XCEL INTERNATIONAL MASGAZINE 51st edition pt 1 by Barth Emuekpere

DORA AKUNYILI: THE LEGACY OF A GOOD WOMAN No. 51

International N 500 8 3 GHc 6 201402

IKEDURU GLOWS AS TELECOMS GURU & MULTINET BOSS

IHEOMA NNADI

CHIEF UZOMA OBIYO REMEMBERS LATE MOM DAME EMILY IN A GRAND CEREMONY

Most Beautiful Girl In Nigeria 2014

THRILLS & FUN AT THE OCCF’S GO-PINK BREAST CANCER BENEFIT CONCERT IN LAGOS OMEHIA RECEIVES NIM FELLOWSHIP AWARD THE DOME, GARDEN CITY’S FRONTLINE EVENT PLACE, OPENS AMELDA BRIGGS CELEBRATE BIRTHDAY IN GRAND PANACHE FIRST EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF OIL-RICH BAYESLA STATE

ALSO INSIDE: XCEL FASHION SPLENDOR

CHIEF DIEPREYE ALAMIEYESEIGHA BADE DAD FAREWELL AMIDST POMP & PAEGANTRY

Number 51

International

MBGN 2014 19-year-old IHEOMA NNADI Takes Over As Most Beautiful Girl In Nigeria 2014 12

REMEMBRANCE 32

Multinet Boss, DR. UZOMA OBIYO Organizes Incredible Memorial Ceremony For Late Mom

42 32

HONOURS OMEHIA Receives the Prestigious Nigerian Institute of Management’s Fellowship Award

DEDICATION

Fashion & Style Return of Color Blocking

ARCHBISHOP MARGARET BENSON IDAHOSA Dedicates THE GRACE PLACE Worship Centre In Port Harcourt 62

SOCIETY

Fashion Counsel Lipstick Shades for Dark Skin

For Men Only Polishing your Shoes

At The Optimal Cancer Care Foundation’s GO-PINK BREAST CANCER BENEFIT CONCERT 17

Trendy Splash

Wife of Port Harcourt Socialite & Activist AMELDA 20 BRIGGS Celebrate Birthday In Grand Panache

MBGN 2014: A showcase of fashion 75

First Executive Governor of Oil-rich Bayesla State CHIEF DIEPREYE ALAMIEYESEIGHA Bade Dad 45 Farewell Amidst Pomp & Paegantry

The Beauty Files

Thrills & Fun Define BOSINDE’S 2nd Port Harcourt Family Game Show 66

BUSINESS & MARKETS Welcome to THE DOME, Garden City’s Foremost Event Place, Restaurant & Jazz Lounge 53

Going Trendier With Amazing Floral Shoes 78

Departments 6 XCEL People:

DORA AKUNYILI: The Legacy of a Good Woman

10 Health Matters:

The Scourging Ebola Virus Infection

68 Career Wise:

Being More Producvtive At Work

28 Life Style:

10 Shocking Cosmetic Surgery Procedures ...

30 Feminine Talk:

Low Self-esteem: Kick Against The Habit

40 Moving up the Ladder: Why Do People Fail

62 66 20

50 Parenting:

Worst Mistakes Stepparents Make

65 Relationship:

How To Strengthen Your Loving Relationship

70 Thinking Cap:

Nigeria Gay Violence

THE PEOPLES’ VOICE The letter by Sylverline Njoku from Abuja is the Star Letter of this edition and wins our N1,000 prize money. Congratulations. Dear Editor, So interesting to know that XCEL has reached fifty editions. As a keen follower of your magazine, I must commend the effort of the entire XCEL Crew over this p e r i o d . Particularly the Publisher for his dogged commitment to the vision as you always put it, celebrating our continent. Kudos and keep the flag flying. Joan Aroye Port Harcourt Dear Joan, Thanks for your comment. We are glad that you appreciate our efforts. Our promise is to continue to do our best to improve like fine wine which gets better with every passing day. Thanks Dear editor, I was looking forward to an event to celebrate your 50th edition, but never heard of any. To me it is a mega feat to have arrived at your 50th issue because I know so many magazines which started out at about the same time or later than yours and have fizzled out of circulation. Let me commend you on this and hope that you continue in greater efforts to keep going on. Adawari Jack Port Harcourt Dear Adawari, We share in your opinion that a landmark 50th edition is worth celebrating. We would have loved to, but again, it was an in-house decision that there is ample time for celebration, probably our anniversary, award ceremonies and all such. We are grateful to you Dear Editor, The story of the Nigerian lady Jessica Matthews based in US which appeared on your XCEL PEOPLE column (49th edition) was to say the least, inspiring. It is interesting to know that there are Nigerians who are also excelling in faraway lands like the United States. Also interesting is the fact that the government of the day seem to appreciate Nigerians who are worthy examples and role models. I say this because you published a photograph of Jessica with President Jonathan and some ministers. We see this as a welcome development because when government begin to place premium on hardwork, it will motivate

others to work hard. Kudos to XCEL for the wonderful expose on Jessica and kudos to Mr. President for redirecting our government towards appreciating hardwork. Sylverline Njoku Gwarinpa, Abuja Dear Sylverline, We are particularly impressed with the two points you raised about the publication, first our celebrating Jessica Matthews for her role in the invention of a Socket Ball which generates three hours of light from 30 minutes of play and secondly, the government for appreciating hard work. Let me make it emphatically clear that on the first point lies the pivot on which XCEL revolves. We elected to celebrate Africans who make us proud and not those who bring dishonour and shame to our continent. on the second point, we join you to commend the government for this rare show of appreciation and recognition for hard work. thank you for this inspiring letter Dear Editor, your publication on Nelson Mandela on your 50th edition is simply fantastic. I read it and am really impressed with your detailed analysis of his leadership qualities. I do hope that other African leaders will strive to emulate the sterling qualities of this great African who drew the attention of the entire world to Africa. Good job XCEL just keep going on my people. So proud to be associated with you guys. Reuben Atiba Ikeja, Lagos Dear Reuben, We thank you for your encouragement. We can assure you that w e will keep doing our best in this regards Dear Editor, The article "BEYOND OIL E C O N O M Y : Where is Nigeria" w h i c h y o u published on your 49th edition u n d e r t h e Thinking Cap column is well articulated and a very important food for thought for our leaders and the nation in general. With the disappearance of the Groundnut Pyramids of the north and the Cocoa of the west, we became a monoeconomy nation, depending largely on Oil. From the article, a whopping 95% of the

nation's revenue comes from Oil and that's not a healthy development for a country like ours. Please continue your good works. Jack Ipalibo Port Harcourt Dear Jack, We thank you for your letter as we agree with you that the situation is very unhealthy for our country. Once again, Thank you Dear Editor, I want to commend your 50th edition Publisher's Message. it is right on point and a message for our leaders. I agree with the message that Africa is in dare need of statesmen like Mandela rather than the politicians we have as leaders. Leaders are vision carriers and selfless, they are always on the side of the betterment of the people. Ironically, we have selfish rulers whose interest is to feed fat at the expense of the people, build mansions, buy private jets, and steal enough to guarantee affluence for the rest of their life. Imagine Nelson Mandela's gross wealth put at about $4.13 million (about 681million Naira) which in Nigeria is not enough for a mere Councilor which is the lowest level of government official. I only hope they have time to read such insightful write-ups in their quest for insatiable wealth. Hilda Ayakuro Warri Dear Hilda, We thank you for your letter and also join you to hope that our leaders find time to read such publications. However, we must continue to have faith in our leaders and pray for them. Someday, we may be blessed with statesmen who will lead the continent aright. Dear Editor, I took time to go through the article on page 23 of your 50th edition titled “ X C E L : 5 0 Editions After”. In it you chronicled some of the personalities your Magazine has celebrated as XCEL PEOPLE. I was indeed perplexed at the calibre of Africans you have celebrated on the pages of your magazine, and I make bold to say you are really celebrating African Excellence. Please keep it up and faint not. Joan Akindele Lagos Dear Joan, We are grateful for the encomium. That will certainly spur us to do more. Thank you

XCEL PEOPLE

DORATHY NKEM AKUNYILI: The Legacy of a Good Woman National Agency for Food, Drug, Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Even before she was appointed the Director General of NAFDAC, Akunyili, a Pharmacist and academic, made the news when she returned unspent funds to the defunct Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), where she served as the South-East Zonal Secretary.

here people saw disabilities, she saw possibilities. While everyone sundered the nation's resources in their greedy desires to amass undeserving wealth, she laboured to stitch the bits together, resolutely believing that the nation could be great again. Even when the entire world had passed a damning judgement on the nation and her people, she still believed that there was something intricately good about Nigerians and “that Nigeria will work and fulfil its destiny”.

