19TH October, 2014
Tambari SUNDAY TRUST
For the woman of style
2014: Trendy Handbags
Q&A:
On Men’s Fashion
Modupe Ozolua
‘I want to be remembered for helping people’
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C.o.n.t.e.n.t.s Hello Readers,
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here are still more surprises in the months left before the year ends, and these goodies are just for your pampering. From totes and beauty tips that will rejuvenate your skin, to style tips that keep you looking dapper. This is your game, nobody can beat you to it if you play the right cards by investing in the right items. So, go on and make your choices. If you think spices are only for the kitchen, then you need to check out a natural spa or simply have one in your home. For beauty spoils, try a warm spicy bath with cloves, ginger and green tea. Milk, honey and all the sweet goodies, do not have to end up in a cup. Now, you know. There’s no stopping you if you got a nice hand bag to strut along to an event, and notice that you’re the cynosure of all eyes. Designers like our own Zainab Ashiedu (Zashadu) are pushing limits to keep the trends on point. A good hang bag upgrades your looks in leaps and bounds. Our advice, get on trend. Still not in the mood for the season? Stay in touch with Tambari for the latest trends. Stay in style and have a great week ahead.
Hello readers,
FASHIONISTA:
2014: TRENDY HANDBAGS
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MEN’S FASHION:
10 Q&A: ON MEN’S FASHION CULTURE:
Traditional marriage rites in Isoko
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COVER:
‘I want to be remembered for helping people’ Modupe Ozolua >>> PAGES 4, 5, 6
Tambari Policy Email: tambari@dailytrust.com Telephone: 0803 701 3302
The
Team
It is essential that our readers understand that we do not charge any fee for a personality to be featured in Tambari, as it is based on purely editorial consideration. We only charge for special events like anniversaries, weddings, turbanning and the like. Companies and organisations who want to take advantage of the wide reach of Tambari can also do so by contacting our advertising hotlines: 08052377534
Editor AISHA UMAR-HALILU. Deputy Editor VICTORIA ONEHI. Writers MULIKATU MUKAILA. AISHATU SHALLANGWA. PUPWAYA TIMOTHY DIBAL. FATIMA HUSSAIN YAKASAI. Designer BALLIE KAFRAN
FASHIONISTA
Ademide
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Aisha Augie-Kuta
2014: Trendy Handbags BY Mulikatu Mukaila
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hese range of bags no doubt play-up their looks, in a way that makes them look chic and on point. Zainab
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COVER INTERVIEW
‘I want to be remembered for helping people’
INTERVIEW BY Ojoma Akor
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odupe Ozolua was born in Nigeria on October 10, 1973 and is the last child of her parents Chief J.I. and Chief Mrs. M.S. Ozolua. She said though many people think she is Yoruba because of her first name, she is from Edo State and a Princess from Benin-city, being a direct descendant of the great Oba Ozolua of the Benin Kingdom. She had her primary and secondary educations in Nigeria and went to university in the United States of America. She is the Chief Executive Officer of Body Enhancement Limited, the organisation that pioneered plastic surgery in Nigeria and West Africa in 2001, and also the Founder of a non-profit organization, Body Enhancement Foundation formerly known as BEARS Foundation which offers free corrective surgery to less-privileged African women, children and men suffering from congenital and developmental deformities. Ozolua pioneered cosmetic surgery at the age of 27 years, founded Body Enhancement Foundation, at the age of 30.
COVER INTERVIEW
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Modupe and her son
Childhood aspirations Children have wild and vivid imaginations. As a child, I remember wanting to be in various professions. I’m very artistically talented. I can perfectly draw and design things. Unfortunately, I haven’t picked up a pencil to draw or design anything in years! Up until I was 17yrs old, I wanted to be a fashion designer. The first school I got admission into in America was a fashion design school in Boston, Massachusetts. But I later didn’t attend it because I relocated to San Diego, California and majored in Business Administration.
Inspiration for career choice in cosmetic surgery My personal experience of undergoing cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation, inspired me to pioneer cosmetic surgery in Nigeria. Body Enhancement Limited was founded in 2001. We’ve been operational for 13 years. I founded Body Enhancement Limited, because I believed men and women would appreciate the opportunity to positively improve and maintain their appearances. My mother passed away a few months after I pioneered cosmetic surgery in West Africa, while my father also died 4 years later.
