Allure 30 November 2014

November 30, 2014

RUTH AND DAUGHTERS

- Fame, family, future

CON

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

Nov. 30 Dec. 06, 2014

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15

COVER

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RUTH AND DAUGHTERS

FASHION

• British Designer, Giles Deacon Showcases New Collection For Ariel And Downing At The P &G Fabric Care Forum • Africa Fashion Reception 2014

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

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

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 COVER SHOOT BY: OFURE IGHALO OUTFITS: House of Marie/ April By Kunbi MAKE-UP: BUKOLA FALOBI (Glamsquad Artistry) STYLING: Rhoda Ebun (Roses & Thorns Fashion Company) COVER SHOOT DIRECTOR: NELLY MESIK

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PEOPLE

• Corporate Elite Night of Fun • Kay Ovia’s Raising Star Debut

From the editor...

For most of the ‘90s and opening years of this century, Ruth Benemasia-Opia was a household name. Along with her colleagues, Kehinde Young-Harry, Siene Allwell-Brown, they ruled the air waves; celebrities who many loved to ape their styles. News time, for many, was not so much ‘the news’ but what Ruth, Siene or any of the newscasters wore for the news.

That era, when newscasters were the’ IT’ girls, is far gone! Nowadays, everyone is an ‘IT’ girl: from the video vixen to the on-air-personality and the sugar-seeking-lass.

All it takes to qualify for that tag is the price tag of a Louis Vuitton bag or Jimmy Choo shoes. I sigh!

Nine years after ‘the news’, Ruth has gone from being a commissioner in Bayelsa State to working in oil and gas.

The mother of four lovely children is featured on our cover today with two of her daughters: Weruchie and Nnei Opia – actress and broadcaster respectively.

The proud mom and her girls take us through their relationship, being in the eye of the public and their future venture. See pp. 7-10.

I was in Berlin, Germany, recently for the P&G Future Fabric Care Forum, an event organised by Proctor and

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QUOTES...

“How can a woman be expected to be happy with a man who insists on treating her as if she were a perfectly normal human being.”

- Oscar Wilde

You never lose by loving. You always lose by holding back.

- Barbara de Angelis

“T here is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love.”

- Bryant H. McGill

Gamble to showcase new innovations in their fabric care development. Specifically, Ariel, Downy and Lenor were the primary focus. The event brought 150 guests together, made up of cognitive experts, trend forecasting practitioners, designers and journalists from over twenty countries. It was an exciting event. See p.4 for the story.

On our fashion pages, we have images from Nigeria Fashion Show Paris. See p. 6.

Finally, as the season of parties unfolds, we show you how to put a dinner look together in minutes. See p. 14.

Our regulars, as usual, give their ultimate.

Enjoy! #BRINGBACKOURGIRLS

R.

Remmy Diagbare @ Vanguardallure1

FA S H I O N

British Designer, Giles Deacon Showcases New Collection For Ariel And Downing At The P &G Fabric Care Forum

By Remi Diagbare

&G’s Global Fashion Consultant, Giles Deacon, exclusively unveiled his latest machine-washable collections at P&G Future Fabrics which included a range for Ariel and Downy.

The collection, inspired by the macro-trend of multi-sensorial fashions and fabrics, featured a range of lush, flowery and flowy dresses, cut out shifts and bodycoms.

Aware that both Ariel and Downy have the capability to preserve and protect these fashions, Giles Deacon informed the audience that he set about creating designs that bring the best of each brand to life. For Ariel, it was all about making first impressions last – colour, confidence and impact. For Downy, he focused on giving people the confidence to wear an item all day and feel as great in it in the evening as they did when they first put it on in the morning.

Commenting on the special collection, Deacon said: “After a year of working with P&G Fabric Care, I have seen their advances in fabric care. I’ve spent time with the talented team at the Innovation Centre in Brussels and the progress in their work there. I’ve been inspired by what Ariel and Downy can do to ensure that clothes remain beautiful long after they were designed.”

The P&G collection is featured here:

P

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Cape Verde

Cameroon Ethiopia

Guinea

Nigeria

Mali

Togo

FA S H I O N

Africa Fashion Reception 2014

Botswana

By Jemi Ekunkunbor

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/ November 30, 2014

The 2014 European edition of the African Fashion Reception took place recently in Paris. The event held at the prestigious Salle Wagram, featured the collection of 24 leading African designers from 24 African countries. It was a show that put on world stage the ecclectic creativity of African designers. Bright colours oozed from the runway with designers employing various fabrics for their works. Some of the participating designers include Christalyx-Cameroon, Cindy MonteiroCap Verde, Lilly Alfonso-Malawi, HanaaDarkaouiMorocco, Urban Roots Eco-Ethiopia; Keto Couture – Nigeria, Diana Fashion-Tanzania, Botocy-Bostwana, Dady de Maximo-Rwanda, Borthini-Mali, Fay designs-Zambia, Kil Fashion-

Togo and Amakeya design-Namibia. Others on the line up are LM design-RDC; Rubicon-South Africa, Keepeekee-Sierra Leone, ZiziCardowNigeria, Akou Fashion Creation-Côte d’Ivoire; LisetePote-Angola; Hall of Peters-Ghana, Alphao Fashion-Guinée; Jose House of CreationsUganda and Yak Lay-Benin.

The Africa Fashion Reception with the theme ‘Africa is the New Inspiration of Global Fashion’ was put together by Legendary Gold Limited in collaboration with the African Union and the Nigerian Ministry of Trade and Investment.

