Glam and Essence - The lifestyle Magazine Vol. 5

Contents Volume 5 Issue 3, 2015

Glam&Essence Magazine

REGULARS 4. Contributors 6. Publisher’s Note

FEATURES 8. Celebrity Close-Up… Seun Olagunju Her Zest For Life 14. Mercy’s Space… Choosing with Care 15. Style People.... Wana Sambo The urban African Dress Maker 19. For Single & Married… Why Men are so Interested in Sex 24. Woman 2 Woman… 5 Selfish behaviors that can ruin your Relationship

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COVER 30. Twice the Charm from Jewelry Merchant, Martha Najomo and Daughter, Camille G&E PERSONALITY 17. Nike Okundaiye The Indigo Priestess MAN OF THE MOUTH 38. The World of Film-maker Lancelot

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LIFESTYLE 48. Food Factor… International Cuisuines To Try At Home EVENTS 42. Snapped At Quincy Ayodele’s Father’s Burial 43. A Classy 40th Bash for Seun 44. The Olowes & Osipitan Unite 45. Fadan Runway Show 46. A celebration of Love for Folu & Paul 47. …And Ola And Lara Become One FASHION 10. Fashion Trends... Summer-Time Trends 20. On The Runway... Lighting Up The African Runway 22. Fadan Runway Show 25. Designer’s to watch... Fashion’s Biggest Risers BEAUTY 50. Grey is the New Black 51. Facebeat for Summer RELIGION 52. House Cleaning

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HEALTH 53. The Powerful Benefits Of Cinnamon And Honey SHOWBIZ 40. The Harrisong Midas Touch

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Contributors Matti Layeni She is a graduate of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management from the University of Lagos. She is also an Educationist and the Proprietress of Springs International School. She is married with four lovely girls.

Rev. Elekima Ekine Rev. Elekima Ekine is the Pastor of Christ Chapel International Churches, Ashi, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

An ardent teacher of the word of God; he has a passion to build up believers who are really relevant and heavenly worthy. He is married to Rev. (Mrs.) Adefunke Ekine (Ph.D), an educationist who is also an able minister of the gospel. they are blessed with three sons.

Mercy Adejumo Currently living and working as an Accountant in Los Angeles, California, USA, Mercy worked as the MD/CEO Service Basket ltd in Nigeria, till she relocated with her husband. Now Financial Analyst at Countrywide Home Loans in LA, California, she has a certificate in ministry from Crenshaw Christian Center in LACA, and has worked in various ministry capacity. Mercy coordinate and lead a women fellowship.

Oghenekare Emarawho Known with his stage name as Orak Afani is a rugged entrepreneur, Rap Artist, Business man, Photographer, Founder/CEO Crazy Beat Records, Founder/CEO Studio52 Creations Photography.

His intellectual in photography is vast, as he can manipulate ideals with constructive use to achieve purpose. This has made him the citadel of the new age of photography.

Pastor Dunamis Okunowo Along with his lovely wife, Sophia, Pastor Okunowo founded the Kisses and Huggs club, a NonGovernmental Organization, and both of them are marriage Therapists and Counselors, who gave God’s counseling to several people and provide positive intervention for crisis laden marriages.

Together, they have been involved in ministry and pasturing for almost 20 years, and they’ve been running an on-line ministry from Nigeria, which has grown beyond Africa.

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

TRUE GEMS OF OUR TIME

H

ow fortunate can you get if you are opportuned to have as your cover personalities, some of the celebrated Nigerians who have made impact in their chosen trade/career, raised the level of professionalism while at it, thus becoming the perfect examples of what can be accomplished with Courage, Faith, and Perseverance.

That’s how best to capture the woman who has made African Art gain so much respect across the globe, Osun- born Priestess, Nike Okundaiye. At an early age, she knew what part she wanted to pave and tread, practicing her culture and projecting it through her art. Today, the boss of the renowned Nike Art Gallery is a fulfilled woman, who has seen her dream come true, yet, hasn’t stopped dreaming to achieve even more for the love of art.

Lancelot Imasuen, Nollywood’s most respected filmmaker remains one of the sector’s most dignified, dedicated and determined filmmaker, who has come to be known for his intense passion for creating block busting films. Proudly Edo by birth, Lancelot for sure has helped to create a platform for the new generation filmmakers and so we celebrate his 20 years of devotion and relentless effort for the Nigeria film making sector.

There is also no denying that Harrysong is one wave making music artiste many music lovers just can’t get enough of his music. The multitalented artiste and songwriter’s indelible performances never ceases to draw attention, and he shares the story of his rise to fame with us.

Of course, you can’t but be mesmerized by our cover celebrity, the delectable Martha Najomo, boss of Nigeria’s hi-style luxury jewelry company, Seraphina Gems.

For this cover shoot, we were able to get Martha and her beautiful daughter, Camille together to share their thoughts with us, with Martha talking about life as a business woman, as a mother, and the style traits mother and daughter share.

We’re also turning the kleglight on the fashion industry, particularly on the new newsmakers within the Fashion sector. These young, vibrant and talented ladies, and a gentleman are fast carving a niche for themselves as Creative Directors of fashion. And we did take notice of them!

In this issue, we focus on 6 of the most exciting designers with a passion for their trade as seen in their designs.

It’s almost like an all women issue, but of course with no apologies to the men-folk!, as we celebrate these female achievers worth emulating. Another one of such is Seun Olagunju. Just recently turned 40, the renowned media personality took us into her world, one journey worth taking.

Enjoy this issue.

