties.

2) Your fat burning formula: For fastest fat loss, keep calories down while simultaneously filling up on foods that help increase calorie burn. Protein and fiber are important weapons, since both force the body to burn extra calories during digestion.

Meanwhile, good fat (from Olive oil, nuts, etc) and antioxidant (from tea, spices like cayenne, ginger

Best source – Body perfect cleansing and healing cocktail.

not just slimming but fitness

3. Brightly colored fruit and veggies – Apples, watermelons, pumpkin, spinach, etc, provide fat burning vitamin C; meanwhile, most produce supplies hunger – fighting fiber and antioxidants that help melt fat.

and most plant foods) have been found to speed metabolism. At least three of these “active calorie” options – foods rich in antioxidants, protein, fiber and/or good fat should be taken at each meal. It’s a formula that optimizes fat-burning in your body.

4. Whole grains - Switching from white rice to brown rice can boost belly–fat burn by 144% (Penn state study) whole grains are another great source of fiber and antioxidant.

WEIGHTLOSS MIRACLE SYNERGY! There is evidence that antioxidants and enzymes in Oolong tea can do everything from boosting metabolism and burning fat to blocking the absorption of some calories. In multiple studies, Dieters who drink Oolong tea lost a significantly greater amount of body fat than those who didn’t; those that drink Oolong tea lost 25 times more belly fat than those who drink diet soft drink.

Note: Sip Oolong tea while eating “active calorie Foods and your weightloss benefits could potentially multiply.

Give it a try! The bottom line: you are starting with Mother Nature’s best “Diet Drink” (Oolong tea), eating super healthy meals and keeping calories moderate.

There is even a little antioxidant magic mixed in! There is no down side – you are losing excess fat!

FOODS THAT BOOST WEIGHTLOSS BEST: 1. Lean protein: Protein uses up more calories during digestion than other nutrient, increasing calorie burn by up to 30% for an hour or more after its eaten; it also helps suppress hunger. – Your best source – egg white, fish, chicken breast, beans.

2. Cayenne pepper – The antioxidant that gives this pepper its heat have been shown to kill appetite and

HEALTH

News101

Slim down with Dark Chocolate Powerful antioxidant in this treat have been found to lower levels of fat-storage hormones and block new fat from forming; they also slash hunger by 15%.

olish Professional THE

by - Chioma Okoye

USING THE POLISH EDGE Hello there!

Hope you had a great week.

We would continue today by learning how essential it is that though there may not be mutual agreement with others, other persons’ views must be appreciated and respected. It is critical for business professionals to learn to interact with colleagues in ways that make them feel valued and

boost metabolism between 4% and 20%.

in-turn produce efficiency.

Others may disregard lack of “table manners” or “inappropriate dressing” but hardly overlook disrespect towards their time and talent. There is good sense in valuing others’ views, rather than imposing mind-sets or what may be called “knowledge” on them, which always yield negative results for the

5. Nuts - Thanks to flammable fat in nuts, they help heat metabolism, nut dieters lose about 9% more weight than deters getting the same calories but no nuts.

READ THIS: Oolong tea has been touted for its ability to restore the skin’s youthful appearance. As a bonus, it boosts the immune system and promotes weight loss. “I started drinking Oolong tea for the beauty benefits, but it has made me much more energetic and healthy”, notes Amanda, a public relations specialist “plus, in the few months that I’ve been drinking a few cups a day, I have lost weight”

FROM THE DESK OF PRINCESS KATHY: Fat flush food – sweet potatoes (cholesterol zapper and blood – sugar stabilizer) Sweet potatoes are among the most nutritious foods in the vegetable kingdom. Sweet potato has no relation to the common Irish potatoes, so it can be eaten by people who normally steer clear of potatoes; it is best eaten roasted or boiled but not fried.

Sweet potatoes are packed with calcium, potassium, and vitamins A, C and E. They also provide fiber, iron, thiamine and manganese. As an anti-oxidant rich food, the sweet potato helps the body eliminate free radicals, chemicals that damage cells and promote heart disease and cancer.

Recently, sweet potatoes gained the well-deserved title of “anti- diabetic food” because of their power to stabilize blood sugar levels and lower insulin resistance.

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

organisation.

Businesses or organisations, as the case may be, are indeed truly first of all about the existence of cordiality or interaction of or among the people who drive it.

Notwithstanding how legendary or lofty anyone’s position or idea is, if there is no oneness amongst the staff towards the materialisation of the organisation’s mission/vision, it is as good as beating a dead horse.