Below are some of the creative designs put on the runway.

REPORTAGE

Ruth and Daughters - Fame, family, future

By Remi Diagbare

R

uth Benemasia-Opia and her colleagues, undoubtedly, ruled the airwaves in the ‘90s and the beginning of this century. They were the original ‘glamour girls’. That was then, when micromini was her dress code and the fast lane, her highway. These days, the mother of four works in the oil and gas sector and spends her time – when she is not at work, in ‘church and with friends’.

In this joint interview with two of her daughters, she talks about fame and family.

November 30, 2014 /

7

REPORTAGE giving equal attention, love self and work?

My faith. Also, women are specially wired like that.

Being a single mom must have been tough, how did you manage that -and achieve work, life balance?

Again my faith. A supportive family and loyal friends. One of those loyal friends – a single mom herself, sent me the next quote on father’s day this year- “HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO ALL THE SINGLE MOTHER’S PULLING DOUBLE DUTY”!.

Your daughters seem to have followed your line-professionally. The broadcaster and actress, did you in any way influence their choice?

Not for one moment. I had no say in their choices.

Their choices came naturally. I have come to believe that God puts professions in a family. You don’t have to look too far to know what line your child will follow.

Even if your parent is illiterate, there is a talent in them that is more often than not God improves on and takes to the next level in an offspring. I have art in my line. Both in drawing and entertainment. Their father has sport, entertainment (he managed a band in America in his colourful past).

How do you feel seeing them all grown up and having their own lives. Do you feel like the mother- hen, wanting to protect and guide them-imposing your will?

Imposing my will? No! protecting and guiding… especially in the Christian faith, yes.

Ruth Benemasia-Opia I miss being part of the breaking news - Ruth ou work in the oil sector now, what is your job discription?

I am Community Relations Manager. It is my job to see that my company and community are on the same page regarding our joint aspiration to see that the company’s social license to operate is not threatened. Also, that our vision to impact positively the growth and development of the Brass Island community is achieved.

Y

You have been out of broadcasting and public glare for about 10 years, what is the comparism between the corporate world and broadcasting world?

Without a doubt, the corporate world is fiercely competitive, stiff, but invariably pays more than the ministry where I came from. Ambition rules the day and nothing should be taken at face value.

Do you miss broadcasting, what do you miss most?

Yes – unashamedly do. I used to miss being part of the immediacy of breaking news. The rush, of having the news unfold from your/our NTA news desk. I miss the exclusivity of knowing the authenticity of a news story and being the one to

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break it. Social media has robbed us of that with every hand held device being able to video the action.

If you look back at your days in broadcasting and now, would you say there was more professionalism and appeal of the news and newscaster?

Definitely there was more professionalism! The edge we had was there wasn’t the proliferation of stations as we have today.

Our love and passion for the job kept our adrenalin pumping. Many of those the Nigerian viewing public adjudged to be very good on air, you will find had been on Radio Nigeria at one time or the other. You couldn’t just go on air without understudying an older hand. Even if you had raw talent, you were eased in slowly. The standard English then was British. After all “we are British”.

There was the odd American trained journalist now and then but even they came with a lot of candour and professional edge and comportment. No slangs and street language in a belt – news- that is formal.

You have two lovely daughters and two equally wonderful sons, how do you manage four-

Apart from work, how do you spend your time these days?

I go to parties, read Christian literature, and go to church programmes, laugh and gist with friends.

I like interaction and I love conversation - Nnei Opia nei followed her mother’s footsteps into broadcasting. She has Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and broadcasting from The Salford University, Britain. She has a wealth of experience in broadcasting. She however, did not follow mom’s steps as a newscaster.

She chose instead ,to do interviews and features. She has worked with Ben Tv , London and other international news media. Lately, she worked with the late ChazB, in ‘Sharing Lives Issues’ a popular radio programme on Rhythm 93.5

N

Who is older between you and your sister. How do you relate with her and your other siblings?

I’m older. I tend to mother them a lot. My sister hates that except of course when it’s work or speaking to strangers she’s happy to let me do that. My boys love me as I am, although our youngest Ozed thinks I’m archaic (there’s an 11 year gap so he’s allowed).

You chose broadcasting like mom, are you pressured to be like mom and have there been comparisons?

In those days, you wore the most sexy micro minis, do you wear an abridged version now, or you never into shorts anymore?

A few more kilos have cramped my style in that area.

When you see young ladies like your daughters in micro minis or bum shorts, do you feel a sense of dejavu. Like, yeah, i did that?

I just laugh and think….oh! to be young and carefree.

Your daughters are yet to marry, does that worry you?

No. Not particularly. In God’s time. He makes everything beautiful. They are not out of the world’s idea of the marriage corridor yet, if there is such a thing.

Why did you choose broadcasting?

I had been studying Law for two years and decided to take a year out to get work experience with a law firm. After being first chair for a murder case and a series of heart wrenching criminal cases I decided I wanted a less hazardous job. My uncle’s friend who happened to be OAP was visiting London, and he commented that I was witty and personable and should try radio. The rest as they say is history.

What is your philosophy?

A soft word turneth away reproach. Do unto others what you want done to you and be the best that you can be.

What is your style prefrence these days?

Young, simple and sometimes conservative if I can help it. That’s because I fancy myself a bit eclectic at heart.

What future are you looking up to-professionally, emotionally and familywise?