The Team

Susan Eyo Honesty

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/PUBLISHER Susan Eyo Honesty ENTERTAINMENT & SOCIETY EDITOR Uche Jombo CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tunde Layeni ASSISTANT STYLE EDITOR Ayoyinka Falade CONTRIBUTORS Rev. Elekima Ekine | Matti Layeni | Marcy Adejumo | Oghenekaro Emarawho SALES/ PRODUCTION MANAGER George Agboh 07068448454, 07084761080 GRAPHICS DESIGNER Afeez Adebanke PHOTOGRAPHY Hycinth, Segun & Chima

PUBLISHERS Creek Media Publications Ltd. 22, Oritshe Street Off Awolowo Road, Ikeja, Lagos.

Tel: 08055001814, 08023002070 E-mail: glamandessencemag@gmail.com Website: www.glamandessence.net 6 | www.glamandessence.net

@ glamandessence @ GlamEssence @ glamandessencemag

CELEBRITY CLOSE-UP

SEUN

OLAGUNJU HER ZEST FOR LIFE She’s been in the media for quite a while now, winning awards for how she’s excelled within the electronic media. But it came as a surprise that Seun Olagunju, the delectable journalist, with a knack for bold styling just turned 40! She sure has done so much for herself, a great career, being a mother and a wife. And in this chat with Susan Eyo Honesty, she shares her joy at turning 40.

CELEBRITY CLOSE-UP

Turning 40, how do you feel, as it’s that age most women dread admitting?

No, I certainly do not dread it. I think those women who dread turning 40 are those who may not have achieved some of the goals they set out for themselves or some things which the society expects of them at that age who may have some reservations. Eg, some decent degree of education, career progression, marriage, children etc.

By God’s special grace, I have achieved those and more and I’m proud of my age and where I am today.

Its quite interesting how much you have achieved career wise. What would you say is your driving force?

My driving force has been the legacy of hard work my mother instilled in me from childhood. Also the need to be successful in life to bring her out of need, for she went through a lot to raise me after my father died when I was just 10. I also like to give my all to whatever I do, I am a perfectionist.

How has being in the media affected your life,in view of how people tend to believe women are the under dogs?

No one can say that again these days but when I started it was a bit different. I started broadcasting as a teenager and undergraduate. I also started holding leadership positions quite early.

I became an editor at 22 and I remember when I attended Guild of Editors meetings, I got looks like ‘are you the Corper attached to an editor?’

Of course, nobody said that to me, but it surely was male-dominated. It wasn’t until I spoke that some perceptions changed. But now, no one can call women underdogs in any profession, not even space/rocket science.

Many of your colleagues say Seun has been lucky in the media, having made a name for yourself very quickly. Would attribute it to simply luck?

Oh no, it wasn’t simply luck. Of course there is luck, but it’s been mostly hardwork, focus, drive and passion for the job. I’ve been in the media for over 20 years,having started as a teenager and undergraduate. The grace of God has truly been evident.

What would you say you have enjoyed the most about what you do?

Everything about it. The gathering of news, production and the adrenaline that comes with meeting deadlines and the actual news delivery, I enjoy it all.

One cant but notice how you never fail to celebrate your husband. What makes him so special to you?

If only for how he has tolerated me for the past 16 years, that’s enough to celebrate him! Lol! He has been loving and understanding. Also very supportive.

How did you guys meet and how did you know he is the man for you?

We met on the job. I was the Duty Continuity Announcer on Raypower 2 then and he came for a late night show. He was the Lagos Sector Commander of the FRSC. It wasn’t love at first sight though. But he was very relentless and eventually his persistence paid off. The rest as they say is history.

You are one of the very stylish ladies in the media. How did you carve that niche for yourself?

I think I subconsciously imbibed a high sense of style from my late mum. And over the years,I decided to have my own style and stand out from the ‘crowd’.

You obvious are a bold dresser. What defines your style?

That must be the trendsetter in me. When it comes to fashion, I hardly follow the bandwagon.

I wear only what suits or enhance me. I don’t like getting lost in the crowd, so I try to make fashion statements with at least one item of my ensemble.

At 40, what are the things that you are now gravitating towards different from life before hitting that age?

I must say life has been very kind to me. I’m one of the lucky ones. At 40,I have a glorious career, great family,4 children..... I have received grace and favour. I can only hope to consolidate on my modest achievements going forward.

You are celebrating 40 in a big way.ls that deliberate?

Yes, it is. Like I said, I have been blessed. It is only proper to return all the glory to God. At some points in my life, things were so difficult that I almost lost hope, but I never gave up. My resilience and trust in God paid off and today, I sing a new song. lf you were ask to describe yourself, who would you say you are ,different from the public personality that many know?

I describe myself as your girl next door who just happens to be on TV. I am down to earth, I absolutely do not pretend. I don’t hide my feelings.

I don’t suffer fools gladly. I also don’t bear nega-

tive emotions that age and weigh you down. So yes, beyond all the glamour is this home girl with typical African values of respect, home keeping and hard work.

With a busy career like yours, how do you find time to unwind?

If I don’t travel, then I just stay at home with my kids. I have a restless 19 month old baby boy who cracks us up. I am more of a homely girl.

Show message history What would you say life as taught at this point in your life?

I got life’s manual from my mother a long time ago and it has been guiding me. I learnt quite early in life not to allow what haters say affect my journey. I learnt from my mum that success is the best form of revenge for treachery. I learnt that no human is infallible, so you need to give that weeny bit of benefit of the doubt when dealing with people to prevent devastating shocks. I’ve learnt that we are all in charge of our lives, the earlier we started steering it in the direction we want it to go, the better. I have also been guided by the virtues of hard work and dedication. And I’ve learnt to give, not because I have too much but because I know what it felt like not to have.