Born on July 14, 1954 Dora Akunyili showed great zeal in leadership and path-way to excellence by her incorruptible character for honesty and commitment to work and her public endorsement was certainly not by accident. She was first appointed into the Anambra

“Mr Chairman, distinguished delegates,” she said at the now defunct 2014 National Conference where she stood, against all entreaties, to sit because of her failing health, “I leave you with the words of these Greek proverb 'A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”

It therefore was sorrowful when the entire nation, not long ago, witnessed the funeral obsequies of this great Nigerian, an Amazon and uncommon public servant, whose exploits in the past 14 years were unlike any other witnessed in our society. A first class graduate of Pharmacy and one time lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Dorathy Nkem Akunyili, within this span of time, became a household name not only in Nigeria, but also in the wider world where her war against fake foods and drugs was acclaimed, with many awards and honours, including a welldeserved Award of Excellence which she received from your own XCEL in recognition of her unforgettable exploits then at the

Following her excellent performance, she was appointed Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) by the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2001. On assumption of office at NAFDAC, Akunyili confronted the entrenched mafia of fake drug importers and miraculously escaped assassination attempts on two occasions. Interestingly, these attempts on her life were not enough to deter her from pursuing the cause of making Nigeria free of fake drugs and foods. Her eight-year tenure in the agency made Nigeria a reference point in the global war against fake drugs, for which she missed being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize narrowly in 2007. When she was appointed Minister for Information and National Orientation, Dora Akunyili launched a campaign to rebrand Nigeria and Nigerians and soldiered with it even in the face of fierce criticisms from ever sarcastic and skeptical Nigerians. It is to her credit that Nigeria is now sloganeered as “Good People, Great Nation”. One of the most profound contributions of this great woman was her clamour for the right thing to be done. It will be recalled that when a pall of secrecy was cast over the true situation of the health position of former President, Umaru Yar' Adua. She insisted on full disclosure and courted the displeasure of Yar'Adua's inner cabal. She was one of those whose actions moved the hands of the establishment to allow then Vice President Goodluck Jonathan assume full powers and save the nation from an impasse that could have possibly triggered another military intervention.

To the point of death, she still exuded those remarkable values and ideals which endeared the whole world to her.

The above quote in itself being a keen reminder of the very essence, passion, and ideals that drove this legendary woman throughout her existence on earth; selfless as ever, patriotic, progressive, willingness to serve, innovative; the qualifiers are simply endless.

headlines.

Dora, an academic

Even when she was already ill, because of her patriotism, Dora Akunyili still answered the call to serve Nigeria as a Delegate to the defunct National Conference, where she made a landmark speech which many has described as her parting words for Nigeria. A few weeks after, while the conference was still on, she was flown to India for medical attention where she gave up.

State Hospital Management Board in 1992 where she exhibited an exceptional commitment to serve and later in 1994 she became the Supervisory Councillor for Agriculture in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State. These appointments became launching pads for her to demonstrate both her leadership ability and character strength as a woman of honesty and integrity. The reward for such discovery was her appointment as the Zonal Secretary of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) projects in all the five Eastern States in 1996 where her heroics began to make media Dora’s simplistic look

DORAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PARTING WORDS FOR NIGERIA Nigerians have for long clamored for an opportunity such as this to discuss our problems and come up with solutions that will strengthen the bond of our nationhood. I regard this national conference as President Jonathan's best centenary gift to Nigerians, and a proof that he is a listening president.

Dora Akunyili with her plethora of Award plaques,including our own XCEL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE (last plaque on second row from bottom behind her) A devout catholic, Professor Dora Akunyili was married to Dr. Chike Akunyili, a medical doctor and blessed with six wonderful children. In her 59 years of action-packed life of exemplary leadership, Dora Akunyili demonstrated great leadership skills and showed that women, when given towering challenges, have the capacity to p r o d u c e results. She was very visible and audible, and left bold footprints of achievements Dora in action wherever she went. Her uncommon pursuit for the g o o d o f humanity has earned her a lot of honours and awards in Nigeria and across the globe besides being inducted into many national and international organizations. Some of the awards include conferment of National Order of the Federal RepublicOFR (2002), Integrity Award (2003) by Transparency International, International Euro Market Award (2003 & 2005), Total Quality Leadership Award (2003) by the African Institute for Democracy and Good Governance, Special Award for Combating Economic Crime (2004) by International Chamber of

Commerce-Commercial Crime Services (ICC-CCS) London. Some others are the African Civic Responsibility Award (2004 & 2005) by African Times USA, Quintessence Award (2004) by African Writers Endowment Inc. USA, Eko FM Listeners Person of the year 2002, Business Times Person of the year, 2002, XCEL Award as a W o r t h y Amazon in National Service ( 2 0 0 5 ) , Silverbird Television Person of the year 2005 including an award as one of the 10 Most Outstanding Nigerians in 2006 by XCEL International M a g a z i n e among others. As the nation and her admirers' world over join her family, friends and associates to mourn this woman of substance, we join in celebrating her life and holding her up as a shining example, for women and youth with the lesson that gender is never a barrier to greatness. Truly, Prof. Dora Akunyili stands tall as one of the distinguished XCEL Personalities that deserves to be celebrated at all times as an icon of integrity and service

Mr. President's speech oozes humility, modesty, patriotism and a deep concern for the present and future of this beautiful country, Nigeria. Mr. President in that speech admitted that sovereignty belongs to the people. And those in authority are only holding power on trust for the people and of course that nobody has monopoly of knowledge. Hence, the decision for convening this conference. One thing that stands out from Mr. President's speech is that there is no trace of negativism. For instance, he made it clear that Nigeria's unity is not negotiable and our duty at this conference is to discuss ways to build a stronger and better Nigeria and I totally agree with him. I am convinced that Nigeria should remain as one nation after 100 years despite her challenges because our common values overwhelm our differences. Apart from our long history of togetherness, we've also enjoyed many decades of intermarriages and mutual co-existence. We have to make sure that this conference delivers on the true spirit of Mr. President's speech. While we discuss the value of unity as written in his speech, we must realize that millions of Nigerians are being discriminated against in various parts of this country where they are born; where their forefathers lived; based on the socalled state of origin. The founding fathers of Nigeria had a dream of building a united, prosperous, and developed nation state where social justice reigns. We also have to continue to dream because once we stopped dreaming then life is gone. In conclusion, I am convinced that Nigeria will work and fulfill its destiny. I therefore look forward to collaborating with other delegates to chart the way for a better a new Nigeria. We all want to see a positive transform Nigeria and I therefore urge all of us to work individually and collectively so as to set the right agenda for the Nigeria of our dream. Mr Chairman, distinguished delegates, I leave you with the words of these Greek proverb "A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.â&#x20AC;? (Being the transcript of her last public address at the 2014 National Confab)

Dora on her final journey to interrment

AFRICA PERISCOPE

Uganda Court Declare Country’s Anti-homosexuality Law As 'Null And Void’

ganda's constitutional court has struck down an anti-homosexuality law punishing gay sex with long jail sentences, on the basis that it was passed during a parliamentary session lacking a quorum on Wednesday 30th July 2014. People convicted under of "aggravated homosexuality” under the AntiHomosexuality Act faced maximum punishments of life in prison and seven years for "aiding and abetting homosexuality". Lesbians were also at risk of prosecution under the law for the first time and people found living together in same sex relationships faced life prison sentences. The bill was signed in February to a wave of international criticism, and resulted in foreign aid being cut significantly.Ten petitioners had challenged the anti-gay law after it was enacted in February on the grounds that it was illegally passed and that it violated certain rights guaranteed in Uganda's constitution.

erupted in loud cheers when the court ruled the law is now "null and void".The panel of five judges on the East African country's Constitutional Court said the speaker of parliament acted illegally when she allowed a vote on the measure despite at least three objections including from the country's prime minister over a lack of a quorum when the bill was passed. "The speaker was obliged to ensure that there was a quorum," the court said in its ruling. "We come to the conclusion that she acted illegally." Earlier in July, the Ugandan government released a statement insisting the law had been “misinterpreted” and was not homophobic. It said the law had only been introduced to prevent “open promotion of homosexuality”. The Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni also defended the law in July, and said Aid cuts

had actually proved beneficial because they had “aroused” Ugandans to the need to “undertake serious work”. Dr. Dimitrina Petrova, Executive Director of London-based the Equal Rights Trust, said the organisation was "delighted" at the outcome. The group has been lobbying the Ugandan Parliament and President Museveni on the Anti-Homosexuality Act and Uganda's treatment of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgeder (LGBT) community since 2009.