Golden heart/charity or humanitarian activities It’s no secret I am a passionate philanthropist, and I share my time between my various businesses and humanitarian activities. Formerly known as BEARS Foundation (Body Enhancement Annual Reconstructive Surgery), we use both surgical and non-surgical programmes to restore hope in the lives of the less-privileged people in Africa. Surgically, we use corrective surgeries to correct deformities and abnormalities, both congenital and developmental. We donate non-perishable foods, medication, school uniforms, school bags, writing chalks and toys to the poor. All these are done at no cost to the beneficiaries.
We are currently preparing for a food and drugs donation programme in Sabon gida-Ora, Edo State. These non-surgical programmes hold every two months. The location is determined by an in-house raffle Modupe and Archbishop Desmond Tutu draw. Once the State and local governments are selected, depending Fabulous! on the nature of the programme, we notify the At 21 years old I was married, necessary commissioner in the state, the local running a business and home. Had my son government chairman, schools or hospitals. at 22 and divorced at 23 years. My son and I Then we go and give away things for free. practically grew up together, and people think The last few years, we did more activities in we are siblings. This has transcended us beyond other parts of Africa, but we have resumed active the basic relationship of mother and son. We are programmes in Nigeria. each other’s best friend, confidant and advisors! He is now in University. Based on my own understanding, I have done Combining career and the home my role assigned by God to raise him to be a front worthy husband to the right woman. God has Honestly, it has been a piece of cake! Most been with us and is still with us. I sincerely thank especially because my son, who is now 18 Him for the experience. years old, and I share a very unique bond, and understand each other perfectly. He has always understood the personal sacrifices I had to make Leisure/relaxation to provide the best of everything he needs. Those Travel and sleep! I work long hours daily. I wake up daily at 4:30am, get out of bed latest 5:30am, sacrifices took me away from home, because I exercise, check emails, and attend to pending preside over several businesses that require me work. By 9am, I have done everything that to travel a lot. requires my attention. Then I get ready for the office, get back home in the evening and in bed I won’t say there weren’t trying times such as by 11p.m. My days are long, when I have the missing him, not attending Parents Teachers opportunity to stay in bed and sleep, I sleep! Association meetings, and having to play both That also explains why I have never been a very mother and father to a young man. But the social person. I can count how many public combination of love, understanding, patience and discipline, on both our part, made it easy for events I have attended since I came to Nigeria 13 years ago. I would rather stay in my house, us. rather than go to parties. I’m a very private person and greatly misunderstood because I’m
Motherhood experience
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“The bottom line is I want to be remembered for making the most of my life while alive, and doing what gives me the greatest joy helping people.” a perfectionist, very disciplined and don’t socialize much. I know a lot of people, but have very few close friends. Other than that, I’m just a happy, easy going woman, living her life and minding her own business. I love to travel! Everyone who knows me will tell you that. When friends call me, the first thing they ask is “what part of the World are you?” I enjoy exploring new countries, eating new foods and enjoying life the way I see fit.
Definition of style Being extremely comfortable in whatever I’m wearing. I always dress differently based on both the occasion and my mood.
My beauty secret Exercise, rest, peace of mind, happiness, taking good care of myself and, of course, God has blessed me with good genes. Thank God, I was 41 years old on October 10th and people say I look younger. I really don’t know about that!
My most treasured fashion accessory None. I love acquiring diamonds, but I don’t hesitate to give them away when I feel like it.
Greatest achievements Don’t have one. I’m still work in progress.
My favourite travel destination/ holiday spot That’s a difficult one because I make the most of everywhere I go. I love every where I’ve been to Lebanon, Milan, Marbella, Hong Kong, Kenya, China, Thailand, India, Singapore, the list goes on and on. As long as the location has fabulous food, great nightlife and beautiful tourist locations to visit, I love it!
Philosophy in life Live and let others live. I sincerely don’t care about how other people live their lives, just as long as they don’t bring bad behaviour and drama into mine.
My role model Myself. I set my own standards and expectations.
My legacies So far, pioneering cosmetic surgery in Nigeria at the age of 27 years old.Founding the first NGO that uses reconstructive surgery to help people in 2003. Bringing the first aesthetic laser to Nigeria in 2007 and much more. The bottom line is I want to be remembered for making the most of my life while alive, and doing what gives me the greatest joy helping people.