I shall keep that information to myself. I mustn’t give everything away.

Mom is so proud of you and your work, tell me what you have done that she is beaming about?

I’m not quite sure, I think it’s a tie for me. I do a radio session with my Hexavia colleague Eizu, Uncle Chaz and Chike Onyia of Zolts on Chaz B’s show, Sharing Life Issues. It’s a business/career session. My mother loves my intellectual side. The other is a skit my sister and I did on Ebony Life TV called Lagos Big Girl’s game. I think her seeing the two of us together, acting, really tickles her.

You’ve said you worked with chaz b and he was your mentor what did you learn from him and how did you take his death?

I learnt humility and I was still learning how to listen. It’s very important both in the industry and in one’s growth as a person. He always said listen to the people you are talking to/ interviewing they aren’t just talking they’re sharing, it’s a privilege for them to share with you and don’t take it lightly.

Then listen to I AM that I AM what is HE saying.

I was fortunate to have met such an amazing person. I didn’t take it very well. We (myself and Eizu) were supposed to meet up on Sunday, talk business and of course I would have my usual therapy session. He would always ask how I am, remember every detail and follow up. He gave his heart, his time, his wisdom. His wife is an amazing and strong woman, often times she is close by. My heart is with her and the family at this time. He has left a huge hole in Nigeria’s heart.

You had long dreadlocks, which you cut off ,and now you are back on dreads, it looks as if you have an enduring love for drealocks? What is the appeal?

Easy and cheap to maintain – Ha! Ha! Ha!

Do you relate with your daughter more as sisters and friends, or do you maintain the mother is always right attitude?

All of the above approaches I adopt, depending on the situation.

There have been comparisons when it comes to my command of English, especially diction. But no pressure, thank God.

Nnei Opia

Where you-conciously or unconciouslyinfluenced by mom to choose your profession?

Unconciously. In fact, my father still hopes I’ll go back to Law School. My mother used to call me her little QC. She was disappointed when I ditched law for broadcasting! The joke however is I first presented when I was about 9/10 years old at an NTA children’s party.

How do you find broadcasting in nigeria, compared to england, where you also worked as one?

REPORTAGE I think there’s less respect for the job, both by people who do the job and people who run the broadcasting houses, which is a global problem but it’s more obvious in Nigeria.

Broadcasting in its original form must fulfil 3 things- educate inform and entertain. A lot of the time it’s only entertainment that gets funded with man-power and finance. While there’s nothing wrong with it, it makes me think if everyone is being entertained, who is being taught? There are very few people that I know who study broadcasting, diction, who go into the field. Its all desk journalism and in Nigeria there isn’t much.

You chose interviewing and reporting , rather than newscasting like your mom, why dont you like newscasting?

I like interaction and I love conversation. You can’t get that with news casting. I would love to be a Christiane Amanpour or Jeremy Paxman. What Cyril Stober does now, hold panels of discussions.

There are many interpretations of life and its intricacies I like discovering them.

Did mom’s fame have any impact on you. In terms of how people relate with you?

Most definitely! One of my colleagues calls me the “Kim Kardashian” of our office as per celebrity.

Which is ridiculous, because I’m not a celebrity. I usually hide the fact she’s my mom because I don’t want preferential treatment. People eventually find out and I get hugs and questions, screams and a so when can I meet her? On the streets of London, people have waved, come over to take pictures generally where ever we go people express how much they enjoyed watching her read the news. Its beautiful.

How do you bond with mom, do you relate with her as sister and friend, or a distant mom?

She’s more of a friend now, although she struggles with that. She still tries to be mother supreme and then we remind her how old we are, after all when she was my age she was pregnant with me! But Mother is mother. Sometimes she’ll discuss it and come to a compromise other times she’ll give you a tone and you know this is MOTHER speaking and I just hush. In the end I trust her completely and she has shown me by example. So I follow.

Siblings always compete with each other, especially when they are close in age. Do you compete with your sisterr, to excel and for mom’s attention?

I really take being the older sibling seriously, I am the eldest and its my job to assist my siblings in anything they do and protect them. As I moved back to Nigeria, my sister had to pick up the baton.

In friendship, faith, career we are a team. Its even hard to compete with each other for mum’s attention because we are different sides of her, we learnt that awhile back.

Any plans for marriage soon. And is mom not pressuring yet?

Not yet. Marriage is a big deal, I want to get it right the first and only time. So as God wills so shall it be. She’s not pressuring me, but she is constantly rating my cooking by saying either, “Your husband will enjoy this!” or “Is this what you’ll give your husband?”

What is most important to you?

Faith, family and passion.

How do you relax and have your me -time?

I either have a beauty day, where I get a facial, get my hair and nails done and have a nice meal, or I go for an early morning jog come home and cuddle up to a good book or movie.

November 30, 2014 /

9

REPORTAGE giving equal attention, love self and work?

My faith. Also, women are specially wired like that.

Being a single mom must have been tough, how did you manage that -and achieve work, life balance?

Again my faith. A supportive family and loyal friends. One of those loyal friends – a single mom herself, sent me the next quote on father’s day this year- “HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO ALL THE SINGLE MOTHER’S PULLING DOUBLE DUTY”!.

Your daughters seem to have followed your line-professionally. The broadcaster and actress, did you in any way influence their choice?

Not for one moment. I had no say in their choices.

Their choices came naturally. I have come to believe that God puts professions in a family. You don’t have to look too far to know what line your child will follow.