In reality, for multi-million dollar deals and jobs, the bottom-line is results and these results can only stem from going beyond product knowledge and services, to the application of POLISH EDGE. Work etiquette or professional grooming training is a strong

requirement in any work environment where this hazard is eminent. All staff, including managerial and decision-making persons, regardless of age, culture or position must imbibe required POLISH in the office, which will go a long way in positively influencing conduct among employees.

I hope that anyone who is strongly consumed by the pressure of unhealthy corporate competition in a work place as shown in the story of Maclurren instead of teamspirit that makes room for progress, would identify with this vision and make necessary adjustments.

Chioma E. Okoye is a Corporate Etiquette expert; she is the Principal of the Diamond School of International protocol & Etiquette.

July 28, 2013 /

13

PEOPL E

PEOPLE

“O N E PARTY AT A T IME!”

“ONE PARTY AT A TIME!”

Nkechi Arah Launches New Outlet

WOSA night of Wine tasting By - Jemi Ekunkunbor Pics By - Oscar Ochiogu

By - Oscar Ochiogu It was an afternoon of glitz as Arah Nkechi, launched her store, ANIRAH HAIR, at Pentagon Plaza, Opebi, Ikeja.

Stocked in the new store are varieties of high end human hair and fashion accessories for women.

According to Arah Nkechi, the store is to cater for those in Ikeja and its environs.

MOSUN OLUADE

TEMITOPeAKINTOYA

TEMITOPE OLANRE ALADE

ADETOKE OLUWO

OWOTURO NGOZI

When Michael Renzler came calling By - Jemi Ekunkunbor A member of the popular, Swarovski company in Austria, Mr. Michael Renzler, was in Nigeria recently to present an exclusive preview of some of the company’s fashion and design enhancing products. The event which took place at the Protea Hotel in Ikeja, was well attended by leading institutions in the fashion industry in Nigeria led by the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN) and the Bead Jewellery Designers Association of Nigeria, (BJDAN).

In a welcome address, CEO Crafties limited, Mrs. Oluseyi Abdullahi, said the event was put together to encourage creativity in everything and also to ensure that whatever products used by accomplished designers on the international scene are made readily available to Nigerian designers back home. She also hoped that the presentation by Mr. Renzler would be an eye opener for many of the guests who rely on their products for what they do.

Guests were treated to a display of wide selection of well labeled Swarovski elements as well as products designed with Swarovski stones.

The high point of the event was the launch of Crafties selfteaching DVDs. Crafties Hobby Limited is the pioneer and foremost Arts and Craft company in Nigeria.

OLUSHOLA

CHINELO

Toju Fregene

Toro Balogun

Biwom Iklaki

SOLA BABATUNDE

nkechi arah michael RENZLer Frank Ayode Seun Morakiyo and Fehintola Sofola

EVELYN BRISIBE

oluseyi ABDULLAHI

BUKIE OSILAJA

SUBOMI OKHUELEIGBE

denekan Adebayo

Cathy Amaga

Nwike Arah

Ajibutter

Temi and Oyinkan Balogun

biuwa Ronke and Damilola Bamigbola

Dubem Arah

Demureh Oluwafemi

The much awaited Wines of South África (WOSA), Grand Tasting, took place last Sunday at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The second edition of this annual event, brought together a rich blend of wine lovers from all walks of life led by the South African Consul-General, Ambassador Mokgethi Monaisa. It was a gathering of men and women from different cultures all brought together by their love for wines.

Nigerians never had it so good with WOSA presenting 200 wines from 23 South African Producers! There were wines to suit every taste- “sweet or dry, sparkling or still” and they came in a huge array of flavour and aroma. From table to table, guests moved around sampling the deliciously iced wines that was the offering for the evening. The wines were a range of Cabernet sauvignon, Shiraz, pinotage, Chenin, chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc. Market Manager, WOSA, Mr. Matome Mbatha, described wine as something synonymous with good lifestyle. “ The number of people that we have here tonight, is evident enough that Nigerians love good life. You cannot in anyway separate wine from a good lifestyle”.

As the night wore on and some guests began to leave, the smiles on the faces of guests were a true testimony that wine truly makes the heart merry capturing Su Birch, CEO, WOSA’s earlier welcome words that “ Life is good and wine is Lekker”.