Activists in the packed court room reportedly

Ebola Virus: Top Sierra Leone Doctor, Sheik Umar Khan, Dies Of Disease run by the medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres, which has in recent weeks described the disease's West African outbreak as "out of control". At the time of his diagnosis, it was not immediately clear how Dr Khan became infected. While health workers are especially vulnerable to contracting the virus spread through bodily fluids such as saliva, sweat, blood and urine, for Dr. Khan, he was known to be “always meticulous with protection, wearing overalls, mask, gloves and special footwear”. Before his diagnosis, Dr Khan told reporters: "I am afraid for my life, I must say, because I cherish my life."

he top doctor treating patients infected with the Ebola virus in Sierra Leone has died from the disease, officials have confirmed. Dr. Sheik Umar Khan had been hospitalised in quarantine since he contracted the virus. The virologist was credited with treating more than 100 patients at the hospital in Kenema - one of the world's leading Ebola diagnosis facilities. The current outbreak is the largest in history, so far killing more than 672 people across West Africa since the outbreak began in February, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Nations affected include Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and most recently, Nigeria. Dr Khan's death was confirmed by chief medical officer Dr Brima Kargbo, who had previously hailed him as a "national hero" when she announced he had contracted the the disease. "It is a big and irreparable loss to Sierra Leone as he was the only specialist the country had in viral haemorrhagic fevers," Kargbo said. Dr Khan was being treated at an Ebola ward

"Health workers are prone to the disease because we are the first port of call for somebody who is sickened by disease. Even with the full protective clothing you put on, you are at risk," he added. The confirmation of Dr Khan's death came as two American health workers were being treated for Ebola at a hospital in neighboring Liberia. Health workers have become increasingly frustrated by the outbreak that has killed dozens of their colleagues. Despite international help ranging from doctors to safety equipment, weak health systems in affected countries are struggling to contain the disease. Efforts are further hindered by the fact the disease has no vaccine and no specific treatment. In an attempt to control the virus in Liberia, police officers have been deployed to the nation's international airport to ensure passengers are screened for symptoms. Fever, aches and sore throat are among the early signs of the disease. Only in later stages do

patients sometimes experience severe internal bleeding and blood coming out of their mouth, eyes or ears. Earlier, the West African airline Asky suspended flights to and from Sierra Leone and Liberia. Tensions in the region were heightened when 40-year-old Patrick Sawyer became the first person to die in Nigeria's coastal city of Lagos. Sawyer was of Liberian descent, and worked for the West African nation's Finance Ministry. He had taken several flights on ASKY Airlines. His sister had died of Ebola though he maintained he had not had close physical contact with her when she was sick. At the time, Liberian authorities said they had not been requiring health checks of departing passengers in Monrovia. At the Finance Ministry where Sawyer worked, officials announced they were temporarily shutting down operations. All employees who came into contact with Sawyer before he left for Nigeria were being placed under surveillance, it said. "We have a presence of the police at the airport to enforce what we're doing," said Binyah Kesselly, chairman of the Liberia Airport Authority board. "So if you have a flight and you are not complying with the rules, we will not allow you to board." However, the WHO said travellers are unlikely to catch Ebola because it is not spread like flu through casual contact or breathing in the same air.

Oscar Pistorius's house sold for less than hoped

scar Pistorius' four-bedroom luxury home has sold for below the expected price

Oscar Pistorius has sold the Pretoria house where he killed his girlfriend to a man wanting a retirement property in a "safe area". Pistorius, the South African double amputee sprinter accused of murdering Reeva Steenkamp on Valentine's Day in 2013, had decided to sell the house to help cover escalating legal costs for his trial. However the four-bedroom luxury home, located in the gated, high-security Silver Woods Estate, sold for below the expected price. It was purchased for 4.5-million rand (£249,000) by Louwtjie Louwrens, a mining consultant from Boksburg near Johannesburg. Pistorius's real estate agent Ansie Louw, who is the wife of the athlete's coach, said in March that the athlete had hoped to sell the property for at least five million rand. In Pistorius's bail

application, the value of the property was estimated at five million rand. Mr Louwrens, who is married and has a son and daughter, said the house will require some repairs. He said that his wife will retire within two years, at which point the family might move into the home. "It stood empty for more than a year and there

‘Lake' Appears In Middle Of Tunisian Desert, Becomes Tourist Attraction

mysterious lake that appeared suddenly in the Tunisian desert has created an impromptu “beach” in the drought-ridden country. No explanation has been given for the sudden appearance of “Gafsa Beach”, which was discovered by shepherds a few weeks ago. Authorities have warned that the water, which started off a crystalline blue and has since turned a murky green with algae, could be carcinogenic but Tunisians have not been able to resist cooling off in the 40C heat. More than 600 people are believed to have flocked to the pool, locally dubbed “Lac de Gafsa”, where they have paddled, scuba dived, launched themselves off rocks and relaxed on lilos. “Some say that it is a miracle, while others are calling it a curse,” There has been no official explanation for the lake's origins and while some geologists believe seismic activity may have caused groundwater to rise to the surface by disrupting the water table, others disagree. According to local authorities, the volume of the pool could be one million cubic metres over

more than one hectare, with a depth of between 10 and 18 metres. No official ban on swimming has been put in place but Gafsa's Office of Public Safety warned Tunisians that the water may be contaminated or even radioactive. “This lake is located in an area rich in phosphate deposits, which leave residue that is sometimes strongly radioactive,” Mr Souid

is some water damage, so we would first have to repair it," Mr Louwrens said. "It is in a safe area and everyone I dealt with was very professional." Pistorius, 27, is accused of shooting dead Steenkamp through a locked bathroom door at his home following a late-night argument. He maintains that he thought she was an intruder, and killed her accidentally.

wrote in Tunisia Daily. “So there is a real risk the water is contaminated and carcinogenic. “In the first few days, the water was a crystal clear, turquoise blue. Now it is green and full of algae. This means it is not being replenished and is conducive to disease.” The Gafsa region of central Tunisia is home to the country's mining industry and phosphate was first discovered in 1886. Tunisia is the world's fifth largest exporter of the chemical, used in agriculture and industry, and the Gafsa is home to one of the largest phosphate mines.

South Africa Africa Introduces Introduces New New with someone other than their South parents, the accompanying person must also carry the Entry Rules For Children. Entry Rules For Children. child's birth certificate,

outh Africa is to introduce new rules that will significantly increase paperwork requirements for those travelling to and from the country with children. From October 1 2014, parents travelling to South Africa with a child defined as those under 18 years will need to produce an unabridged birth certificate that shows the names of both parents, with a sworn translation if not in English. For single parents, or those travelling alone with their child, the new regulations are likely to prove even more offputting. They will also need to produce an affidavit in which the absent parent gives consent for the child to travel, a court order granting full parental responsibilities or legal guardianship of the child, or the death certificate of the absent parent. A further rule requires that the affidavit should be no more than three months old on the date of travel. If under-18s are travelling

alongside affidavits from the parents or legal guardians, copies of the identity documents or passports of the parents or legal guardian, and their contact details. To be allowed to travel alone to South Africa, under-18s will need to produce not only an unabridged birth certificate, but also proof of consent from both parents, or legal guardian, their contact details, and information on who they will be staying with while in the country. Under the new rules, all documents must be originals or approved copies. The regulations were initially going to come into force from September 1, but after an outcry from the tourism industry, and the fact that it can take two months to obtain birth certificates in South Africa, the date was delayed. South African Airways, the national carrier that operates flights from London Heathrow, confirmed that it would be implementing the new rules on flights. A spokesperson welcomed the increased regulations, saying that they “are designed to ensure the safety of children.” He confirmed that from October 1 SAA would not be able to check in travellers unable to produce the necessary documents. XL