Even if your parent is illiterate, there is a talent in them that is more often than not God improves on and takes to the next level in an offspring. I have art in my line. Both in drawing and entertainment. Their father has sport, entertainment (he managed a band in America in his colourful past).

How do you feel seeing them all grown up and having their own lives. Do you feel like the mother- hen, wanting to protect and guide them-imposing your will?

Imposing my will? No! protecting and guiding… especially in the Christian faith, yes.

Ruth Benemasia-Opia I miss being part of the breaking news - Ruth ou work in the oil sector now, what is your job discription?

I am Community Relations Manager. It is my job to see that my company and community are on the same page regarding our joint aspiration to see that the company’s social license to operate is not threatened. Also, that our vision to impact positively the growth and development of the Brass Island community is achieved.

Y

You have been out of broadcasting and public glare for about 10 years, what is the comparism between the corporate world and broadcasting world?

Without a doubt, the corporate world is fiercely competitive, stiff, but invariably pays more than the ministry where I came from. Ambition rules the day and nothing should be taken at face value.

Do you miss broadcasting, what do you miss most?

Yes – unashamedly do. I used to miss being part of the immediacy of breaking news. The rush, of having the news unfold from your/our NTA news desk. I miss the exclusivity of knowing the authenticity of a news story and being the one to

8

/ November 30, 2014

break it. Social media has robbed us of that with every hand held device being able to video the action.

If you look back at your days in broadcasting and now, would you say there was more professionalism and appeal of the news and newscaster?

Definitely there was more professionalism! The edge we had was there wasn’t the proliferation of stations as we have today.

Our love and passion for the job kept our adrenalin pumping. Many of those the Nigerian viewing public adjudged to be very good on air, you will find had been on Radio Nigeria at one time or the other. You couldn’t just go on air without understudying an older hand. Even if you had raw talent, you were eased in slowly. The standard English then was British. After all “we are British”.

There was the odd American trained journalist now and then but even they came with a lot of candour and professional edge and comportment. No slangs and street language in a belt – news- that is formal.

You have two lovely daughters and two equally wonderful sons, how do you manage four-

Apart from work, how do you spend your time these days?

I go to parties, read Christian literature, and go to church programmes, laugh and gist with friends.

I like interaction and I love conversation - Nnei Opia nei followed her mother’s footsteps into broadcasting. She has Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and broadcasting from The Salford University, Britain. She has a wealth of experience in broadcasting. She however, did not follow mom’s steps as a newscaster.

She chose instead ,to do interviews and features. She has worked with Ben Tv , London and other international news media. Lately, she worked with the late ChazB, in ‘Sharing Lives Issues’ a popular radio programme on Rhythm 93.5

N

Who is older between you and your sister. How do you relate with her and your other siblings?

I’m older. I tend to mother them a lot. My sister hates that except of course when it’s work or speaking to strangers she’s happy to let me do that. My boys love me as I am, although our youngest Ozed thinks I’m archaic (there’s an 11 year gap so he’s allowed).

You chose broadcasting like mom, are you pressured to be like mom and have there been comparisons?

In those days, you wore the most sexy micro minis, do you wear an abridged version now, or you never into shorts anymore?

A few more kilos have cramped my style in that area.

When you see young ladies like your daughters in micro minis or bum shorts, do you feel a sense of dejavu. Like, yeah, i did that?

I just laugh and think….oh! to be young and carefree.

Your daughters are yet to marry, does that worry you?

No. Not particularly. In God’s time. He makes everything beautiful. They are not out of the world’s idea of the marriage corridor yet, if there is such a thing.

Why did you choose broadcasting?

I had been studying Law for two years and decided to take a year out to get work experience with a law firm. After being first chair for a murder case and a series of heart wrenching criminal cases I decided I wanted a less hazardous job. My uncle’s friend who happened to be OAP was visiting London, and he commented that I was witty and personable and should try radio. The rest as they say is history.

What is your philosophy?

A soft word turneth away reproach. Do unto others what you want done to you and be the best that you can be.

What is your style prefrence these days?

Young, simple and sometimes conservative if I can help it. That’s because I fancy myself a bit eclectic at heart.

What future are you looking up to-professionally, emotionally and familywise?

I shall keep that information to myself. I mustn’t give everything away.

Mom is so proud of you and your work, tell me what you have done that she is beaming about?

I’m not quite sure, I think it’s a tie for me. I do a radio session with my Hexavia colleague Eizu, Uncle Chaz and Chike Onyia of Zolts on Chaz B’s show, Sharing Life Issues. It’s a business/career session. My mother loves my intellectual side. The other is a skit my sister and I did on Ebony Life TV called Lagos Big Girl’s game. I think her seeing the two of us together, acting, really tickles her.

You’ve said you worked with chaz b and he was your mentor what did you learn from him and how did you take his death?

I learnt humility and I was still learning how to listen. It’s very important both in the industry and in one’s growth as a person. He always said listen to the people you are talking to/ interviewing they aren’t just talking they’re sharing, it’s a privilege for them to share with you and don’t take it lightly.

Then listen to I AM that I AM what is HE saying.

I was fortunate to have met such an amazing person. I didn’t take it very well. We (myself and Eizu) were supposed to meet up on Sunday, talk business and of course I would have my usual therapy session. He would always ask how I am, remember every detail and follow up. He gave his heart, his time, his wisdom. His wife is an amazing and strong woman, often times she is close by. My heart is with her and the family at this time. He has left a huge hole in Nigeria’s heart.