Amb. Mokgethi Monaisa

Charlene,Bill and Bonine

Ronke Sobodu, Matome Mbatha,Thandi Mgxwati and Funsho Phillips

Kemi Adebayo and Yomi Amota

Oby Oleke and Kofo Abiola

Tunde Rener

LANSON CHAMPAGNE HOSTS WIMBLEDON NIGHT By - Oscar Ochiogu

Adams Adejumo and Abbey Odukoya

Demola Balogun, Bar Sam Egbuchunam,Tunde Onokoya and Adams Adejumo

Arch. Dayo Adepoju, Hon. Gbolahan Funsho and Capt Yemisi Alan

14

/ July 28, 2013

Bolaji Ogunkoya and Ola Tubi

Distinguished members and guests of Lagos Lawn Tennis Club (LLTC) Onikan, Lagos had eclectic moments with Lanson Champagne (Wimbledon Tennis official drink) when they toasted and popped champagne last Friday in grand style to captivating music, good food and good company.

In what the prestigious club tagged ‘exclusive champagne party’, the House of Lanson through the Chairman/CEO of TEO Ltd., its accredited distributor/importer, Chief Tunde Onakoya, rolled off the Friday night bash with a special goodwill message by raising a sparkling glass of champagne to attest to its commitment to world class tennis and celebration of the masters.

He also displayed Lanson Brut and Rose Pink champagne variants adorned in official purple polo and pink coloured shirts to underscore the privileged relationship with tennis players worldwide as a partner and sponsor of the just concluded Wimbledon tournament held in London.

Lanson Champagne toast was greeted with loud applause by LLTC President, Barrister Sam Egbuchunam, and other members of the executive board present at the event.

Unlike the French haute cuisine of canapés and hors deovre dishes to complement the champagne drink, there was assorted meals served in buffet style to present a truly African hospitality experience and not a few guests could resist the temptation of going for rounds to satisfy their appetite.

According to the sponsor, Chief Tunde Onakoya, “Lanson Champagne has been associated with Wimbledon Tennis tournament since the 1970s and is proudly established as the official champagne of the tournament. The champagne drink has also become a partner and integral part of the tournament and as a result, it is available and served in all the reception areas at Wimbledon Tennis site.

Members, players, coaches and technical officials enjoyed Lanson unique style and rare pleasures.

Chris Enahoro and Oscar Abanwa

Prince Jare and Dele Olateru-Olagbegi

Tunde Onokoya, Tosin Ajirire and Demola Balogun

Victoria and Jan Van Zyl

Mary Ogunleye

Nnena

Tope Awoye

Remi and Bee Olukoya

Alhaji Olatunji, Ehi Eguabor and Bar. Sam Egbuchunam

Willy Onyekwere, Veronica Onyekwere and Chike Nwanze

Foluke and Fela Ayuba

Chantel Couch and Covan

Jerry and Regina Fuget

Meg Aisuan

Ms Nihu

Wumi Akinseye and chichi Adeyemi

July 28, 2013 /

15

PEOPL E

PEOPLE

“O N E PARTY AT A T IME!”

“ONE PARTY AT A TIME!”

Nkechi Arah Launches New Outlet

WOSA night of Wine tasting By - Jemi Ekunkunbor Pics By - Oscar Ochiogu

By - Oscar Ochiogu It was an afternoon of glitz as Arah Nkechi, launched her store, ANIRAH HAIR, at Pentagon Plaza, Opebi, Ikeja.

Stocked in the new store are varieties of high end human hair and fashion accessories for women.

According to Arah Nkechi, the store is to cater for those in Ikeja and its environs.

MOSUN OLUADE

TEMITOPeAKINTOYA

TEMITOPE OLANRE ALADE

ADETOKE OLUWO

OWOTURO NGOZI

When Michael Renzler came calling By - Jemi Ekunkunbor A member of the popular, Swarovski company in Austria, Mr. Michael Renzler, was in Nigeria recently to present an exclusive preview of some of the company’s fashion and design enhancing products. The event which took place at the Protea Hotel in Ikeja, was well attended by leading institutions in the fashion industry in Nigeria led by the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN) and the Bead Jewellery Designers Association of Nigeria, (BJDAN).

In a welcome address, CEO Crafties limited, Mrs. Oluseyi Abdullahi, said the event was put together to encourage creativity in everything and also to ensure that whatever products used by accomplished designers on the international scene are made readily available to Nigerian designers back home. She also hoped that the presentation by Mr. Renzler would be an eye opener for many of the guests who rely on their products for what they do.

Guests were treated to a display of wide selection of well labeled Swarovski elements as well as products designed with Swarovski stones.

The high point of the event was the launch of Crafties selfteaching DVDs. Crafties Hobby Limited is the pioneer and foremost Arts and Craft company in Nigeria.