FASHION NEWS
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Tiffany Amber marks 15 years in fashion industry
T Christine Ogbeh
The Wedding Room held in Abuja
op Nigerian fashion brand, Tiffany Amber is marking her 15 years in the fashion industry. Folake FolarinCoker, the brain behind Tiffany Amber, launched her first ready-to wear label in Nigeria in November 1998. To celebrate this monumental occasion, the 15th anniversary celebrations kicked off in September, with the unveiling of the Tiffany Amber, “Nigeria’s Women of Vision” Campaign, in partnership with Diamond Woman - an initiative by Diamond Bank, designed specifically for women, by women, providing women with financial, business and lifestyle advice, helping them to achieve their aspirations. The “Women of Vision” Campaign is the brainchild of the brand’s Founder/ Artistic Director, Folake Folarin-Coker who after having built a successful business, stated that one of the greatest things she has experienced in growing her brand are the incredible women she
encounters on a daily basis. She sees them as inspirational, empowered and wants to share them with the world. The chosen women include Mrs Adesuwa Onyenokwe (Publisher, TW), Uche Pedro (Bella Naija), Omotola JaladeEkeinde, Oluchi Orlandi, Eku Edewor, Omoyemi Akerele (Creative Director, Lagos Fashion & Design), DJ Cuppy, Aisha Kuta and more. The Women of Vision Campaign, in line with the brand’s age, will feature 15 women, between the ages of 18 and 60, representing Tiffany Amber’s multigenerational following. This campaign is slated to run for the next five years spanning a selection of women across Africa; with the purpose of developing a mentorship scheme. The anniversary celebrations will culminate in style with a one-of-a kind grand-finale fashion show, featuring a collection that the designer has described as “my best collection to date!”
BY Victoria Onehi
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arious wedding vendors gathered recently to showcase their wares at a forum tagged The wedding room. Vendors of wedding gowns, brides maid dresses, men suits suit, event planners and photographers were on hand to meet with would-be- brides and grooms to meet their wedding needs. One of the organiser of the Show, Christine Ogbeh, explains the purpose of the event. “The purpose of this event is for brides and brides-to- be in Abuja and the northern part of Nigeria to meet with vendors. We wanted an event which is a little more personal rather than a large-scale exhibition, so that vendors can have direct contact with brides. We know that if we get the brides here, the brides will generally bring the groom,”Ogbeh says. A would-be-bride, Ebele Obechina, says the event was an eye opener as she was able to see some possibilities. “I have seen a lot of colours which I would not have considered before, like tilt, which I did not think of before. Also, I have seen a photographer and I like his work, and his prices are negotiable, so I am happy I came. I will like the organisers to do more of this,” Obechina says. Mr Sidi, The CEO of Sidi Bespoke which specialises in men’s wears was glad with the patronage. “Today, the patronage has been fantastic. A lot of people have come to our stand and we have booked two weddings already, Sidi says. Hauwa Alfa, of Alfa Shower another vendor at the event, explains the reason behind the show. “This is the ember month when we have a lot of weddings coming up, so each vendor is here to showcase their talent and work.” The event was held at the Penthouse, Protea Hotel, Asokoro Abuja. Tiffany Amber
Katsina Youth Craft Village Graduation Ceremony From Habibu Umar Aminu, Katsina
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he Katsina Youth Craft village which was established in 2001has graduated about 6500 students in the last three years, Governor Ibrahim Shema has said. Shema who was represented by his Deputy Abdullahi Garba Faskari noted that the project was designed to provide employment opportunities for over 2000 youth in the state annually through various skills acquisition programmes. Speaking at the graduation of this year’s set of students and presentation of take-off tools and grants to distinguishing students, Shema said it was his desire to address youth restiveness and provide
them with jobs for self reliance that necessitated the setting up of the school. In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the governor on Science and Technology Alhaji Suleiman Kuki said, presently several trades are being taught at the centre which include, mobile phone repairs, tie and dye, pottery, wrought iron, furniture making, catering services, tailoring and design, leather works and shoe making, film and photography, computer repair and usage, auto mechanic, generator repairs, wheel alignment and balancing, welding, fabrication and blacksmith, carpentry and joinery. He said students are admitted through local government community development committees and both sexes have equal opportunities to apply
into the programmes that run between, 3, 6 and 12 months durations. Feeding and accommodation are provided by the state government in addition to N2,000 monthly stipends to cater for the basic needs of the students, he added. ‘Upon graduation, the state government provides resettlement packages to 10 best students from each department as takeoff materials and other small capital to enable them stand on their own,’ he said. Most of the students spoken to expressed appreciation over the government gesture and assured that they will judiciously use the opportunity to better their lives. Government has approved the establishment of additional skills acquisition centers at Daura and Funtua senatorial zones.