You had long dreadlocks, which you cut off ,and now you are back on dreads, it looks as if you have an enduring love for drealocks? What is the appeal?

Easy and cheap to maintain – Ha! Ha! Ha!

Do you relate with your daughter more as sisters and friends, or do you maintain the mother is always right attitude?

All of the above approaches I adopt, depending on the situation.

There have been comparisons when it comes to my command of English, especially diction. But no pressure, thank God.

Nnei Opia

Where you-conciously or unconciouslyinfluenced by mom to choose your profession?

Unconciously. In fact, my father still hopes I’ll go back to Law School. My mother used to call me her little QC. She was disappointed when I ditched law for broadcasting! The joke however is I first presented when I was about 9/10 years old at an NTA children’s party.

How do you find broadcasting in nigeria, compared to england, where you also worked as one?

REPORTAGE I think there’s less respect for the job, both by people who do the job and people who run the broadcasting houses, which is a global problem but it’s more obvious in Nigeria.

Broadcasting in its original form must fulfil 3 things- educate inform and entertain. A lot of the time it’s only entertainment that gets funded with man-power and finance. While there’s nothing wrong with it, it makes me think if everyone is being entertained, who is being taught? There are very few people that I know who study broadcasting, diction, who go into the field. Its all desk journalism and in Nigeria there isn’t much.

You chose interviewing and reporting , rather than newscasting like your mom, why dont you like newscasting?

I like interaction and I love conversation. You can’t get that with news casting. I would love to be a Christiane Amanpour or Jeremy Paxman. What Cyril Stober does now, hold panels of discussions.

There are many interpretations of life and its intricacies I like discovering them.

Did mom’s fame have any impact on you. In terms of how people relate with you?

Most definitely! One of my colleagues calls me the “Kim Kardashian” of our office as per celebrity.

Which is ridiculous, because I’m not a celebrity. I usually hide the fact she’s my mom because I don’t want preferential treatment. People eventually find out and I get hugs and questions, screams and a so when can I meet her? On the streets of London, people have waved, come over to take pictures generally where ever we go people express how much they enjoyed watching her read the news. Its beautiful.

How do you bond with mom, do you relate with her as sister and friend, or a distant mom?

She’s more of a friend now, although she struggles with that. She still tries to be mother supreme and then we remind her how old we are, after all when she was my age she was pregnant with me! But Mother is mother. Sometimes she’ll discuss it and come to a compromise other times she’ll give you a tone and you know this is MOTHER speaking and I just hush. In the end I trust her completely and she has shown me by example. So I follow.

Siblings always compete with each other, especially when they are close in age. Do you compete with your sisterr, to excel and for mom’s attention?

I really take being the older sibling seriously, I am the eldest and its my job to assist my siblings in anything they do and protect them. As I moved back to Nigeria, my sister had to pick up the baton.

In friendship, faith, career we are a team. Its even hard to compete with each other for mum’s attention because we are different sides of her, we learnt that awhile back.

Any plans for marriage soon. And is mom not pressuring yet?

Not yet. Marriage is a big deal, I want to get it right the first and only time. So as God wills so shall it be. She’s not pressuring me, but she is constantly rating my cooking by saying either, “Your husband will enjoy this!” or “Is this what you’ll give your husband?”

What is most important to you?

Faith, family and passion.

How do you relax and have your me -time?

I either have a beauty day, where I get a facial, get my hair and nails done and have a nice meal, or I go for an early morning jog come home and cuddle up to a good book or movie.

November 30, 2014 /

9

REPORTAGE

Times are moving, and I expect the acting industry will too - Weruche Opia eruche (formerly Reanne) Opia, a Drama and Sociology graduate from the University of the West of England, decided she would make W her mark on the world through acting and has since then been on a mission to actualize her decision. She made her professional acting debut in 2010 when she appeared on the hit UK police drama “The Bill” and then went on to claim roles in a number of theatre productions at The Shakespeare Globe, National Theatre Studios (UK) and Ice and Fire theatre. Since then, she has appeared in several movies and plays , in the UK and in Nigeria. Her current movie ‘When Love Happens” , a feel good romantic comedy by Seyi Babatope priemered recently in Nigeria.

Mom is so proud of you and your work; tell me what you have done that she is beaming about?

She’s proud of everything really , but I bet her proudest moment was at the premier of “ When Love Happens” when she finally got to see me on the big screen! I wasn’t able to attend due to previous work commitments, so she and my sister, who is also my manager, attended on my behalf.

Why did you choose acting/ broadcasting?

I always wanted to be a performer. As a child I performed at church, all through school, through to university. My degree was joint. A degree with Drama and Sociology, and ironically I did better in sociology than I did in Drama but after I graduated I decided I wanted to act professionally and by the grace of God, here I am today.

You act both in nigeria and england, how will you compare the two, professionall and contentwise?

It’s different. Things work almost clockwork in the UK which is the complete opposite in Nigeria. I find there is a lot of informality in the industry here as well, people don’t seem to take it as seriously as we do in the UK. Acting is a profession, just as being a banker is and I believe it should be treated with the same level of professionalism. Content wise, things are also different but of course this is expected as art is influenced by culture, and Nigerian and British culture are different. However, there are universal themes that everyone can relate to, so in that sense there are similarities, just in different settings.

You have a new film which has been in the cinema for a month, tell me asbout it, and the role you play?