The Scourging Ebola Virus Infection I

nfectious diseases make more headlines than anything else, especially if there is an outbreak. Be it the SARS epidemic, Influenza pandemic, MERS Coronavirus or the latest Ebola. At the moment the outbreak of the dreadful Ebola virus as of serious concern, and this probably is the right time to talk about it. Ebola is a rare but deadly infection that causes bleeding inside and outside the body. Ebola is known to strike mainly in remote villages of Central and West Africa, but recently, it is reported to have started spreading to some African cities. The disease, also known as Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever or Ebola virus disease first recognized in 1976 near the Ebola River valley in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Hence the name), kills up to 90% of people who are diagnosed of it. The virus is a member of Filovirus family with Negative-sense RNA. Studies showed that there are 5 subtypes of Ebola - Zaire, Sudan, Ivory coast, Bundibugyo and Reston. Of all, only Ebola - Reston is the subtype that is not found in Africa, but in the Philippines. It is also, the only subtype which does not cause illness in humans, but affects animals. It is not known as to what are the actual reservoirs of this virus, but humans and other primates (such as monkeys and gorillas) are thought to be accidental hosts. However, there are strong arguments in current research that indicates "Bats", as the most likely reservoir. The Ebola virus life cycle is not completely understood. It is being postulated that the virus attacks immune cells (The dendritic cells, monocytes and macrophages). The virus can modulate the immune response such as meddling with interleukin and immune cell expression molecules. Infection spreads to multiple other cells including liver hepatocytes and vascular epithelial cells. The nature of human to human transmission is believed to be by close contact through broken mucus membrane. The virus kills the epithelial cells. In the vascular lining, severe loss of endothelial cells causes vascular damage. The virus is said to have an incubation period of two (2) to twenty-one (21) days. This manifests as a hemorrhage and hence known as Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever (EHF) So far, serious Ebola cases have only shown up in Africa, though it can spread from country to country when people travel. For some countries like the United States, safety measures have been put in place to prevent people from coming in through their Airports with the disease. Also, Airline crews are trained to spot the

symptoms in passengers flying from places where the virus is found, and quarantine anyone who looks infected. Currently there is a large effort in trying to contain the virus from spreading by actively diagnosing the cases. However, very little can be done in terms of treatment. There is no established antiviral, though researchers are currently trying to develop drugs against multiple viral components especially the Filoviral polymerase. The Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever causes bleeding from multiple body sites and patients usually die due to extensive blood and fluid loss. Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of NIAID says "If you have a medical facility to give you blood or plasma or fluid, you're not specifically attacking the Ebola, but you're giving the patient a better chance of surviving, Some people who have the best medical care still die, and there are some people with no care who survive. But you have the best chance if you have medical care."

Symptoms

is infected, he or she becomes a carrier and can then spread the virus. For this reason, an infected person should be isolated from the public immediately to help prevent further spread of the virus.

Managing Ebola Virus Most times it's hard to tell if a person has Ebola from the symptoms alone, and since right now there is no real treatment or cure for Ebola, Doctors only try to manage patient's symptoms by giving them: Oxygen therapy, Intravenous fluids, Blood transfussion and Pain & shock medication. However, it is necessary to immediately seek medical attention as soon as you notice any of the symptoms. The earlier treatment is administered, the better the chances of survival. Death is usually due to hypervolemic shock owing to loss of blood, but its still a mystery why some people survive Ebola and others do not.

Prevention At the moment there is no known vaccine for the prevention of Ebola, and because it is still unknown how exactly people are infected with Ebola, its prevention presents many challenges. However, there are few established primary prevention measures. You can lower your risk of becoming infected with the Ebola virus by avoiding locations where it is found, especially during times when there is an outbreak of Ebola fever.

Symptoms of the Ebola virus show up 2 to 21 days after infection. As the virus spreads through the body's cells, it damages the immune system and organs. Ultimately, Ebola causes levels of blood-clotting cells called platelets to fall, and this can lead to severe bleeding. Many of the early symptoms of Ebola look like the common flu or other mild illnesses. They include fever, headache, muscle aches, sore throat, weakness and diarrhea. As the disease gets worse, people who are infected may develop bleeding inside and outside of the body, rashes, vomiting, redness of the eyes, swelling in the genitals, and may have trouble breathing

Outbreak & spread management Usually an outbreak starts when someone comes into contact with the body fluids (blood, saliva, semen, vomit, urine etc.) or waste of infected animals, such as monkeys, chimps, fruit bats or humans. Once a person

Avoid handling live or dead wild animals as some species of animals besides primates may carry the Ebola virus. The African subtypes of the virus have also been found in forest antelope and fruit bats. Also, always be sure to wear special protective clothing (gown, gloves, full face mask and eye goggles) if you are around a person with Ebola fever. Owing to high risk of transmission within health care settings, health care workers must be able to recognize a case of Ebola HF and be ready to employ practical viral hemorrhagic fever isolation precautions or barrier nursing techniques. Barrier nursing techniques include: wearing of protective clothing ( masks, gloves, gowns, and goggles) the use of infection-control measures (such as complete equipment sterilization and routine use of disinfectant) The isolation of Ebola HF patients from contact with unprotected persons is one of the key precautionary measures as the aim of all of these techniques is to avoid contact with the blood or secretions of an infected patient. Also, If a patient with Ebola HF dies, it is equally important that direct contact with the body of the deceased patient be prevented.

Pix by: Ogechi

MBGN 2014

19-YEAR-OLD IHEOMA NNADI TAKES OVER AS MOST BEAUTIFUL GIRL IN NIGERIA 2014

riday July 18, 2014 marked another interesting milestone in the annals of Nigeria's most prestigious beauty pageant Silverbird's Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria ( MBGN). Like the previous edition the event held at the prestigious Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre in Oil- rich Bayelsa State and had a lot of dignitaries in attendance. It was indeed a night of glamour and entertainment as the hosts IK Osakioduwa of the Big Brother fame and Yvonne â&#x20AC;&#x153;Vixenâ&#x20AC;? Ekwere were not only entertaining, but hilarious, holding the audience spellbound. Musical acts like Patoranking, Seyi Shay, Yeka Onka and Bayelsaborn Timi Dakolo were on ground to spice up the evening with their scintillating performances. The high point of the event was the emergence of the pretty fairskinned, 19-year-old Business Management student of University of Johannesburg, and Akwa Ibom State representative, Miss. Iheoma Nnadi as winner of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2014. Other who made it to the top include Miss Abuja (4th Runner-Up), Miss Osun (3rd Runner Up) Miss Kwara (MBGN Tourism), Miss Edo (Miss Universe) It was no doubt a beautiful way to start the weekend in a sleepy town like Yenagoa.

Iheoma Nnadi (Winner MBGN 2014)

Final Five - Miss Kwara, Miss Edo, Miss Akwa Ibom, Miss Osun & Miss Abuja

Anna Banner (MBGN 2013) crowning her successor, Iheoma Nnadi

Guy Bruce, Anna Banner, Iheoma Nnadi & a guest

Contestants in Bikini

A Cross-section of the Judges

His Excellency, Rear-Adm. Gboribiogha Jonah (Rtd) - Deputy Gov. Bayelsa State

Guy Bruce & wife, a guest & Philip Trimmel

Philip Trimmel, a guest, Anna Banner (MBGN 2013) & others

Ben Murray-Bruce - Chairman, Silverbird Group

Sampson Fiberesima, Bola Salako & Alozie Uzoukwu

Lasarian, Guy Bruce & Sampson Fiberesima Guests

MBGN 2014

Contestants in splendid outfits

Ini Okorie (centre) with hosts IK (left) & Yvonne (right)