“Beyond all the glamour is this home girl with typical African values of respect, home keeping and hard work.” www.glamandessence.net | 9

Summer-Time Trends

FASHION TREND

- Ayoyinka Falade

Yaay! It’s Trend-Summer ladies. There would always be a style trend, fashion never sleeps. So what is trending in the fashion world today?

Flared Jeans If you’ve been following Spring/Summer 2015 fashion shows like Tom Ford and Prada etc, you probably would have noticed that the 70’s style Flare Pants dominated the runways. And it looks like the trend is making a successful comeback as flared jeans are fast becoming a must have fashion item for 2015. This is a trend that seemed like it was banished from any girl’s closet some 4 years ago when the skinny jean became a must-have.

So, for those of you who are flare jeans aficionados, the right time has come for you to take your jeans game to another level. Check out the pictures as we’ve gotten more than enough flare-style inspiration from style bloggers, they’ll make you put your skinny jeans on sabbatical.

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FASHION TREND

Menswear Trad We are already familiar with menswear inspired English wears, who knew that the tradition fashion scene was going to imitate some styles from the men too. Girls are rocking the agbada and it’s on fire!

Ladies have added some flare to theirs by altering the sleeves and the general length and design.

These male inspired traditional outfits hit the runways during the 2014 Lagos Fashion & Design Week thanks to Mai Atafo and it was a lovely style to embrace.

This is an outfit that is however not for the faint hearted as it is not yet widely accepted. We say just the thing to show your daring side!

Cullottes Cullottes have been making their way into the mainstream fashion lines for a while now, and is officially one of the major must-have pants for spring. Because of it voluminous nature, it can be a little bit scary to pull off the pants, but considering how comfy and friendly you’d feel in it – this is certainly the right time to try the culottes.

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FASHION TREND

The “Be Royal” Collection by

Isabella Gemma

I Kimonos The kimono is a definite summer must-have. It can add the perfect dose of chic to your look and is easy and comfortable at the same time.

Traditional kimonos usually come in soft fabrics and a big & thick belt that looks quite uncomfortable which had us a bit skeptical when we first heard it was a trend. But that isn’t the case. The modern twist on the kimono is quite the opposite.

Coming in mostly light fabrics, the new and improved kimono can go from the beach to a casual day without the wardrobe change hassle.

sabella Gemma, a retail jewelry brand that aspires to provide clients with finest and best quality collection of designer fashion jewelry, is one brand that stocks standout neck pieces, cocktail rings, bracelets, bangles, chandelier and stud earrings and other celeb worthy pieces that sparkle and shine.

The pieces come in precious gems, Swarovski crystals, semi precious stones, sterling silver and Austrian crystals and are all intricately detailed and aesthetically appealing to women of all ages.

They latest collection by the brand is the “Be Royal” collection which is inspired by Nigeria’s rich traditional wedding culture. The collection is a combination of rich colours that is designed to get attention but not overwhelm the bridal ensemble. The pieces from the collection are perfect for the simple yet elegant bride on her traditional wedding day or any woman that needs a unique piece for that special event.

Located at Sennia House, 41A, Joel Ogunaike, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, Isabella Gemma is open Mondays- Saturdays or you can browse their works on Facebook :// www.facebook.com/bellagemmajewelry and on their website www.isabellagemma.com.ng and on Instagram: @isabellagemma

How to rock it!

Keep your outfit items to a minimum When hitting the beach, a shorter length is best Get creative with colours When it comes to jewelry, make a statement Cover up some more with a kimono

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MERCY’S SPACE

Choosing with

Care

–By Mercy Adejumo

T

his is a recurring situation that seems to be occurring more frequently these days. Mature Ladies who fall prey to men below their status, who take advantage of them, all because of their need to be married. Take the case of a very materially successful lady who is in her late forties/early fifties I think, who told me about a relationship she is currently involved in. Previously married, but the demise of her husband put her back in the single’s club. She’d been single for the past 15years and in all that time, she had managed to successfully raise her three children, with two now college graduates and her third child on the way to college. She also recently graduated as a professional in her career field, which has opened doors to very lucrative jobs and a very robust life style for her. She owns three houses in the USA, lives a very comfortable life and she’s not lacking in the looks department, as she is very pretty and looks very young for her age.

Well, along the line, she got introduced to a man, a “pastor” working as a federal security officer, not academically on her level, who has had some failed marriages and a string of failed relationships with children from different women and living a promiscuous, carefree life.

Now this lady has been encountering some issues with this man, one of which is his preference for a polygamous lifestyle, one he was practicing with this lady and one of his many women. She was confused further when she went to pray about the situation and was told the man is her husband and that she should be patient because the whole thing would work itself out.

She equally had to deal with the man’s nasty temperament, loud and sometime obnoxious manner, while she has a gentle demure and is from a sophisticated family background, a far cry from the man’s background.

Her story made me lose my cool because I couldn’t believe an intelligent woman of her caliber could stoop that low. So I asked her, ‘is it a MUST for her to be married?!’

I calmed myself and thought through what she was saying and listened with my inner ear to her rationale as to why she even considered the relationship, considering they had very different focus to life and extremely different temperaments.

Then it dawned on me, she was a lonely woman who

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had not been in the dating game for a long time and was not aware of the manipulative and conniving men out there, especially those who hide under the guise of being men of God and are nothing but wolves who are fleecing God’s sheep.

I went on to counsel her and I’m doing the same right now with anyone who might be a truly religious person who believes in prophesies and wants to act right according to prophesies, please be careful how you receive prophesies and how you apply it to your lives.