The film is called “When Love Happens” . It’s a feel good romantic comedy by Seyi Babatope. I play the lead character Mo and the film follows her love life as she attempts to find Mr. Right. In her attempt she starts a vlog, signs up for internet dating and kisses a few frogs till she discovers “the one”. It’s a coming of age story with the incorporation of social media/ technology, bringing it right into the 21st century. The best thing about this movie is apart from the excellent production quality and photography direction, it was a platform to allow new talent shine. We need more opportunities like this.

Where you-conciously or unconciouslyinfluenced by mom to choose your profession?

I think it may have been unconscious for me as well. I remember when I told my mum I had decided to act professionally and she told me she had tried her hand at acting as well and I didn’t believe her; till I met Ms. Joke Silva at a lunch for the cast of “For Colored Girls:A Nigerian Adaptaion” and she said to me how I reminded her of my mother when they were all starting out, and the only difference was my skin

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complexion. I remember going home to my mum and saying “ So you weren’t just making it up mum! You actually were an actor!” It’s quite weird actually. My mum started off as an actor but Broadcasting stole her heart, so I guess she may be living her life as an actor vicariously through me. I am grateful though.

That both my parents trusted me enough to make my own decision on my chosen career, and most importantly support me to chase my dreams.

Did mom’s fame have any impact on you. In terms of how people relate with you? (laughs) Yes it has. A lot of times when people introduce me to other people in Nigeria they mention my name, and a lot of them tend to not have seen my work; but when they mention I’m Ruth Benamaisia’s daughter, I get a “ oh my gosh!!! I can see the resemblance ! I love your mum! I grew up watching her!” and then they usually warm up towards me. Thank God for good mothers!

How do you bond with mom, do you relate with her as sister and friend, or a distant mom?

My mum is one of my best friends. As I got older I found that my mum and I are VERY alike. We are both headstrong and stubborn, in a good way, and we like efficiency. I relate to her very well as I am an open book and mother is not one to mince her words.

As a teenager we had our fare share of issues, but as I grew up I began to understand her and appreciate her more. Honestly, I don’t know where I would be without my mother. She has been the ultimate role model with my faith, career and life in general. I am extremely blessed to have her in my life, as mother and best friend.

How do you rate actors and actresses here. Are they well appreciated by the public?

Nigeria is a very rich country in every sense of the word. We have so many talented individuals, young and old and I love to see the way people appreciate them. Recently, I went to watch “when Love Happens “ at the cinema and I went in to the screen right before it started so nobody knew I was in there. The most enjoyable part for me was hearing the comments from people as they watched the movie!

Nigerians know how to enjoy themselves! They expressed themselves freely throughout the movie as though they were in their living rooms and that for me made me feel appreciated. I also had the opportunity to meet with some people who watched the movie and their response was amazing. Their faces lit up as they told me how much they enjoyed the movie; moments like that make it all worth it.

What future do you see for the acting profession in nigeria, and for yourself as an actress?

I see it evolving. Times are moving, and I expect

Weruche Opia the acting industry will too. I have a lot of respect for those who paved the way for us , those who made do with small budgets and tight schedules. We appreciate them and can never discredit what that have done; however we must now improve, acting and production wise, to give us a chance on the world stage. I look forward to the days where Nigerians films, with Nigerian content, made by Nigerians will be nominated for academy awards.

Any plans for marriage soon and is mom not pressuring yet?

Marriage will come when God wills. I would like to get married soon though! My mum isn’t the kind of person to pressure about things like that, though she drops subtle hints.

Siblings always compete with each other, especially when they are close in age. Do you compete with your sisterr, to excel and for mom’s attention?

My sister is the right hand woman. There’s no space for competition as we have the same goals and want the best for each other. When one of us wins, we all win. I’m the middle child so I have the choice of when I want to be noticed and when I don’t.

There’s no real pressure on me because i’m not the first born, or the first boy or the last born like my siblings. I manage to cruise through a lot and I like it that way.

What is most important to you?

God, my loved ones and my career.

How do you relax and have your me -time?

I treat myself to a beauty/spa day too. I’ll go for a meal, watch a movie at home or shop.

What is your style prefrence. Do you have any designer local/international that you are loving?

I’m not a label freak but I’m a fan of Sasha P, Re Bahia and Tom Ford. The clothes are effortless, wearable and versatile. My favourite pieces right now though are H&M and my sister got me hooked on Zara. I’m a fun person, so if I can dance in your clothes THUMBS UP! I love clothes as long as they look good, regardless of the price tag. I like Bridget Awosika, Maki Oh, Grey and internationally i’m a high street girl, i’m addicted to Zara!

HEA L T H

HEALTHY LIVING101 by - Teri Mendes

Diabetes Melitus

Diabetes Mellitus (DM), also known as simply as Diabetes is due to either the pancreas not producing enough insulin (insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas which regulates the amount of glucose in the blood. The lack of insulin causes a form of diabetes), or the cells of the body not responding properly to the insulin produced. Today I will be reporting my discussions I had with Dr Kevwe Ogidigben of the St Nicholas Hospital Lagos on Diabetes and the three main types of diabetes mellitus which are: What is Type 1 Diabetes really about?

Type 1 diabetes is also called insulindependent diabetes. It used to be called juvenile-onset diabetes, because it often begins in childhood. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition.

It’s caused by the body attacking its own pancreas with antibodies. In people with type 1 diabetes, the damaged pancreas doesn’t make insulin.