OLUSHOLA

CHINELO

Toju Fregene

Toro Balogun

Biwom Iklaki

SOLA BABATUNDE

nkechi arah michael RENZLer Frank Ayode Seun Morakiyo and Fehintola Sofola

EVELYN BRISIBE

oluseyi ABDULLAHI

BUKIE OSILAJA

SUBOMI OKHUELEIGBE

denekan Adebayo

Cathy Amaga

Nwike Arah

Ajibutter

Temi and Oyinkan Balogun

biuwa Ronke and Damilola Bamigbola

Dubem Arah

Demureh Oluwafemi

The much awaited Wines of South África (WOSA), Grand Tasting, took place last Sunday at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The second edition of this annual event, brought together a rich blend of wine lovers from all walks of life led by the South African Consul-General, Ambassador Mokgethi Monaisa. It was a gathering of men and women from different cultures all brought together by their love for wines.

Nigerians never had it so good with WOSA presenting 200 wines from 23 South African Producers! There were wines to suit every taste- “sweet or dry, sparkling or still” and they came in a huge array of flavour and aroma. From table to table, guests moved around sampling the deliciously iced wines that was the offering for the evening. The wines were a range of Cabernet sauvignon, Shiraz, pinotage, Chenin, chardonnay and Sauvignon blanc. Market Manager, WOSA, Mr. Matome Mbatha, described wine as something synonymous with good lifestyle. “ The number of people that we have here tonight, is evident enough that Nigerians love good life. You cannot in anyway separate wine from a good lifestyle”.

As the night wore on and some guests began to leave, the smiles on the faces of guests were a true testimony that wine truly makes the heart merry capturing Su Birch, CEO, WOSA’s earlier welcome words that “ Life is good and wine is Lekker”.

Amb. Mokgethi Monaisa

Charlene,Bill and Bonine

Ronke Sobodu, Matome Mbatha,Thandi Mgxwati and Funsho Phillips

Kemi Adebayo and Yomi Amota

Oby Oleke and Kofo Abiola

Tunde Rener

LANSON CHAMPAGNE HOSTS WIMBLEDON NIGHT By - Oscar Ochiogu

Adams Adejumo and Abbey Odukoya

Demola Balogun, Bar Sam Egbuchunam,Tunde Onokoya and Adams Adejumo

Arch. Dayo Adepoju, Hon. Gbolahan Funsho and Capt Yemisi Alan

14

/ July 28, 2013

Bolaji Ogunkoya and Ola Tubi

Distinguished members and guests of Lagos Lawn Tennis Club (LLTC) Onikan, Lagos had eclectic moments with Lanson Champagne (Wimbledon Tennis official drink) when they toasted and popped champagne last Friday in grand style to captivating music, good food and good company.

In what the prestigious club tagged ‘exclusive champagne party’, the House of Lanson through the Chairman/CEO of TEO Ltd., its accredited distributor/importer, Chief Tunde Onakoya, rolled off the Friday night bash with a special goodwill message by raising a sparkling glass of champagne to attest to its commitment to world class tennis and celebration of the masters.

He also displayed Lanson Brut and Rose Pink champagne variants adorned in official purple polo and pink coloured shirts to underscore the privileged relationship with tennis players worldwide as a partner and sponsor of the just concluded Wimbledon tournament held in London.

Lanson Champagne toast was greeted with loud applause by LLTC President, Barrister Sam Egbuchunam, and other members of the executive board present at the event.

Unlike the French haute cuisine of canapés and hors deovre dishes to complement the champagne drink, there was assorted meals served in buffet style to present a truly African hospitality experience and not a few guests could resist the temptation of going for rounds to satisfy their appetite.

According to the sponsor, Chief Tunde Onakoya, “Lanson Champagne has been associated with Wimbledon Tennis tournament since the 1970s and is proudly established as the official champagne of the tournament. The champagne drink has also become a partner and integral part of the tournament and as a result, it is available and served in all the reception areas at Wimbledon Tennis site.

Members, players, coaches and technical officials enjoyed Lanson unique style and rare pleasures.

Chris Enahoro and Oscar Abanwa

Prince Jare and Dele Olateru-Olagbegi

Tunde Onokoya, Tosin Ajirire and Demola Balogun

Victoria and Jan Van Zyl

Mary Ogunleye

Nnena

Tope Awoye

Remi and Bee Olukoya

Alhaji Olatunji, Ehi Eguabor and Bar. Sam Egbuchunam

Willy Onyekwere, Veronica Onyekwere and Chike Nwanze

Foluke and Fela Ayuba

Chantel Couch and Covan

Jerry and Regina Fuget

Meg Aisuan

Ms Nihu

Wumi Akinseye and chichi Adeyemi

July 28, 2013 /

15