The Deputy Gover addressing the gra
SPONSORED BY:
Alhaji Suleiman Nuhu Kuki, Special Adviser, Governor Ibrahim Shema, Science and Technology
Special Adviser on Nuhu Kuki deliveri
A cross-section of male students at the ceremony
A display of some
Items for distribution on display
Alhaji Ibrahim Shema
Executive Governor, Katsina State
L-R: Head of Servi Kuki and Deputy G
rnor, Alhaji Abdullahi Faskari aduands
The Deputy Governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Faskari inspecting some items made by the students of the Youth Crafts Village
n Science at Technology, Suleiman ing his speech at the event
The Chairman, Coordinating Consultant, Samaila Saulawa, explaining the functions of some of the equipment for distribution
The Deputy Governor Faskari handing over some working tools to one of the beneficiaries at the Youth Crafts Village
The Deputy Governor receiving some publications for onward submission to the state goverment from one of the students
e of the equipment distributed to the graduands
Deputy Governor Faskari, handing over a computer set to a graduand
ce, Lawal Aliyu Daura, Special Adviser on Science and Technology, Suleiman Nuhu Governor, Abdullahi Faskari at the event
Deputy Governor Faskari, being assisted by some dignitaries as he presents items to some beneficiaries
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MEN’S FASHION
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS on Men’s fashion BY Pupwaya Timothy Dibal
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here is a common misconception that women have the upper hand when it comes to fashion. Like choosing the right shoes, because of the bright colours, whereas men’s shoes are always dull and plain in colour. Even when it comes to body deodorant and perfumes, not only women know how to smell good. Even the men are not left out. As more and more choices become available for men, the most important decision to make is to know which one to go for. There are some questions that they should have in mind and they are as follows:
matching belt & shoes
Should the belt and shoes match? It’s advisable that your shoes and belt be on the same note, and this can be easily accomplished by tone matching accessories. However, If the occasion allows, you can also up your belt game by adding different textures, like woven leather or cotton to the mix. What matters is how well they complement each other, not only in colour but also in style. What are the best deodorants and perfumes for men that will last longer? In choosing the right body deodorants and perfumes there are two things that men have to put in mind. Firstly, they should know the best ones that the scent will last longer, and secondly the brand and the ingredients used in them. This is because some people are allergic to certain types of deodorants and perfumes. For the perfumes, it can be hard a times to get the good ones, but a distinct scent of amber, lavender, and a warm spicy cinnamon will last for several hours. A mixture of citrus, spicy woody aroma, pink pepper; grape fruit combine to make a man smell wonderful. Cheap perfumes can only last for some hours.
Men’s perfumes
Oxford cap toe shoes
What style of shoes must a man wear for a causal and official look? In order to get that casual look, the right shoe to put on is the Boat or Driver type, which can be worn with a jean or chinos trouser. This type of shoe can be worn when a man wants to go out with his friends on a Friday evening. Sneakers are also good, because gone are the days that men wear palms for a causal outfit. Men’s footwear is appropriate for a formal event, but there are certain types that won’t just do. For instance, you should never wear sandals to a formal event, because that will make you look sloppy and not smart. For the official outfit, the Cap Toe Oxford and Slippers is the best choice.
Ebuka
Best and timeless wrist watch for men m Accessories can often make or break an a ensemble, so it is good for a man to choose the right wrist rist watch that will take his outfits to the next level. They will w do well with a timeless wrist watch that is always seen e in generations. en It is advisable for men to have both wrist r watches for rist formal and causal outfits. However, when h buying a hen dressier watch, look for the one that iss more classic and will last longer. Stainless steel is more practical p than leather, and certainly more durable. It can be worn for a business and even casual dress. Not only o is it versatile, it is also water proof. The face of the wrist wrrist watch should also matter, because the face of a standard nd dard wrist watch can look like women’s watch on men, and it can be seen that with time more larger faces are produced c and it is trending. ced When building a classic wardrobe stick to ckk the tried and true colours, that you know o ow will blend and look appropriate for a business n ness and causal settings. Watches like Rolex, Casio, x x, Citizen, Fossil and Kolber are good and d last longer, avoid buying watches that have brand
Men’s Driver shoes
Model for Kimono Dragon
WOMEN HEALTH
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Dr. Nathaniel Adewole Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada - FCT. MOBILE: 0803 803 9182 EMAIL: nadewole2013@gmail.com
combination of the two, depending on the stage of the disease and other factors.