This type of diabetes may be caused by a genetic predisposition.

It could also be the result of faulty beta cells in the pancreas that

• Type 1 DM results from the body’s failure to produce

enough insulin. This form was previously referred to as “insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus” (IDDM) or “juvenile diabetes”. The cause is unknown.

• Type 2 DM begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which cells fail to respond to insulin properly. As the disease progresses a lack of insulin may also develop. This form was previously referred to as “non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus” (NIDDM) or “adult-onset diabetes”. The primary cause is excessive body weight and not enough exercise.

• Gestational diabetes, is the third main form and occurs when pregnant women without a previous history of diabetes develop a high blood glucose level.

Globally, as of 2013, an estimated 382 million people have diabetes worldwide, with type 2 diabetes making up about 90% of the cases. This is equal to 8.3% of the adult population, with equal rates in both women and men. Worldwide in 2012 and 2013 diabetes resulted in 1.5 to 5.1 million deaths per year, making it the 8th leading cause of death. The number of people with diabetes is expected to rise to 592 million by 2035.

normally produce insulin.

Having type 1 diabetes does require significant lifestyle changes that include: • Frequent testing of your blood sugar levels • Careful meal planning • Daily exercise • Taking insulin and other medications as needed People with type 1 diabetes can lead long, active lives if they carefully monitor their glucose, make the needed lifestyle changes, and adhere to the treatment plan.

This is by far, the most common form of diabetes, accounting for 95% of diabetes cases in adults. Type 2 diabetes used to be called adult-onset diabetes, but with the epidemic of obese and overweight kids, more teenagers are now developing type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes was also called non-insulindependent diabetes.

Good day, Good am. I am writing in reference to your Q&A edition on lower back issues. I have fractured vertebrae that causes severe pain in the low back for three years now. I have seen my doctor and he’s always recommending pain relieving drugs. What should I do? Is there any remedy that can reduce the pains other than the pain relieving drugs? Thanks Ola.

Gestational Diabetes Diabetes that’s triggered by pregnancy is called gestational diabetes (pregnancy, to some degree, leads to insulin resistance). It is often diagnosed in middle or late pregnancy.

Because high blood sugar levels in a mother are circulated through the placenta to the baby, gestational diabetes must be controlled to protect the baby’s growth and development.

According to the National Institutes of Health, the reported rate of gestational diabetes is between 2% to 10% of pregnancies. Gestational diabetes usually resolves itself after pregnancy. Having gestational diabetes does, however, put mothers at risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Up to 10% of women with gestational diabetes develop type 2 diabetes. It can occur anywhere from a few weeks after delivery to months or years later With gestational diabetes, risks to the unborn baby are even greater than risks to the mother. Risks to the baby include abnormal weight gain before birth, breathing problems at birth, and higher obesity and diabetes risk later in life. Risks to the mother include needing a cesarean section due to an overly large baby, as well as damage to heart, kidney, nerves, and eye.

Treatment during pregnancy includes working closely with your health care team and: • Careful meal planning to ensure adequate pregnancy nutrients without excess fat and calories • Daily exercise • Controlling pregnancy weight gain • Taking diabetes insulin to control blood sugar levels if needed

Courtesy:

Type 2 Diabetes

TERI Speaks

Type 2 diabetes is often a milder form of diabetes than type 1.

Nevertheless, type 2 diabetes can still cause major health complications, particularly in the smallest blood vessels in the body that nourish the kidneys, nerves, and eyes. Type 2 diabetes also increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.

With Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas usually produces some insulin. But either the amount produced is not enough for the body’s needs, or the body’s cells are resistant to it. Insulin resistance, or lack of sensitivity to insulin, happens primarily in fat, liver, and muscle cells People who are obese -- more than 20% over their ideal body weight for their height -- are at particularly high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and its related medical problems.

Obese people have insulin resistance. With insulin resistance, the pancreas has to work overly hard to produce more insulin.

But even then, there is not enough insulin to keep sugars normal.

There is no cure for diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can, however, be controlled with weight management, nutrition, and exercise.

Unfortunately, type 2 diabetes tends to progress, and diabetes medications are often needed.

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

Response from Dr. Tinsley: Hello Ola, In addressing your question concerning the severe pain in your lower back resulting from a fractured vertebrae, an examination would be required. The severity of the fracture and the affect that it may have on the biomechanics of the spine and surrounding soft tissue would need to be properly assessed prior to rendering any professional opinion. Fracture of the vertebrae can occur as a mild hair-line fracture that remains stable; or a severe fracture resulting in the total collapse of the bone. In order to properly assess your condition, it is recommended that you schedule a consult.

You are encouraged to bring any recent imaging films and medical records with you to your appointment.

November 30, 2014/

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FEA T UR E

KATHY EMIKO

BodyPerfect not just slimming but fitness

CANCER PROOF YOUR BODY ...CONTINUED FROM LAST WEEK

Folate plays a vital role in DNA repair.

Vitamins C and E act as anti-oxidants, protect DNA from damage and stimulate the immune system.

Small levels of selenium play an essential role as part of certain proteins which have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well as protecting against DNA damage.

Flavonoids could also have anti-oxidant properties and reduce inflammation.

Fruits and vegetables are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Fruit and vegetables contain a wide range of nutrients.

But it may be that you need these nutrients in balanced combinations to reduce the risk of cancer effectively. Differently coloured fruits and vegetables often contain different nutrients so it’s a good idea to eat a wide range of colours. One study found that people who eat the widest range of fruits and vegetables have 22% lower risk of mouth cancer than those who eat the narrowest range.