DJ Jimmy Jatt & co. doing their thing

Timi Dakolo performing with the final five

PatoRanking & Sheyi Shey thrilling the audience

Yvonne, Iheoma & IK

Dr. E on stage

Yvonne & IK

Yeka Onka performing Yeka being interviewed

FACES AT THE EVENT

Pix by: Ogechi

SOCIETY

AT THE OPTIMAL CANCER CARE FOUNDATIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MAIDEN EDITION OF GO-PINK BREAST CANCER BENEFIT CONCERT IN NIGERIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

ver the years, Breast Cancer has fed fat on the ignorance of the people and gained prominence as a killer of note. This dreaded terminal illness has taken its toll of the women folk as statistics has it that in every 25 women there is the likelihood of between one and two falling to this silent killer. Ironically, despite this scaring statistics, it is still inflicting havoc on the society simply as a result of the fact that an alarming number of women in the country still lack the requisite awareness, poverty and general lack of proper equipment and personnel to help stern the rising scourge. It is against this background that a Non-Governmental organiztion Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, put together the Maiden edition of GOPink Breast Cancer Benefit Concert in Nigeria. The event which held on Saturday 4th October 2014 at the prestigious Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island in Lagos, saw in attendance dignitaries from all walks of life, as the entire hall was pinkened as guest were adorned in various shades of pink coloured attires. Compared by the duo of Mofe Duncan and Iretiola Doyle, there was no dull moment as they held the guest spell-bound along side sensational singer, Omawumi who was also on ground to spice up the evening. In his speech, the Medical Director of Optimal Cancer Care Foundation, Dr. Femi Olaleye welcomed guests, stressing that the event will be used as a platform to highlight the struggles of some of the survivors of Breast Cancer and celebrate the positive spirit helping them to overcome these challenges. It was no doubt an evening of relaxation which many will cherish a long time

Dr Femi Olaleye, Medical Director, Opimal Cancer Care Foundation

Dr. Femi with Mr. & Mrs. Ogunlewe

Mr. Bode Adediji & wife Lara

Guest from Seven Up Bottling Company Nigeria

Some Directors of Intercontinental Hotel Lagos

Dr. & Mrs. Yomi Ajayi Mr. Bola Nubi & wife Nike

Mr Uche Chibututu

Co-host of ITS YOUR VIEW on TVC

Madam Francisa Taiwo Onamusi with Iretiola Doyle

Breast Cancer survivor, Abigail Hart (left)

Mrs Amaka Chinweze(Breast Cancer survivor), Uti, Dr Femi & Akintunde Ayandosu

Ini Onuk Mrs Rita Amuka

Gotti

Emeka Ossai & Nkem Ike

Omawumi thrilling the audience

Madam Isabella

Olisa Adibua of Beat FM

Dr Femi, Mrs Ogunlewe, Abigail Hart & Dr. Keshinro

Lynxx, Kemi Ajumobi, Dr. Femi & Ama Boafo

Seyi Law, Liz Anjorin, Dr. Ayo Akenzua, Dr Femi & Emeka (Smith the Comedian)

Dr. Femi (c) with a team from Tequila

Dr. & Mrs. Abiodun Kuti

Funke Akindele, Miss Bimbo Michael Adenuga & Hilda Egboh(Breast Cancer Survivor)

Ms Linda & guest from Swift Network

Mr and Mrs Nwosu DMD Africa Prudential Registrars plc Dr Femi Olaleye, Liz Anjorin & Mofe Duncan

Kaylah Oniwo of Cool FM & Pearl Hart of Soundcity XL

Pix by: Ini Ekpo

SOCIETY

WIFE OF PORT HARCOURT SOCIALITE AND ACTIVIST

AMELDA BRIGGS CELEBRATE BIRTHDAY IN GRAND PANACHE Life, as a gift so beautiful and treasured needs be celebrated by every mortal, in line with the biblical injunction that let everything that has breath, praise the Lord. This may have given Mrs. Amelda Briggs the impetus to celebrate her birthday in grand panache. The event which was a congregation of the creme de la creme of the society, took place at the prestigious Le- Meridien, Ogeyi Place Hotel, in the Garden City of Port Harcourt on Wednesday, August 27, 2014. For family members, friends and associates of Port Harcourt socialite and activist, Victor Tulutu Briggs whose wife was cerebrating, it was a real fun-filled experience as there were variety of liquor and victuals to wet appetite of guests with good music in the background. On ground to further spice the evening, were the duo of Dan Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Humourous and Tekena Iyalla of the Funky 4 fame, thrilling the audience with rib-cracking jokes even as the compered the event. Eulogizing the celebrant, friends and associates described her as an epitome of a virtuous woman, a good wife and dependable friend, who is highly favoured and blessed. In her remarks to the media, the soft-spoken and elegant Mrs. Amelda Briggs thanked God for adding another beautiful year to her age, appreciating her husband for being a great inspiration and benefactor to her while she expressed her gratitude to the guests for honoring her invitation by gracing the occasion. We at XCEL remain proud to be associated with the Briggs and we wish the delectable Mrs. Amelda Briggs many more years of impact and exploits. Congratulations! Celebrant, Amelda with husband, Victor & children

Amiable Couple, Victor & Amelda Briggs

www.xcelmediaonline.com

Different faces of the celebrant, Amelda Briggs

Victor Briggs & Daughter

Fubby & Mina

Ibifubara & Marcus

Fubby being interviewed by AIT Crew

.. with Mrs. Preye Ngofa

Victor Briggs & Children

Fubby & Daddy on the dance floor Mr. & Mrs. Victor Briggs

SOCIETY

Victor & wife with Mr. Austin

Victor, Victor Briggs & Ahmed

Mrs. Idinye with Mr. & Mrs. Songo Jack

Comrade & Mrs. Elvis with Celebrant

Celebrant & friends

Capt. Jonathan with Mr. & Mrs. Victor Briggs

Celebrant at the buffet

Celebrant with Guest

Mr. Austin, Victor, Ifaka & Hon. Mathias

Chisom, Victor & Ebi

Celebrant & Family

Celebrantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Father, Mom, family & Ibiso

Mr. Sam, Mrs. Amelda Briggs, Mrs. Preye Ngofa, Victor Briggs

Mr. & Mrs. Ebi, Mr & Mrs. Briggs with Mrs. Chituga

Nem, Mr. & Mrs. Victor Briggs with Chief & Mrs Obi

Celebrant & husband with friends

Pamela, Ezinne, Ada, Amelda, Joy & Endurance

Mrs. Obi, Mrs Owate, Mrs. Umejuru, Mrs Briggs, Mrs. Chiazom & Mrs Inne

Celebrant & friends

Celebrant with friends

SOCIETY

Mr. & Mrs. Chris Etiofor & friend

Ejiro, Faith & Vivien

Chief & Mrs. Obi

Mr. & Mrs. Zubyzee

Hon. & Mrs. Norman Wokoma

Mrs. Chijoke & friend

Mrs. Lilian & friend

Mrs. Onyinye Udeh & Oge

Tonye, Eze & others

Ejiro & Ihuoma

SOCIETY

Victor with Mother-In-Law

Celebrant, Amelda (right) & friend, Belema

Mr. & Mrs. Victor

Mr. & Mrs. Valentine with Mrs. Ine Kenne

Mr. & Mrs. Diamond

Barr. & Mrs. Tam Douglas

Mr. & Mrs. Pedro

Mrs. Sonola & Mrs. Ray-Offor

Amelda & friends

Ben & Juniour

SOCIETY

Celebrant, Amelda with Dad (left) & Uncle (right)

Celebrant, Amelda (m) with Mrs. Ikoma (left) & Mrs. Precious (right)

Mr. & Mrs. Ebikebina Kubuye

Celebrantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mom, Hon. Kishner, Celebrant & Hon. Ndubuisi

Comrade & Mrs. Israel, Victor & Mr. & Mrs. Jossy

Standfast, Belema, Sibofori & Ebi

Hon. Kishner, Mr. Austin, Victor, Hon. Ndubuisi & Mr. Goddy

Mr. & Mrs. Soibi Johnwest

Amelda(4th left) & friends

Amelda & Mom

Amelda & friend, Tammy

All hail the celebrant, Amelda

Mr. & Mrs. Harry

Mr. Chigozie, Comrade Elvis & Precious

Mercy, Gladys & Onyi

Steph, Gift & Miriam

Amelda Briggs (Celebrant) with Mr. & Mrs. Diamond

Amelda & friends Tekena, Hon. Kishner & Dan Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Humourous XL

LIFESTYLE

1 0 S h o c k i n g C o s m e t i c S u r g e r y P r o c e d u r e s T h a t C o s t A F o r t u n e

osmetic surgery has been around for decades and even with a recession, plastic surgery has remained a very strong industry with $11 billion in revenues in 2012 alone. This statistic has surprised many industry experts and observers but it remains apparent that plastic surgery can be considered by some people as a necessity. Most people can admit they have pondered at one time about having some type of cosmetic procedure done. Plastic surgery is more popular now than ever before. According to records, there were a total of 10 million procedures done in 2012, 17% of

which were surgical. As more non-invasive procedures are developed, it is expected that the number of surgical procedures performed per year will continue to decrease. For some people, cosmetic surgery has become an addiction. You'll be now hard pressed to find someone who's only had one surgery and has no plans of having more work done on their faces or bodies in the future. Reasons for having plastic surgery done are as vast and complex as the personalities of the people who go under the knife some want to look like their celebrity idols while others do it to address insecurities with their physical appearances.