When you receive a prophesy, do not lose your ‘common sense’ when accepting such. Always use wisdom which is the principal thing in dealing with prophesies. Don’t forget, people are just that; people who are capable of lies and are motivated by all kinds of motives. I’m not saying you should not believe in prophesy, but be careful and be rational in your dealings with prophesies.

Whenever someone prophesies to you, look at it from God’s standpoint and of course, from a wisdom point. Just like I asked the lady, would you have considered this man if not for the fact that you have been prophesied to? Her response was no. So why the compromise, which by the way is the biggest problem with many women who society has labeled as matured single, who by the way, God has not forgotten.

Why should a successful lady, who by all societal definition of successful, become gullible when it comes to the matter of the heart? Because she fears

what society has to say or is saying about her. This is a lady who makes very good business decisions so why can’t she make good relationship decision?

If you’re caught in the sort of web my lady friend found herself, my advice to you (same as I told her) is to step back for a minute, take a break from any form of contact with such man, no phone calls, text, or emails. Take the time to spend time with yourself and look critically at the situation and say to yourself, “Why am I doing this?” Most times, you find that common sense is more often overruled by a lack of sex in a long time? Well, if it’s about sex, then you had better woman up and just walk away and cut your losses.

Ladies, don’t compromise nor settle for less because you want to get married, if you have waited this long, don’t you think it’s best you get it right when you decide to marry?

Whatever relationship you decide to get into, make sure it’s a relationship you are comfortable with, a relationship where you don’t lose yourself and don’t have to compromise your principles, ambitions, nor lifestyle to accommodate a person who is not willing nor able to add value to your life.

For those who want to be “God correct”, go seek God yourself, for the bible says God is not a respecter of man and he is found by all who seek Him. So seek God for yourself and know God who directs man in all his ways will direct you and stop making yourselves vulnerable nor a moving target for these new age wolves who parade themselves as vessels of God.

STYLE PEOPLE

Wana Sambo The urban African Dress Maker From an early age, Wana Sambo experienced a fashion transformation. And being born into so much drama in the world definitely influenced her designs.

She went from boyish dressings to girlish and never could quite pick a side until she found a balance between both genres of fashion. Born in Nigeria, she set up the Wana Sambo Clothing Company in her teenage years in the university where she sought a particular style which wasn’t sold and decided to create such brand that she and her friends, the fashion goons, could relate to. That was the major influence behind the birth of the Wana Sambo brand.

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graduate of International Relations and Diplomacy from top private university in Nigeria, Igbinedion University, Edo state, her experiences in this institution was a stepping-stone to her quest in the design world.

She, however, had a brief stint in the Interior Designing and the Entertainment & Music Sector, before she had her first runway event which was a charity event/auction for an Orphanage called “Haven for the Nigerian child”.

“From a tender age, I created pieces for my paper dolls and my Barbie dolls. Where my sister played kitchen, I played ‘fashion model’ or ‘dressmaker’. My inspiration is drawn from the most inexplicable sources. The other day, I was taking a walk around my house, I saw a pond which had a flower, the water lily/pond lily, and its white and pinkish colors inspired a collection which started through a piece.

I dream up designs in my sleep. Weird, but I’m thankful for such gift.”

The Wana Sambo Brand was officially launched in December of 2010 in Nigeria, which was when the first collection was sold at the first Wana Sambo exhibition. Since then, the brand has catered to a wide array of clientele within and outside Africa. www.glamandessence.net | 15

STYLE PEOPLE

Wana Sambo with brand ambassador Eva Alordia

A typical Wana Sambo collection always tells the same story but in different dimensions, with designs that always exudes the power, presence and strength of a woman. Just like the average Wana Sambo customer, no matter what age, she always has an aura and edge about her when she walks into a room and every one of their pieces is designed firstly for the comfort of the customer then to compliment her style. But she of course has to be a woman who wears her clothes, not the other way around.

Wana Sambo’s designs are purely African with an Urban scheme, which means every piece is 100% African inspired but its designs and additional western influences added make it Urban.“The ‘Wana Sambo’ brand is an exact replica of the woman I am, the woman I’ve been and the woman I want to be. Just as I am constantly evolving, so is the brand.” Wana shares.

Wana Sambo’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed however. She has been a recipient of several accolades for her work in the industry including the being nominated for Best Designer at Dynamix Awards in 2007, being named one of the Top Twelve Finalists of the Young Designer of Year category at the MTN Lagos Fashion and Design Week, winner of the Ready-ToWear Brand of the Year at Glitz Africa Fashion Week 2013, and nominee for Female Designer of the Year at the Lagos Fashion Awards 2014.

She also received a feature as Nigeria’s Fashion Future by MSN Africa in 2012. Wana Sambo clothing also partnered with Darey Art Alade in his ‘Sisi Eko’ music video, creating and producing menswear and women’s wear African print pieces for the music video.

The Wana Sambo style is young, vibrant and fun so it doesn’t come as a surprise that a majority of the young female celebrities in Nigeria have been seen sporting looks by Wana 16 | www.glamandessence.net

Sambo. Some of them include Rita Dominic, Omawunmi, Yvonne Nelson, Dolapo Oni, Nse Ikpe Etim, Efya, Yinka Davies, Sharon Ojong, Debola Lawson, Kendra Oluchi Etufunwa, and Beverly Naya.

Wana’s works have enjoyed quite a bit of media exposure as well, as her pieces have been featured in print and online media platforms sold and read within and outside Africa.

As regards her inspiration in the fashion world, she says “I am my favorite designer.

Lol. Of course there are a few influences like Karl Lagerfeld, Jason Wu, Alexander McQueen, Victoria Beckham, and a couple of others.