There is strong evidence that nutrients in fruits

• ORGANIC FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

and vegetables do not reduce the risk of cancer when they are taken as supplements. High doses of supplements could even have harmful effects. Fruits and vegetables are also a very good source of natural fibre and there is strong evidence that high levels of fibre reduce risk of bowel cancer.

Fruit and vegetables have extensive health benefits.

People have been advised to increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables since the 1990s.

Since then, many expert reports on diet and cancer prevention have supported eating five portions of fruits and vegetables a day.

Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can help you

POCKET FINA by - Omilola Oshikoya

How To Make Money Without Money ...CONTD FROM PREVIOUS WEEK

7. Apply to government funding programs:YOU WIN gives loans to entrepreneurs, they monitor the business for three years after which, the money is converted to a grant that the business owner doesn’t need to pay back.

8. Write an e-book or cell-phone novel: In Japan it is popular to write and distribute novels via mobile phones, specifically text message. In 2007, five of the top ten best selling novels in Japan were mobile phone novels written specifically for the medium.

9. Start an online business where you provide a platform to sell third party items and you

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maintain a healthy body weight. Keeping a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of bowel, breast (post-menopausal), kidney, womb, oesophageal, pancreatic and gall bladder cancers. And, getting enough fruits and vegetables also reduce the risk of other diseases including heart disease.

A study by ‘EPIC’ found that people who ate the most fruits and vegetables reduced their risk of dying from chronic diseases like heart diseases, cancer and diabetes by a quarter.

Eating lots of red or processed meat can increase the risk of cancer.

Eating lots of red or processed meat increases the risk of bowel cancer. Red meat includes all fresh, minced and frozen beef, pork and lamb. Processed meat includes ham, bacon, salami and sausages.

Around a quarter of bowel cancer cases in men and around a sixth in women are linked to eating red or processed meat. Bowel cancer risk increases by more than a quarter (28%) for every 120g of red meat eaten per day and by almost a tenth (9%) for every 30g of processed meat eaten per day. Processed meat is more strongly linked to cancer risk than red meat.

There is growing evidence that links red meat to pancreatic and stomach cancers. The EPIC study found that eating lots of meat, particularly red and processed meat could also increase the risk of stomach cancer; people eating over 100g of meat a day had over 3 times the risk of getting stomach cancer. Another important study found that people who eat the most red or processed meat have 40-50% higher risk of pancreatic cancer.

Princess Kathy is a certified nutrition and fitness consultant.

Email: bodyperfectng@gmail.com | Twitter: @usoorganic | BB: 2B679D12 | Blog: princess Kathy Emiko.

NCE

can earn a commission on sales 10. Start blogging, increase traffic to your site and earn advertising revenues through ad sense.

11. Pre-sales/Get paid upfront: A good model would be to get your prospective customers to pay upfront before you order, manufacture or purchase products for sale.

12. Get free professional advise: There are many professionals offering free advise for example you can check my blog www.pocketfinance101.blogspot.com for free advise on managing your finances, incorporating a business, etc Brett Kelly is a perfect example of someone who made money and even got his dream job with as little as $100. Brett was a talented programmer /blogger, who stumbled upon a new software he really enjoyed using called Evernote and decided to write an e-book, Evernote Essentials, on how to use the software. He contacted the company via their general email to ask if he could use their logo. They really liked the idea of the book and agreed he could use the name but not the logo. They also offered to help promote the book.

He sent the first draft for review and they liked it and told him the CEO of the company wanted to meet him. He met the CEO, who offered him a job that he wasn’t even looking for and he was allowed to work from home since he didn’t want to move cities. Not only did he make money from sales of the e-book but he was also able to earn money from his dream job. They created a job for him, that didn’t even exist, based on his strengths i.e. writing and programming. He runs the corporate website and writes user documentation.

In conclusion, the most important thing is to have a vision, start small and start now. Money is definitely not a limiting factor neither is it a means to an end.

Omilola is a TV host, international speaker, blogger, media & publications specialist and life coach. Email pocketfinance101@gmail.com. Twitter @ pocketfinance @omilola www.pocketfinance101.blogspot.com www. omioshikoya.blogspot.com www.omilola.com

FA S H I O N

Dinner Date:

Find Your Pick by - Rhoda Ebun

Going to dinner with friends, the boyfriend (or husband) or even a formal dinner function can be a bit nerve racking as we struggle through what to wear, and most importantly, selecting the appropriate outfit for the appropriate event.

So, here are three pieces from Souza Fashions that will inspire our choice of outfits for the appropriate dinner event.

LOOK 2 Going out to dinner with close friends or work associates, this outfit serves a perfect choice. The fabric and colour is great for any skin tone and belt cinches the waist perfectly. This outfit is perfect for that demure and chic lady.

Chandelier Earrings

Black Clutch Purse

clutch purse

roberto bracelet V-neck Bodycon dress

Sequined heels

LOOK 3

LOOK 1 Sequins and sheer are great for night time events and dinner with that special person. This outfit gives a bold, spectacular and luxurious look that will definitely make you the centre of that special person’s attraction.

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Platform Heels

Nude pumps

This outfit is great for a formal dinner function. You look beautiful without showing too much; also paying attention to the fact that it’s a formal event. The colour is very lady like and the neckline silhouette is an instant oomph to the outfit.