Post-Coital Bleeding I am forty eight year old now. For the last five month I have been seeing small bleeding after meeting my husband. Last month alone it occurred about five times, what do I do? Maryam, Kontagora Niger State. Post coital bleeding is the bleeding that occurs after meeting your partner. It could be due to several causes. These include: cervical fibroid polyps, cervical erosion or Lesson. But the one that makes us more worried is the possibility of cervical cancer being the cause at that age. You have to see a gynecologist as soon as possible. What will be done include speculum examination of the cervix in the clinic. Visible examination of the cervix could reveal if it polyps, or in some cases suspected cases of cervical cancer one may see visible lesion in the cervix. Next is to do basic laboratory and radiological investigations before examination under anaesthesia ( E.U.A.). If it is cervical fibroid polyps, if the stalk is not thick it could be avulsed. In some cases at your age, especially if you have completed your family size, the treatment of fibroid polyps may be removal of the uterus, otherwise called total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH). In case it is a suspected case of cervical cancer, EUA/Staging and biopsy is done. The sample is sent for histology. If cervical cancer is confirmed, treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy or
TREATMENT FOR CIN 1 I did a pap smear and I was told it is CIN 1. The doctor told me I have to remove my womb. Do I have to remove it? Is there no other alternative? I don’t want to remove it. Aisha, Maiduguri. How old are you? Have you completed your family size? Pap smear is usually done to screen women, and pick those at risk of developing cervical cancer, and pick them up before it reaches the stage of cancer and treat. This regular check is routine
“Pap smear is usually done to screen women, and pick those at risk of developing cervical cancer, and pick them up before it reaches the stage of cancer” Your result of CIN I is the same as Low grade neoplasia. It means the chance of progression to cancer is very low or minimal chance of progression. Ideally, where available you should go for colposcopy for further test. During this procedure ablative procedure could be done to treat the Lesion. Where this is not available, repeat the pap smear more frequently, and where there is progression it could be treated by operation. High grade lesion or CIN III required immediate treatment. Quite a number of times especially if the woman has completed her family size, those with CIN III or high grade Lesion one can do Total Abdominal Hysterectomy. I must commend you for doing your Pap smear regularly. Since it is CIN III you can go to the teaching hospital close to you, in this case University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for colposcopy and possible conservative or ablative treatment at the same time.
in developed countries for all women, and it has reduced the incidence of and death from cervical cancer, to the barest minimum. Interpretation of the result could either be CIN I; CIN II; CIN III Or obvious neoplasia . Another result could read Low grade; High grade; and obvious neoplasia or cancer.
Let me use the opportunity to encourage our women to do Pap smear screening regularly, annually or once in two years.
Please, always include name and address when sending your health enquiries to us. Thank you
12 KANNYWOOD Kannywood will be a force to reckon with in the global entertainment -Dan Baba
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uhammad Inuwa popularly known in the movie industry as Dan Baba is one of the young directors whose star in the art of given instructions is still shining. Born in 1984, Dan Baba has been behind some major hit Hausa movies in the industry and in this interview the young director talks about his sojourn to stardom and many more. Excerpts:-
WHO IS MUHAMMAD INUWA? I am known in the Hausa movie industry as Dan Baba but my real name is Muhammad Inuwa. I was born in the year 1984, in TudunNufawa of Municipal local government Kano state, and I did all my studies in Kano state. Presently I am a student at Aminu Kano School of Legal and Islamic Studies, Kano. My early childhood wasn’t different from that of an average Hausa boy growing up in a northern setting. I went to Quranic School and also received strict Islamic training as a child, from my parents and my Islamic school teachers.
Photo by Sani Maikatanga
BY Ibrahim Musa Giginyu HAVE YOU EVER PRODUCED A MOVIE OF YOUR OWN? Yes I have, I was the producer of the movie Lullubi. But I must state here it was not easy at all, and that was why I restricted myself to directing, because the
WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE MOVIE INDUSTRY? With my religious background, I find it very interesting to watch a movie that teaches good virtues and piousness. I became very interested in the art of acting to teach good manners. However, I was saddled with the problem of not knowing where and how to join the scenario. I started by going to Fagge welfare center to watch stage dramas and from there I got acquainted with some practitioners in the industry, and we later became friends. Meanwhile, I was not given the green light to directly be part of the industry as I expected. I remember, we were seen as just fans. Later we were regarded as a nuisance and occasionally chased out and gradually we became errand boys at locations. All these did not deter me from actualizing my dream of making it in the industry as a participant, without really having in mind what I wanted to specialize in.