Despite the risks that cosmetic surgery poses, thousands of men and women all over the world believe that the benefits outweigh these risks and go for the surgeries anyway. Thankfully, there are now higher standards for cosmetic procedures and plastic surgery is safer now more than ever before. However, it's still advisable for people thinking about getting a procedure done to use only reputable, licensed doctors.

Unfortunately, addiction to cosmetic surgery is a very real problem and this bottom - up list features the 10 people from all over the world who has spent tons of money and have stories that you may be very interested to learn.

MYLA SINANAJ: SPENT $30,000 TO LOOK LIKE KIM KARDASHIAN

im Kardashian is arguably one of the most beautiful women in the world, which makes it no surprise that women of all ages want to look like her. Most girls will try to mimic outfits and hairstyles, unlike Myla Sinanaj who takes her admiration a step further by undergoing multiple cosmetic procedures to copy the reality show star's body.

Myla had breast augmentation, liposuction and lip injections to look more like Kim, though whether she has achieved her goal is still up for debate. The similarities don't end with the physical. Myla dated Kim's ex-husband and also released a sex tape titled “The Anti-Kim Kardashian” and has plans of entering show business.

TOBY SHELDON: SPENT $100,000 TO LOOK LIKE JUSTIN BIEBER

oby Sheldon has taken his fanaticism beyond buying Justin's albums or watching his concerts; Toby has spent close to $100,000 to look just like his idol.

Toby admits to being scared of aging and it's this fear that has pushed him towards cosmetic procedures. He had considerable work done on his eyelids, noting that he was unable to open his eyes for a week after that procedure. He has had hair transplants and he recently underwent a “smile procedure” which involved having a “lift” on his upper lip and his lower lip plumped. The smile procedure cost him $15,000 but he says its money well worth it. Toby loves his youthful look and claims that he gets hundreds of compliments from friends, and to his inner circle, he's known as Toby Bieber.

LISA CONNELL: SPENT $64,000 TO LOOK LIKE DEMI MOORE AFTER BEING DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER

isa Connell was diagnosed in 2006 with terminal cancer after doctors discovered a malignant brain tumor. Instead of spending her life savings crossing out as many bucket list items as she could, she chose to spend it on a number of cosmetic surgery procedures to look like her idol, Demi Moore. When Demi Moore got wind of Lisa's intentions, she personally pleaded for her to not undergo the procedures. Nevertheless, Lisa was determined to “die beautiful” and went through the surgery anyways. Now, Connell is a fundraiser and spokesperson for Brain Cancer Awareness and a non-profit group she founded called B Inspired Beauty. Despite opinions on her choice to have surgery, Connell has managed to raise a large sum of money and awareness for her cause. Her story is unique and very powerful, inspirational to say the least.

ALLANAH STARR: SPENT $100,000 TO BECOME A WOMAN

llanah Starr is t h e o n l y person on this list who includes sex reassignment surgery to her list of procedures done.

JENNY LEE: SPENT $80,000 TO SATISFY HER PLASTIC SURGERY ADDICTION

enny Lee gained infamy when she appeared on Oprah in 2004 to discuss her addiction to cosmetic surgery. By then, Jenny already had over 25 procedures done and she confessed to having self-esteem issues that led her to undergo extreme physical modifications. After her appearance on Oprah, Jenny underwent 33 more surgeries including a circumferential body lift and her fourth rhinoplasty. According to a follow-up interview she did with Oprah, she had to stop with pursuing cosmetic surgery after she was diagnosed with fibromyalgia which can cause weight gain as a side effect. She has since learned to appreciate her body more without having to make any more surgical changes to her appearances though she admits that she's still unhappy with what she sees when she looks into a mirror. Her fibromyalgia causes her to be in constant pain and her condition might put her off plastic surgery for a while.

Allanah is a professional adult film star, escort, actress, model and performance artist. She has undergone over 300 surgeries and non-invasive procedures in her quest to look more like a female. She's had six nose jobs, four breast implants, silicon injections in multiple body parts, a chin implant, liposuction in multiple body parts, a brow lift, a face lift, chin and jaw reductions, Adams apple filling and some eyelid work to name a few. Her surgeries may have worked to her favor though as she has won numerous awards as a transsexual adult film artist and a party promoter. She has starred in over 20 adult films.

VANILLA CHAMU:

JUSTIN JEDLICA:

SPENT $100,000 (AND COUNTING) TO LOOK LIKE A FRENCH DOLL

SPENT OVER $100,000 TO BECOME A LIVING KEN DOLL

osmetic surgery is rising in popularity in East Asia, especially in countries like South Korea, China and Japan. It comes as no surprise that there will be at least one Asian in this list.

f women have Barbie as their standard of beauty, then men may very well use her partner Ken as their yardstick.

That's exactly what Justin Jedlica did. Raised in a low-income, strict Catholic family, he rebuffed gender stereotypes that were expected of boys growing up in that type of household. Instead of being into cars and sports, Justin was more enamored with luxury, aesthetics and the celebrity life. Justin had his first cosmetic procedure (as nose job) when he was 18. Since then, he's had over 120 surgeries which include pectoral and bicep implants, four more nose jobs and lip, cheeks, chin and butt augmentation. He considers plastic surgery as his creative outlet with him being both the artist and the work of art.

Vanilla Chamu is a Japanese model who wants to look like a French doll. To achieve her goal, Vanilla has undergone over 30 surgeries and she has no plans of stopping there. She has done several popular procedures among young Asian women like double eyelid surgery and rhinoplasty in order to look more Western. Aside from those, she's also had liposuction, breast enlargement, eyelash implants and dimple creation. She plans on getting another breast implant and height lengthening surgery in the near future.

NILEEN NAMITA: SPENT $322,000 TO LOOK LIKE QUEEN NEFERTITI

ost people on this list went under the knife to look like their favorite celebrity or their favorite plastic glam girl Barbie. Nileen Namita on the other hand, endured 51 cosmetic surgery procedures to look like Queen Nefertiti, one of the ancient world's most stunning and powerful women. Nileen has spent over $300,000 to achieve Queen Nefertiti's looks based on surviving busts and artists' renditions of her appearance. Nileen has had eight nose jobs, five eye surgeries, three face lifts, six mini facelifts, an eyebrow lift, three chin implants and 20 more minor fixes. According to Nileen, she found out that she was Queen Nefertiti in her past life when she was 23. Her first procedure was done when she was 27 years old and at 53, she has no plans of stopping in transforming herself into the “Beauty of the Nile”.

He is now 32 years old and works as a consultant who gives clients first-hand information about cosmetic surgery procedures and refers them to the best doctors.

VALERIA LUKYANOVA: SPENT OVER $800,000 TO LOOK LIKE BARBIE

lastic fantastic Barbie is considered by many as the ultimate standard in beauty; it is no surprise then that thousands of women all over the world want to look and live like her. If there's one woman in the world who gets the most votes for looking the most like Barbie, Valeria Lukyanova would definitely be the top nominee.

Not only does Valeria dress like Barbie, she also had numerous cosmetic procedures done to look exactly like her plastic idol. She even comes close to Barbie's human proportions. With ivory skin, a high-bridged nose, round doe eyes and near flawless porcelain skin, Valeria shows off her best Barbie renditions on her website and YouTube videos. The Ukrainian knockout is now 28 years old and though she only admits to undergoing a breast enlargement procedure, a side by side photo of her before she gained notoriety as being the “human Barbie” shows that she's had work done on her lips, cheeks, eyelids, chin and nose. Cosmetic surgery experts estimate the total cost of her procedures to reach up to $800,000.

SARAH BURGE: BURGE: SARAH 1

SPENT OVER $850,000 ON SURGERIES

arah Burge was a former Playboy bunny and like millions of little girls and women in the world, she wants to look like Barbie.