“Where my sister played kitchen, I played ‘fashion model’ or ‘dressmaker’. My inspiration is drawn from the most inexplicable sources”

Her best moments so far has been in getting a studio, a workroom and being involved in the designing process from start to finish and her worst moments are in losing tailors. “It’s every Nigerian designer’s worst nightmare.”

Wana’s latest collection is the ‘Modern Elegance’ Collection. It features renowned female rapper, Eva Alordia as the face/ambassador and Eva is seen in soft colours as she embodies the strong, sexy and exotic Wana Sambo Woman.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Sunmisola Olorunnisola (@sunmisola_olorunnisola) STYLING: Moashy Styling (@moashystyling) MAKE UP: Eva Alordiah (@ievaalordiah) MODEL: Eva Alordiah

G&E PERSONALITY

Nike Okundaiye The Indigo Priestess

Still excited from the exhilaration of a successful fashion show and exhibition held at her towering Lagos gallery located at Lekki, Nike Okundaiye is full of energy and a happy light twinkles in her eyes as we sit for the interview.

She breaks off intermittently to wave a greeting to guests and participants of the show who are from all age groups, and most of whose names she knows. The petite lady, who reminds us of her hometown in Ogidi, Ijumu, Kogi State, a small, quiet place, surrounded by mountains but full of creativity exudes an aura of calm.

This director of the Nike Centre for Art and Culture has been in the business of art for almost three decades, creating a platform for expression for young artist and a home for art.

Having started practicing art since she was six years old, the 64 year old matriarch is a mother of art of sorts in Nigeria. Her first gallery, in Magbedo was opened in 1968 and since then, art has helped a lot and has taken her all over the world. With no opportunity to go to school after her Primary education and craftsmen as parents, she took the opportunity to learn and showcase the crafts she learned since that was all she had and it paid off. She shares her love for art, indigo, hats and her hopes for the art industry with G &E’s Ayoyinka Falade.

You’re one of the biggest African Art collectors in Nigeria and perhaps West Africa. How does it feel and how fulfilling has it been?

I feel happy and honoured because that give a lot of my artists a voice. You see all the works on the walls; they are the voices of different artists. You get to meet them in person and that is a joy for me. I don’t do it to make the money, I don’t do it for myself, I do it for Nigeria as a whole. When people sojourn to other parts of the world and they come home from these places, they want to see things that are worth as much and are as good as what they see over there. That is why I started the gallery.

Everyone knows you’re a big player in the Osun/Osogbo Festival. Can you tell us about it?

Yes, Osun is the goddess of the river in Osogbo and when I moved to Osogbo, I went to that shrine and I dedicated and told the Osun ,“If you can make me become large, I’ll always remember you.” And today, from a starting capital of nothing, I’m here and Osun has been faithful, it is one of the places I go. You know how people pray through Osun to Olodumare, Olodumare is God. It’s the same thing as people praying in the name of Jesus to God. That is why people in Osogbo, regardless of being

Muslim or Christian, will go to Osun to ask for things they want and they get it. And that has been helping the Osun/Osogbo up till present times. It has been helping everyone who believes in it.

You’re very prominent for your hats; what’s the story behind them?

Ok… My hats have been my own identity.

The hat of a woman is the crown of a woman. And as Nigerians, our head tie always shows our country in a good way. That is why anywhere I go, people just want to take pictures of me. They’ll ask which African country I’m from and I’d ask them to guess, and then they’d say Nigeria. Nigeria has www.glamandessence.net | 17

G&E PERSONALITY

always been a nation of culture. It’s our pride to show our heritage, to show our culture. I’m very happy and honoured to wear my hat all the time.

Tell us a little bit about the Art gallery?

I started the center at Osogbo in 1983 and from there, the gallery grew. I started that center with 12 girls that I pulled out from the streets. These girls were hawkers who were being exposed to abuse. I took them to my house and then started teaching them how to use their hands to earn a living, gave them food, accommodation and materials to start and was also teaching them what I know best to do. And that’s how it all started. We now have four outfits in Nigeria. One in Lagos, another in Abuja, the third in my village; Ogidi, Ojumu, Kogi State, then the main center in Osogbo.

When did this outfit in Lagos start?

It started in 1996, but it wasn’t at this location (Lekki). It was in the house. We moved here in 2009.

How many works does the gallery currently have?

Well, we’re still in the process of doing the inventory, we’re up to about 9,000 pieces now, but there are still more to be inventoried.

You’re also involved in Adire (tie and dye) production?

A dii, a re (we tied it and we soaked it), Adire. Adire and Indigo, which is what the dye is called, come from Oshogbo; Aro n be l’Oshogbo, l’Osogbo se n wu ni nlo(there’s indigo in Osogbo, that’s why people love to go to Oshogbo). Indigo is a colour of love.

People go to Osogbo just to get a feel of that indigo.

You are ever smiling and your skin always looks radiant and beautiful. Can 18 | www.glamandessence.net

you share some of your secrets?

I think the secret is the Aro. Osogbo ilu Aro (Osogbo, the land of Indigo) (Laughs). Because that is where my headquarters is and I’m always proud to tell people I’m from Osogbo because all my life, I lived in Osogbo. And the king of the capital, the king of Osogbo and the Ooni of Ife are kings of culture. In fact I wanted to show some of the things we have been doing in different cities in different parts of the world to show the culture of the people.

When we went to Detroit, people were crying to follow me saying “I’m your daughter.

You must carry me home”. There is something special about Osogbo and that is where I met my husband.

How are you able to balance family life and business and travelling and all?

What I do is I divide my time into three. One part is for my work, one is for my centers and one is for my family. Early in the morning, I do my duties as a housewife and then I do my work and anytime I have to be at the centers, I go from Osogbo to Ogidi, Ogidi to Abuja, and then back to Lagos. That’s how I make sure to check on all the centers and make sure all their voices are heard.