WHAT T ARE T THE HE CHALLENGES THAT YOU FACED WHILE TRYING TO GET YOUR BEARING IN THE INDUSTRY? The challenges are not much but they are really disturbing. I don’t know where the public get their stories, but it is really disheartening to see that the public that patronize our works don’t believe in what we do. I operate behind the camera, and I get to hear a lot of unpleasant stories about artists which I know were all fabricated in order to give the industry a bad name. I feel bad whenever I hear people referring to the industry as a den of miscreants. As a practitioner I always find it difficult to explain to people that what they hear were all false stories. Thank God those things have changed now.
HOW DID YOU BECOME A DIRECTOR? My main intention as I have said earlier is just to be in the industry, as I have never given a thought to the fact that the industry has many segments. However, when I succeeded in getting into the industry, I then figured out that what I thought was a wholesome sector was actually a segregated one. Therefore, I made up my mind to act and later find out that acting isn’t meant for me. I started writing story scripts which I succeeded in writing, and finally I settled for directing; and started as an assistant director. Gradually, I became a director after years of training under the tutelage of different renowned directors.
HOW MANY MOVIES HAVE YOU DIRECTED SO FAR? I have not directed many movies as I speak to you now. If I am not mistaken, I can say I have directed five movies so far, and they are, Rana Zafi, Ina zanganshi, Saitsananin Rabo, and there are other two that are yet to be released into the market.
AS A DIRECTOR ARE YOU CONFIDENT THAT THE INDUSTRY HAS PROVEN ITSELF, TO BE AS LAWFUL AS ANY OTHER BUSINESS VENTURE?
experience I had wasn’t pleasant at all. Though I know things have changed now compared to that period, the experience almost knocked me out of the industry, because the artists then were not cooperative and as organized like they are now. Moreover, I have completed all necessary arrangement to produce my second movie titled Minan. This is to show that I am not deterred and I will not be.
Of course I am. The Hausa movie has come to stay, as a normal and lawful business venture that keeps thriving every day. I am also optimistic that the industry in the shortest possible time will be a force to reckon with in the global entertainment scenario.
IS DAN BABA MARRIED? No, I am not
ANY PLAN TO GET MARRIED SOON? Well! I am still searching, and when I have succeeded you will surely be in the list of invited.
BRIDE PRICE AND GIFT PRESENTATION Payment of bride price is an important part of every traditional marriage. But in the Isoko tribe, there is concession if the man is an Isoko man. Ufuoma explains thus “If the man is an Isoko man, he pays the sum of N500 as a bride price, but if not, he pays N1000. But the elders review the price from time to time. What the groom ought to give to the bride during the traditional marriage is a box, with as many clothes as the man can buy. Also, hot drinks such as wines are required. The box and the drinks are important. As a matter of fact, presentation of the drinks and kola nuts cannot be avoided in Isoko traditional marriage. Even if they don’t drink it, the man must present it,” Ufuoma explain. During the traditional marriage, the bride is expected to tie George fabric or lace. She ties this with Gele. Also, the man most tie the traditional attire of the Isoko people, whether he is from there or not. He must wear the wrapper, wear etibo attire and the bowler hat and hold a walking stick. FOOD If the man wants them to kill a cow, or goat, it depends on him. But usually during the traditional marriage, the bride’s family provide the food to be eaten because the marriage is done in her house. But the two families can do it together. LANGUAGE SPOKEN The language spoken during the traditional marriage is important to the Isoko people. Ufuoma tell us why. “During the traditional marriage, everything will be said in Isoko language. No other language is spoken during the marriage rites. Even if the groom is a white man, only the Isoko language will be spoken during the marriage ceremony. If he does not understand the language, then he has to get what we call Otuta (which means a speaker). The person must understand Isoko, so he can interpret to the next person,” Ufuoma, explains. AFTERMATH OF THE MARRIAGE When the traditional marriage is over, the bride is given to her husband. But then, the family will designate someone- a relative who will escort the bride to her husband house. When they are returning back, the man is supposed to give them a goat in return or ten thousand naira. After the marriage, the Isoko community will give a marriage certificate to the couple. This is recognised in every part of Isoko. However, in the Urhobo speaking part of the Isoko tribe, after the marriage, the man ought to bring a bag of sachet salt which is usually distributed to every married woman in the extended family of the bride.