Burge has made headlines for many reasons over the years, back in the mid 2000's she was convicted of fraud when she made false statements in order to receive government support. She had illegally claimed around $4,000 under housing tax benefits when she in fact used the amount for buttock surgery to have her bottom resemble that of singer Kylie Minogue. She has gone under the knife for a long list of cosmetic procedures that include rhinoplasty, chin augmentation, liposuction, butt lifts, an eyelid lift, tummy tuck, and breast enhancement. Sarah Burge made headlines in 2011 when news broke that she gave her then seven year old daughter a $9,700 voucher for a breast augmentation procedure for her birthday and a $11,300 voucher for liposuction for Christmas. Thankfully, her daughter Poppy will only be allowed to redeem the vouchers when she turns 18! Without a doubt she deserves the rank high on our list.

JOCELYN WILDENSTEIN: SPENT OVER $4 MILLION TO LOOK YOUNGER

he name may not be familiar with you but if you spend a lot of time surfing the web, there's a 90% chance that you're familiar with her face. Jocelyn Wildenstein aka Catwoman is a New York socialite formerly married to a prominent art dealer from the Wildenstein family. After discovering that her husband has been cheating on her with a young Russian in their own home, Jocelyn set out to improve her appearance to appear more cat-like because her husband loves big cats. Her husband, Alec Wildenstein eventually divorced her despite the gesture. Jocelyn has had over a hundred procedures done to her face and the $4 million that she spent for cosmetic surgery mostly came from alimony payments from her ex-husband. During the divorce proceedings, the judge actually had to stipulate that alimony payments can no longer be used to pay for her cosmetic procedures. XL

Low Self-esteem: Kick Against The Habit By Tiffany Oguns

elf-esteem is one critical success Low self-esteem in the female gender can booster that has attracted very little push them to indulge in certain atrocious attention in the public domain in acts that they wouldn't ordinarily. It can recent times. But as insignificant as it make a lady loose her self-worth and allow appears; self-esteem is one singular factor herself to be abused over and over again that has distinguished some women from because all her life she has ignorantly their peers; it has propelled some to lived with the belief that she is ugly, due to become highflyers, yet others strugglers. people's taunting that she is ugly. Consider the exploits of the likes of Nigeria's coordinating Minister for So many female students have not been Economy, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Liberia's able to reach the zenith of academic President Ellen Sirleaf, Malawi's President performance due to unhealthy selfJoyce Banda and then esteem. Female the average struggling students who lack woman along Port self-confidence and Indeed some people are born Harcourt City's GRA worth easily great, but we all can achieve streets at weekendattribute strings of nights; you will single- greatness if we work towards it. We poor results on the handedly draw a self-lie that they can get to where we aspire with distinction between the know nothing and focus, hard work, determination, two extremes of selfthat is why they diligence and self-conf idence as esteem: healthy selfkeep having poor esteem (high selfgrades. well as in God esteem) and unhealthy Such a student self-esteem (low selfgradually lose esteem) which is of interest in reading her books and would paramount interest to this discourse. contemplate engaging in sex with any Again consider striking statistics that loose lecturer just to secure high grades. have shown that over 70% of females In extreme cases, some contemplate engaged in criminal activities in the dropping out of school because of society today resorted to that lifestyle due intimidation and self-inflicted shame, I to low self-esteem and you will see its say self-inflicted because there is relevance to our discussion in this page. ordinarily no need to give up or subject yourself to other people's standards. You Low self-esteem amongst females is a should at all times be proud of yourself disease that has crippled many females and God-endowed talents and gifting. mentally, academically, socially and otherwise. It has denied many women the It is a shame that a good number of energy to pursue their dreams, reach their our kind who drop out of school goals or even aspire for any form of due to low self-esteem most times greatness and resign themselves to fate. It end up on the street, prostituting is one feminine debaser that needs as they failed to acquire any adequate attention so as to empower our meaningful skills that could young girls with the confidence they need sustain them let alone help to attain greatness and shun crime; them excel in a reputable thereby reducing the rate of corruption in career. the society. In the university Self-esteem in psychology is a term used environment, many to define a person's overall emotional females with low selfevaluation of his/her own worth. It is a esteem have become easy disposition that people have which targets for cultists. Some represent their judgements of their own have joined cults to make worthiness. It is akin to self-confidence, up for the fulfilment they self-regard, self-integrity, and self-worth deny themselves in or self-value. academics. They assured with statements like, “with this, you High self-esteem is telling yourself as a can talk to anyone without fear female, “l know I can go up that stage and or intimidation”. It doesn't take give a great speech without having to long; they soon become cultists resort to taking some stash (cocaine or and a threat to the society. marijuana as the case maybe)”. It is telling yourself “I deserve better than the abuse I It is important to assert herein that suffer in the hands of my employer, having poor grades in a test or boyfriend, circumstances and the likes”. examination doesn't mean one is

...Its in You, Yes You Can stupid; that you didn't perform excellently in a specific area doesn't mean you can't excel in other areas. Young ladies should stop belittling themselves and believe in themselves. Silence your fears, hold onto your ambitions, draw inspiration from the many exceling women scattered all over the world. Say no to voices of discouragement, do not allow rejection or momentary failures to define your future. Convince yourself that your opinion matters, tell yourself you have something to offer the world because you have great potentials in you. Embrace your flaws and make deliberate attempt to solve them and no one would use them against you. Appreciate who you are and refuse abuses and intimidation and the world would be a safer and better place for us all. Indeed some people are born great, but we all can achieve greatness if we work towards it. We can get to where we aspire with focus, hard work, determination, diligence and self-confidence as well as in God. (Reuben Magdalene Queen a 300-level student of the University of Port Harcourt, writes from Port Harcourt)

Pix by: Eke Okoro

REMEMBRANCE

MULTINET BOSS, DR. UZOMA OBIYO ORGANIZES INCREDIBLE MEMORIAL CEREMONY FOR LATE MOM n order to help in cementing the memory of his mom on the sands of Itime, Multinet CEO, Chief Uzoma Obiyo staged a remarkable memorial programme as has not been seen before by both indigenes of Ikeduru in Imo State and guests alike. Prior to the release of the programme of activities for the memorial ceremony, Dr. Obiyo established a Foundation in honour of his parents, known as Samuel-Mary and Dame Emily Obiyo Foundation in order to give the memory of his parents permanent and greenish valid. This foundation is based on the cardinal principles of his mother which were charity, kindness, love and generosity to both the haves and have-nots in the community and beyond. As part of the grand celebration, four major activities were carefully planned and executed: they included Samuel-Mary & Dame Emily Obiyo Free Medical Eye Treatment for the people of Owerri zone; Dame Emily Obiyo Memorial Quiz Competition which concentrated on Biblical quotations and scripture and the Dame Emily Obiyo Memorial Cup finals among the nine Local Government Areas in Owerri Senatorial zone, which final took place at Ikeduru Local Government Headquarters, Iho on April 19, 2014 and redemption value of five hundred thousand Naira (N500,000.00)which was won by Mbatoli Local Government Area.

The highpoint of activities culminated in a highly celebrated thanksgiving service which took place on Monday April 21 at Our Savior's Anglican Church for the commemoration and thanksgiving service in honour of the late Dame Emily Ahunna Obiyo. The church service which was officiated by an array of Bishops amongst whom were the Diocesan Bishop of Ikeduru, Rt. Rev Emmanuel Maduwike, Bishops from Owerri, Okigwe, Ohaji/Egbema, Ngwa South and several others, paraded an intimidating list of distinguished personalities led by Prof. Jerry Gana, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, current chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Imo State, Chief Nnamdi Anyaebi, Pioneer chairman of the party in the state, Chief I.D Nwoga and other personalities from diverse walks of life. In a brief but well crafted speech read in church with suppressing agony, Chief Obiyo managed to overcome tears which took over him. His speech had full compliments of his mother's lofty and outstanding qualities which had as their foundation, virtues of kindness, generosity, charity and above all, service to God. According to him, the objective of the family in holding the historic memorial service was to re-kindle the high ideals for which their mother lived, as he recalled: “You were a fighter! You held high the candle of hope and shone the light of optimism in moments when the winds of criticism and darkness of despair loomed over us” Speaking during the service, the Bishop of Ikeduru further reiterated the rare qualities of Dame Emily and commended Chief Uzoma Obiyo for re-enacting his mother's largeness of heart and free hand, as according to the Bishop, it is on record that Chief Obiyo has generously provided several sons and daughters of Ikeduru and beyond employment opportunities, empowered many others through self-reliant ventures and regularly provided succor to many downtrodden.