So in the midst of all this, how do you relax?

Ojo iku l’ojo isinmi. (The day we die is the day we truly rest) (Laughs). I always say, relaxing is work. If you don’t work, you can’t relax. And when you relax too without working, a person will die quickly. That’s why it’s good to have energy to work. My husband understands that and is always happy to support me.

What changes would you like to see in the African and Nigerian art industry?

I’d like to see more young people in the media carry the message and show people that our culture is very rich. Our culture is

our history. We should always carry it along by wearing our traditional clothes, by eating our food, and by bearing our own traditional and cultural names, which everybody has. We all have traditional names that are given to all of us. Some people are Adunni, if you’re Yoruba or if you’re from Edo, maybe Ivie. So it’s very important for us to keep and use all these names. I was given Monica, I don’t use it, I use Nike, which is my traditional name.

You’re a big inspiration to the art industry in Nigeria. Do you have any special advice for the people coming into the business?

Yes, my advice to them is that in anything you’re doing, do it properly, package yourselves in a nice way and not go into it just for the love of money, but do it because of the love you have for the arts and you’d get up there.

“When I moved to Osogbo, I went to that shrine and I dedicated and told the Osun, “If you can make me become large, I’ll always remember you.” And today, from a starting capital of nothing, I’m here”

FOR SINGLE & MARRIED

Why Men are so Interested in Sex -By Pastor Dunamis Okunowo

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“Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?” Proverbs 6:27 KJV

t is not their fault. It is the way their bodies are wired and created. And well, God created sex as well. An average healthy man is thinking about that most of the time. But before you say Hurray! you need to understand that God is a God of order and decency. He is orderly, precise and deliberate. He doesn’t want a ten-year or fifteen year old getting on that. Not even a twenty-five year old, unless you’re legally married.

A man is moved by sight, so anytime he sees a lady he perceives as beautiful, his heart skips.

This is not a sin. That is just a normal response of your body.

However, when innocent admiration turns into a strong desire and obsession that must be expressed and further nosedives into the realm of perversion where masturbation and pornography and the like become habitual, trouble begins to rear its head.

So, God says there is a reason I created sex. It is meant for a man and a woman who are legally married. An Adam and an Eve. Not an Adam and a Steve or an Eve with an Eva. There should be no confusion about that. Male and female created he them!

What is the purpose of sex?

Three Principal reasons:

For procreation For bonding between couple For pleasure When it is abused, it also brings forth undesirable consequences.

Abortions Illegal bonding which brings confusion Temporary pleasure, but subsequent heartache and agony of the heart.

Why would God create desire that I feel but I should contain until a certain time? Is this punishment?

No, it is not! That is the level field where the game between maturity and immaturity is played. It is where the men are separated from the boys. It is where you learn to say No to what God has said No to. It is the place where you pass the test for your destiny.

When you don’t wait, you’re like the proverbial tortoise that wouldn’t wait for the hot stew to cool before gobbling it down and burning his tongue. By the time the stew finally cools down, the taste bud is damaged and the pleasure is gone. You also need to know that sex is spiritual. God created it to provide both physical and spiritual bonding. However, when it is practiced outside of marriage, it brings chaos and confusion into the marriage. Married women don’t

deny their husbands, it’s not supposed to be a punishment or a reward system, and it is a duty to keep your marriage together. If you have a challenge with your wife in that area, you may want to seek for counseling .

Don’t use it to buy love; it is not a legal tender or a currency. Don’t give it in exchange for money; your body is not a commodity. Nay, it is the temple of the Holy Ghost! Don’t use it to end quarrel with your fiancée, it is not a conflict resolution tactic. That could do within marriage, but without, it complicates the conflicts and confiscates the desired solution!

When he is unrepentantly insisting on it, it is not worth it, he does not have the fear of God and after marriage, he could be unfaithful to you.

If she’s insisting on it, run away like Joseph did so that you can preserve your destiny. Don’t be a macho man like Samson who ended up losing his anointing on the altar of ‘Delilahric” Seduction, and then was cut off in the midst of his days!

A word is enough for the wise!

To reach Pastor Dunamis, you can contact him via: Email: khcpartner@gmail.com Twitter: @kandhclub

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ON THE RUNWAY

Lighting Up The African Runway

Tall beautiful models and extensive runways are synonymous with fashion weeks all over the world and the Africa Fashion Week Nigeria 2015 and Runway FADAN 2015 did not disappoint in this regard as a show of creativity and attention to detail was put on display by the designers who showcased at both shows (both upcoming and established designers) and modeled by the most exquisite of models. There is a parade of fresh ideas and new concepts put on display by the designers with an interesting mix of fabrics that show deep thinking and innate attention to details and if the fashion shows are anything to go by, we can be sure that the next generation of fashion designer are quite prepared to take the industry by storm and are well on their way. A good number left lasting impressions on the audience and they are making a clear statement that they are here for serious business.

AFWN 2015

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ON THE RUNWAY

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ON THE RUNWAY

Dunni Olofinjana

Dunni Olofinjana

Fadan Runway Show

Elohor

Favour Owah 22 | www.glamandessence.net

Charles

Potter Signatory

ON THE RUNWAY

Jide Adeboye

Abuja

Gentle

Grace Hat

Dami

John

Biola Soyebo

Azizat

Victor Bassey

Taiwo Olushode

Manny

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WOMAN 2 WOMAN

5

Selfish Behaviours That Can Ruin Your

Relationship -Matty Layeni

T

here is a common trend that is noticeable among people who seek help in finding and maintaining stable relationships thereby clamoring for marriage/couples’ counseling. The deal is that both partners usually have the best of intentions. Both usually want to save the relationship and make it better. But often people end up in counseling because they are engaging in five selfish behaviours which prevent good communication and understanding for each other to take place.