Traditional marriage rites in Isoko
CULTURE
An Isoko couple
“During the traditional marriage, everything will be said in Isoko language. No other language is spoken during the marriage rites. Even if the groom is a white man, only the Isoko language will be spoken during the marriage ceremony.”
Happy Married Life M i l Moyinoluwa and d Adekunle at their wedding recently in Kaduna State.
An Isoko bride
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Photo source: damell photos
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arriage is an important part of every culture. For the Isoko people, the declaration of the grooms’ intention to marry the woman, marks the beginning of the life-long journey. Miss Elohor Ufuoma who hails from Idheze of Isoko South explains further. “Before the marriage rite begins, the man goes to the bride’s parent’s house where he introduces himself and tells them his intention. If the father is in support of the marriage, he will ask the man to bring a member of his family, or a close friend and a drink, to declare his intention formally. When the man comes to declare his intention formally, the father will tell the groom-to-be to visit some of his relatives. Sometimes he can see these people collectively. If not, he will have to go and visit them individually were he presents wine to them. After this has been done, he will go back to the girl’s parents, and a date will be chosen for the introduction, Ufuoma,” says. Usually, the girls’ extended family is invited for the introduction. During the introduction, Ufuoma says “the family members will ask the bride-to-be to point at the man he wants to marry. When she does that, they will enquire from her again if she is sure she wants to marry him. If her answer is yes, then the family will give the man a list. They family gives the list to the man during the introduction. Afterwards, he will tell the family when he wants to come for the traditional marriage, and also pay the bride price, Ufuoma,” explains.
Photo source: www.namywedding.com
BY Victoria Onehi
14 HEALTHY LIVING 14 For the woman of style
At peace with Peace Emezue
on proper diet plan BY Mulikatu Mukaila
P
eace Emezue is the C.E.O of Super Self Fitness center in Abuja, a career she picked up when she was able to fight her weight and other sickness attached to it. She speaks with Tambari on how to go about a proper diet plan and many more… You used to be bigger than your present size, tell us what you did to trim down? I was weighing about 135kg, so I started working out and losing weight and came to about 115-120kg, I thought I had achieved something at that time. But I was deceiving myself, because I was still very ill. I used to have health issues which led to my weight loss. Actually not like I had wanted to lose weight. I was diabetic, I had asthma, arthritis. Because I was always ill, the doctor advised me to lose weight but I was reluctant. So when I started the journey of my weight loss, I started seeing improvement, the asthma attack stopped, my sugar level started dropping, and I was fine with myself. Presently I have lost weight to 70kg.
What will be a proper diet plan for someone who really wants to lose weight? If you really want to lose weight, what you take in matters, because our Nigerian diet does not come in packs, and we cannot count the calories properly. So what we do is to give out
portions to control your food portions, to maybe 200g or 200ml. But in my own case, what I did to myself was that I started with a portion bowl the doctor gave me in those days, and that is what I have been using for my clients. The most important thing is how much food do you take in, and what kinds of food, and what do you have in that portion of food, that will make it too less or much of calories. If you have an active lifestyle, it is good you eat breakfast early, because those gaps you give in between lunch, makes the food to digest fast and your metabolism also working properly For a proper breakfast: Two slices of bread, vegetables and a cup of tea, or oat meal with skimmed milk and maybe a cube of sugar. Or One wrap of moimoi and vegetable by the side, is most ideal for someone who wants to lose weight and everything should be in moderation. For your lunch: You can take it between 1 or 2pm. For someone like me, I can eat wheat pasta and I don’t eat meat or chicken. Instead I eat fish and everything must go in my bowl, if I am to consume about 200g of that meal,
Recipes For A Proper Diet Plan
BEFORE everything must be in that bowl and shouldn’t exceed 200g. That is an ideal lunch. Then for dinner: You should have your protein because they digest easily, and you should make sure you eat dinner latest 6.30pm. You can also go for salads not with cheese or mayonnaise, because they are fattening adding chicken or fish in it.
What’s your advice on eating foods like pounded yam or egusi soup? If you want to do pounded yam, what matters most are the soups you take, and then the quantity? If you are trying to watch your weight, there are some things you should skip for some time to get a good result. Egusi soup is so fattening and should not be in a diet plan. You should always go for soups like vegetables, okra because okra comes with fiber and helps to aid fast digestion. Foe the pounded yam, always use your hand to measure the meal because that is the size of our tummy, and we should do more of these mentioned soups and eat less oil also. I don’t fry my stew any longer, I just put
BREAKFAST: Green smoothie recipe; 1 medium cucumber, 1 apple, handful spinach Blend together. Ideal breakfast for weight watcher LUNCH: 200g Grilled potatoes with steamed vegetables sauce with 1tea spoon of olive oil. DINNER: Salads with fish/ skinless chicken
AFTER all my ingredients and allow it cook with a maybe a spoon of oil, because what matters most is what your mouth tastes.