Rt. Rev. Emmanuel C. Maduwike dedicates Ma Emily’s Tomb

Although the occasion was a memorial ceremony, it could pass easily for a festival of a kind, because the entertainment aspect was characterized by eating, wining, drumming, singing, dancing and playing of other local instruments to the admiration of all and sundry. It was indeed a memorial ceremony like no other.

Prof. Jerry Gana with Dr. Uzoma Obiyo

Dr. Obiyo with wife, Uchechi & Prof. Jerry Gana

Dr. Obiyo welcomes Prof. Jerry Gana

Prof. Jerry Gana & Mrs. Obiyo share jokes

Dr. Obiyo & wife with Prof. Gana (r) & others

Chief Vitalis Agumbe & friend

Rt. Rev. Emmanuel C. Maduwike JP, Bishop of Ikeduru Diocese

Prof. Jerry Gana showers encomium on Dr. Uzoma Obiyo

Prof. Gana receiving a gift of flower from the Bishops

The Obiyos at the Altar for thanksgiving

REMEMBRANCE

Dr. Uzoma Obiyo with wife Uchechi

Samuel Nkwachikere Uzoma Jnr with Mom Lady Uchechi Obiyo

William, Emmanuel and Samuel Obiyo

Princess Mirian and Amara Uzoma Obiyo

Pearl, Miss Ngozi Obiyo Bethel & others

Emmanuel & Samuel with Parents, Dr. & Mrs. Uzoma Obiyo

Lady Uchechi Obiyo & friend

Lady Uchechi Obiyo embraces a friend

Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu (r) Chief Chuka Odom with Prof. Jerry Gana & others

Samuel Nkwachikere Uzoma Jnr., takes the 1st lesson

Princess Mirian Uzoma takingthe 2nd lesson

Emmanuel (left) & Elder Mrs. Onusurika (right)

Mrs. Vero Morde & friends

HRH Eze Levi and wife

Mr. Ike Uwaga, Mr Mina Angala & Mazi N.E. C. Amaze

Hon. Bethel Amadi (C) with Prince Charles Amadi(r)

Hon. Sam Anyanwu & Ossy Ukachukwu Imo An invited musical group

Our Savior Anglican Church Choir

Dr. & Mrs. Uzoma

Guests

R-L Miss Kelechi Obiyo, Mrs. Okpanachi with Elder Mrs. Onsuruika (left)

Guests

Mr. & Mrs. B. Unachukwu

Mr. Gana exchanging pleasantry with Hon. Bethel Amadi with Prof. Gana (m)

AT THE UNVEILING OF MA EMILY’S MARBLE-FINISH TOMB

Ma Emily’s Marble-finished Tomb

Bishop Emmanuel Maduwike cutting the tape to unveil Ma Emily’s Tomb

Even years after, tears still run on faces

Prayers at the Tombside

Lighting the Candles

Amara Obiyo with the cutting Scissors

AT THE RECEPTION HELD AT THE CASTLE OF GRACE

Dr. Obiyo, Prof Gana Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha & Chief vitalis Agumbe

Dr. Uzoma Obiyo ushers in Prof. Maurice Iwu

Bishop Emmanuel Maduwike JP (right) & other Bishops

Chief Chuka Odom & friend with Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihiedioha

Dr. Uzoma discusing with Sen. Ifeanyi Ararume

Dr. Uzoma Obiyo & Chief Martin Agbaso

Dr. Obiyo, Chief & Mrs Chikwe & Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihiedioha

Dr. Charles Dimnwaobi, with Dr. Uzoma Obiyo & wife, Uchechi

Dr. Uzoma Obiyo & Sir Godfrey Ohuabunwa

XL Chief Chris Asoluka, Chief Martin Agbaso & friend

A Royal fathers & wife

Chief Njemanze, Dr. Charles Dimnwaobi & Chief Henry Njoku

Dr. Uzoma Obiyo & Chief Chuka Odom

Dr. Uzoma Obiyo with Engr. Obinna Nshirim

Dr. Kema Chikwe & Mrs. Vera Morde beaming with smiles

Dr. Ihejirika, Mrs. Okpanachi & Lady Uchechi Obiyo

Delegates of South East Amalgamation For Jonathan & Sambo 2015

Lady Obiyo, Dr. Obiyo & Mrs. Vera Morde

SOCIETY

Dr. Uzoma Obiyo & family Emmanuel, Amara, William, Princess and Samuel

EMMANUEL AMEH

Moving Up The Ladder

adoyimotivation@yahoo.com

Why Do People Fail “There is no failure except in no longer trying”

-Elbert Hubbard.

Procrastination Procrastination is one of the most common and deadliest diseases and it's toll on success and happiness is heavy -Wayner Dyer

Failure in the pursuits of life usually results from the culmination of several factors. Some failures leave behind the feelings of guilt for job left undone while others leave us perplexed especially when we think we've done all that should be done. What ever might be the causes, one thing is clear; failure is not palatable. But failure can be avoided if we know the pit falls that lead to failure. Let's consider some failure factors

Procrastination is the grave in which opportunities are buried. It is not a thief of time; it is the thief of destiny. Deferring what you should do today till tomorrow is like postponing your success till another day. There was the story of the son of a rich man who always procrastinated. He believed there would always be a tomorrow. Whatever he did was done with delays. His parents and teachers tried their best to correct him but he never yielded to their correction. His father got sick and sent for him in the city. The young man delayed his journey; little did he know that his father was on his death bed. As he was dying, the father called the servant and told him where all his landed property were and their legal documents, hoping that the servant would hand everything over to his son when he comes. When the young man got home, his father had died. After the burial, he called the servant and asked if his father left anything in his possession. Unfortunately, the servant denied the knowledge of any property apart from the house in which they lived. This young man lost all that belonged to him because he procrastinated. When you delay in your responsibilities, you are setting up yourself for failure. What you have to do, be quick with it! Don't waste time. Do not postpone what you are to do today, till tomorrow because you don't know what may crop tomorrow. It is said “delay is dangerous” Horace encouraged “tear thyself from delay”. Proverbs 27:1 “Boast not thyself of tomorrow for knowest not what a day may bring forth” (KJV). Strive to do your work consistently. Consistency is the name of the game. Do each day's work diligently and failure may never knock at your door.

Presumption Despair ruins some, presumption many -Benjamin Franklin Presumption is a product of assumption. Assumption is the mother of frustration. Every work, no matter how low it may seem, counts. Don't let presumption rob you of success. What you are taking for granted could be the missing link to your success. Pay attention to the little details and you won't fall a victim of presumption. Evaluate yourself regularly in order to know what to work on.

Passing Buck

the

Adam the first failure was the first victim of passing the buck. He blamed the woman that God gave him. Winston Churchill said “responsibility is the key to greatness”. Many fail in life because they have refused to come to terms with the fact that they are of primary importance in their success story. Instead of accepting responsibility to change or improve on certain areas of their lives, they rather lay blame on another person. Though others have significant roles in your climbing up the ladder of success, you are the key player and others should dance to the tune of your music. You must accept responsibility as nobody can be more interested in your success than yourself.

Excessive Preoccupation It is the error of over committing to one aspect of life to the detriment of other aspects of life. You need lots of wisdom to balance all the aspects of your life. If you don't joggle the priorities of your life well you may end up losing what matters most at the end. You must learn to keep “the main thing the main thing” and not completely neglect other aspects of your life. Don't lose your health looking for wealth; or you will use your wealth to take care of your health. Why should you lose your family in the pursuit of your dream? Who are you laboring for? Why should you gain the whole world and lose your soul? Ultimate failure is to arrive at the end of your life and discovered you climbed the wrong ladder – you invested your life into what does not matter and lost out in what matters. Don't be everywhere and end up at nowhere at the end of the day. Learn to say NO. You can't do everything or please everybody. He who does not know when to say no will end up being a nobody. Over commitment burns you out. Locate the one thing you can do well and concentrate your ability on it. People may forget how much you did but they will always remember how well you did whatever you were asked to do. Learn to balance your time and resources with the competing demands of life. My counsel is your priority should first be your relationship with God, your family and thirdly your dream – moreover pay attention to your health and do not spend your energy on too many things. May the Lord give you wisdom

Real Success Radio Broadcast Real success radio broadcast is packaged to communicate scriptural success principles to empower you to discover your purpose, use your gift and talent maximally, unleash your potential and be all that God designed you to be. Every one needs a dose of inspiration. Inspiration paves way for revelation, and revelation is the key to transformation. This motivational program will help you move to a higher life that leads

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