Selfish behaviours can have a negative impact on any relationship. Five of the most common and destructive selfish behaviours could be happening right now in your relationship without your knowledge. It is correct that these traits can be exhibited by both or any of the parties involved in the relationship, but since we are talking woman to woman we might as well focus on us, bearing in mind that our creator actually put us on mother earth to enhance it and make our world beautiful and one of the ways to achieve this is by building strong relationships that will stand the test of time regardless of whatever storm that may come against it, so it is your duty to learn what those selfish traits are and how to prevent them from destroying your relationship.

1. During a discussion or argument, thinking more about your rebuttal and less about what your partner has to say.

This is the number one issue I see among couples seeking counseling.

Partners will do a fine job of expressing their frustrations, but then become defensive when the other partner begins to talk. They begin forming their defense while the other person is talking thus missing important information their partner is trying to convey. This usually goes back and forth, and often both partners contribute to this barrier to communication by also personalizing and becoming more defensive as emotions escalate.

Such couples ought to practice listening by paying careful attention to the message their partner is trying to send and repeating back what they are hearing, without any sarcasm or rudeness. It is also sometimes helpful to write down what you hear your partner saying to keep your attention more on his message.

2. Not telling your partner about issues bothering you.

Seriously, there is no normal human being who can read another’s mind, and your partner is not an exception to this rule. It is selfish to assume that he should know exactly what is wrong and how you want him to help. It may be stress at work, worries about finances or behaviours your partner is engaging in that bother you. The list can be long, and not talking about it will breed resentment and irritation with each other. Often some couples can be seen taking out stresses and irritations on each other. Talking and listening to each other can remedy a lot of what is bothering you. We must never get tired or bored of hearing this because it is worth hearing and adhering to for our own good and peace of mind.

3. Making assumptions: Hello, it is not always about you!

The flipside to the previous selfish behavior is making assumptions about your partner’s behavior and taking it personally. When human beings experience stress, we tend to react in ways that are not always helpful or nurturing to a relationship. In situations where a woman is short tempered with her beloved ( if this is not quickly checked by her can resort to nagging and irrational actions) The beloved then takes these actions personally and becomes irritated or angry also (such behaviours are

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highly contagious). Ideally, the partner experiencing the stress could have communicated this to his partner (as was outlined in the number 2 behaviour). But since none of us is perfect, it may be up to the offended party to bring this behaviour to her partner in a way that is gentle and kind (which should be a woman’s natural nature) while communicating how this behavior made her feel. When doing this, be careful to put assumptions aside. In other words, do not assume that your partner intended to attack you and had malicious intentions. Instead, remind yourself that he is still the person you chose and the person you love.

4. For married couples, worrying about your sexual needs and ignoring the sexual needs of your partner.

Sex is an important part of marriage and an issue that almost always comes up in couples’ counseling. Usually the issues with sex come down to partners having different sex drives, desires and expectations of what is normal and healthy in a marriage. It is important for each partner to talk about these issues. It is alright to state what you would like to see as far as sex goes in the marriage. Once those things are said, try to then consider what your partner has said and consider his needs and how you can accommodate and respect them. Communication is extremely important in this area, and it will need to be an ongoing discussion and not a once and for all issue.

5. Only considering the quirks and mannerisms about your partner that bother you, and not the things you are doing that may be bothering your partner.

Many couples’ sessions start with “He does this” or “She does that.”

These statements usually go on to describe some behavior or personality trait that drives the other person crazy. Instead of focusing on what the other person is doing, both partners should focus more on their own behaviors, particularly those that irk the other person. This does not mean that you change who you are, except there is a need for that, let us not kid around with such, but that you become more self-aware and willing to make adjustments to make the relationship better. It is called ‘sacrifice’ and before you start thinking about this, please do not bother asking what sacrifices he is ready to make also, just focus on you and you will be amazed at how contagious this also can be on your partner.

There are definitely other behaviours that could be stumbling blocks in many relationships but these are the ones that I feel the urge to share with you presently, keeping in mind that no relationship is perfect. If you notice yourself engaging in any of the above behaviors, you have already done a lot of the work to correct the behavior, as awareness is often the most difficult step to making a change. The key to addressing these behaviors is continued awareness so keep at it until you see your heart’s desires come to fruition. I want to advice that for every woman desiring to build a strong, lasting relationship, please be WISE , wisdom is actually referred to as a ‘she’ in the bible. Read the book of Proverbs. It is our duty to find out what makes us qualify to be what a man desires to have for keeps and not just to while away time. Keep on exuding the kind of fragrance that will attract the right person that God had personally designed/prepared for you and let His wisdom direct you always.

If you have an experience or story to share, do mail to: woman2womanglam@yahoo.com

DESIGNERS TO WATCH

Fashion’s

Biggest Risers - Ayoyinka Falade

Even as it seems every young person with a tape rule and scissors claim to be designers these days, only few have actually proven that they have what it takes to break the surface and come out on top. Well, G&E is celebrating some of those who know their act. They’ve worked hard and they have dedicated themselves to the fast growing Fashion industry and their hard work seems to be paying off as they are beginning to enjoy some attention for their work. The five designers highlighted below have shown that they will be stake holders in the future of Nigerian fashion industry. These are the designers to keep an eye on.

Re Bahia Inspired by her passion to create simple, versatile, ready-to-wear pieces, creative director of Re Bahia, Orire Omatsola takes on comfort and style in the most appealing fashion, as her designs reflect an effortless cool that is synonymous with 90s fashion. Her collections are a constant mixture of cool and loud colors that gives the simple yet classy feel with strong bold colours, simple silhouettes, tribal/ethnic accents, and print inserts.