Ideally, if one follows this meal plan properly, how long will it take to lose weight? If you follow this plan without exercise, but keep yourself busy, the least one can lose in 3 months is 10kg. But if you add it up with exercise, then you will speed up and that shows you what you really eat matters. You can also be active. But if you are not eating the right food, then you are not helping matters. Some people even starve themselves because they want to lose weight. It doesn’t help. The best thing is to eat in proportion and the right food at the right time, also chew your food very well and eat slowly, that way everything breaks down. A lot of people equate diet with weight loss. Whereas diet simply means what we consume that is made up of balanced diet. Let’s look at Atkin’s diet. It is a low carbohydrate diet which switches the body metabolism from using glucose as an energy source, to converting stored body fat to energy.
OPTION B: FOR VEGETARIANS BREAKFAST: Lentils/ blackeyepea beans (white beans) brown rice vegetable stir-fry with mushrooms LUNCH: Shrimp salad/salad with avocado pear/ tofu for vegetarian DINNER: Grilled fish with vegetable stir-fry.
MANGO, ORANGE AND STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIE Here is a recipe for a smoothie to relax after a workout or hard day’s job. This could be your treat. * 1 medium-size mango * 1 orange * 1 small handful strawberry * 1 small handful crushed ice You can juice the orange pour in the blend put the strawberries and ice in the blender enjoy! Benefits: Rich in vitamins B, C and E and loaded with zinc iron and calcium. The natural sugars give an energy lift.
BEAUTY
Natural Bath Recipes
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BY Fatima Hussein Yakasai Do you know that you can make you own healthy and relaxing bath soak? Here are some natural ingredients to use, apart from your daily bubble bath.
GINGER Ginger is a root used as a spice in many dishes and also used in making herbal medicine. It contains strong antioxidants which have been proved to provide relief to stomach aches and feeling nauseous. It contains an anti-inflammatory property that helps in pain relief and fighting prostate cancer. The most common benefit of taking a ginger baths is that it helps the body sweat to get rid of toxins, and helps in fighting the flu. So when you feel you’re coming down with a cold, get to your bathroom and have a relaxing ginger bath. Ginger baths can be made by sprinkling ginger powder or grating fresh ginger directly into your bathtub.
MILK AND HONEY GREEN TEA Green tea is the most widely known healthy beverage. It contains a lot of antioxidents that help in preventing cell damage, fight cancer, burn fat, prevent heart diseases and lowers blood pressure. But that’s not all there is to green tea. It is also an ingredient used in healing baths. Green tea baths help in healing muscle sores and wounds, soothes and improves the skin tone, prevents sun burn, repairs skin cells and many more. Making the green tea bath is very easy. All you need is 5 to 10 bags of green tea, fill up your bath tub with warm water or any desired temperature, and soak your green tea bags. The water will turn a light greenish color when it’s ready.
In ancient times, these ingredients were brought to light by Cleopatra the queen of Egypt. These were said to have been Cleopatra’s secret beauty tips. Bathing in milk and honey also performs wonders to the body. The hydrated properties in milk help in moisturizing the body, and its lactic acid content cleanses the skin. The milk also prevents the skin from being dry and greasy. It provides the skin with nourishment and removes dead skin cells from the body. The honey contains anti-ageing properties, rich antioxidants and serves as a skin moisturiser. It gives the skin a natural glow and an ethereal softness. Making the honey and milk bath requires the bath tub to be filled with a medium amount of water (using too much or too little water may affect the amount of milk and honey needed). Add 1cup of milk and 1/2 cup honey. Your bath is ready.
CINNAMON AND CLOVES Cinnamon and cloves are ingredients used as spices and herbs. Cinnamon’s health benefits include alleviating diabetes, flu, diarrhea and indigestion. Cloves have been used as a remedy for tooth aches, vomiting and muscle spasms. Cinnamon and cloves added in steam baths helps in reliving colds, relaxing the muscles and add a nice aroma to your body. There is no need to go to a spa, just use your normal home ingredients to have a rejuvenating bath.
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