With wearable pieces that enhance the feminine silhouette but are simple and elegant, Orire shows high creativity. True to her designs, Orire mentioned: “as a creative, I love to focus on the bare necessity. Call it a cliché but for me, less is honestly more. I believe in creating pieces that are clean, finely finished and most importantly non-fussy. I really wanted a simple palette for this collection. I had to train myself for the first time to be as cohesive as possible, focusing on only three colours, white, blue and pink.”

Photo Credits Photography: Lakin Ogunbanwo (Instagram: @LakinOgunwanwo) Stylist: Bubu Ogisi (Instagram: @BubuOgisi) Makeup Artist: Dodos Uvieghara (Instagram: @iamdodos) Creative Director: Orire Omatsola (Instagram: @OrireO

Orire Omatsola

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DESIGNERS TO WATCH

KAMOKINI KAMOKINI is a fast selling, sophisticated and fashionable Nigerian swimwear brand. Since its launch in September 2014 it has released three collections that have been met with interest and appreciation.

KAMOKINI pieces have graced the runways of Copa Lagos and Spice TVs Runway Fiesta and have been spotted on the likes of Seyi Shay, Niyola, Eku Edewor, Victoria Kimani and Tonto Dike to name a few along with featuring in Davido’s music video ‘Owo ni koko’.

Additional to its swimwear presence and sales, KAMOKINI uses its social media platform, Instagram, to promote self-love and confidence by sharing health, fitness, body image and swimwear fashion tips & tricks.

KAMOKINI was conceived when the designer and founder, Kambili Ofili-Okonkwo decided to make swimsuits for herself and found it got enough attention to warrant a commercially available line.

The high-spirited and ambitious Kambili Ofili-Okonkwo looks to leave her mark in the Nigerian Fashion Industry. She has an MSc in Materials Science & Engineering from Imperial College London as well as an MSc in Supply chain & Logistics Management from Cranfield University Milton Keynes. One of her key professional achievements prior to becoming a fulltime entrepreneur was being the youngest NPD Project Manager for Heinz, responsible for their Kids Snacks & Meals category for Continental Europe based in the Netherlands.

The swimsuits are inspired by everything art, music, African culture, Western fashion trends and the female sensuality.

The Debut Collection ‘Blocks’ consists of one and two pieces complete with cut outs, bright colours and figure flattering styles with which they aim to provide a swimwear brand that caters to “what real women expect of a fashionable, affordable and figure complimenting swimsuit“.

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Kambili Ofili-Okonkwo

DESIGNERS TO WATCH

MOFARI Omowunmi Onifari is the founder/creative engine behind the fashion label, Mo’fari Couture. She is a young girl who knows what she wants and goes for it. Born in June 1986 in Lagos, she attended the University of Lagos Staff School, Akoka, Mayflower School, Ikene, and graduated from Olabisi Onabanjo University, where she studied Accounting. She is also a graduate of Fate Foundation business school.

Omowunmu began her career in Fashion as a student of Fashion Design at the Nobel Afrik Training and Dress Making School in Nigeria in 2011. Upon graduation, she put the experience gathered to use to fulfill her lifelong dream to launch her own fashion brand.

Her participation in several competitions has made her brand grow fast with major achievements including emerging one of the Lagos Fashion & Design Week and British Council Focus 2014 top 15 finalists, which she claims was a major breakthrough for her. She showcased at the Lagos Fashion & Design Week 2014. She was a finalist at the 2015 Zinkata Red Carpet Challenge. She got an editorial feature in Guardian Newspaper as Designer of the Week.

Mofari released images of its Spring Summer 2015 collection recently, dubbed Avatar, showing off the designer’s exploration of lace and color to create fun pieces that exude a playful, yet warm style. The collection is a very flirty and exciting offering from the label.

Model – Ndidi Odogwu Photography – Emmanuel Oyeleke Styling/Art Direction – Omowunmi Owonifari & Emmanuel Oyeleke Makeup: Adedayo Christine

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DESIGNERS TO WATCH

Lines by Chaab Lines by Chaab, was founded by Ogochukwu Akabogu, a graduate Of Foreign Languages and Literature from the University of Nigeria Nsukka.

Ogo, as fondly called by most, has visions of the Lines by Chaab label creating fashion that cuts across all lingual boundaries, telling stories using lines, prints, and colors.

With a natural eye for mixing prints, colors as well as matching shapes, Ogo hopes to take the Lines by Chaab label to a level where clothing would become a vehicle for uniting people of different races and cultural background.

Having emerged as the winner of Nigeria’s Next Top Designer Competition, she proceeded to win the Music Meets Runway Rising Icon Competition in 2014 and this served as a turning point in her fashion career. She has showcased at Africa Fashion Week Nigeria and Winasbet Nigeria Student Fashion and Design Week. Ogo was rated one of the top 12 newcomers in the industry by BlackNBold Fashion House and she and her works have been featured on E! Online, Africa Magic, Studio 53 Extra, and several blogs. Lines by Chaab translates a love for language and art into a universal language of fashion.

Ogochukwu Akabogu 28 | www.glamandessence.net

DESIGNERS TO WATCH

Weiz Dhurm Franklyn

W

eiz Dhurm Franklyn (Wisdom Franklin) began his fashion career from his university days at University of Lagos, Akoka. A graduate of the Creative Department, the young male creative has showcased at several fashion shows in Nigeria including the Lagos Fashion Week.

The brand’s creative skills are put to good use and fully showcased in their pieces as is seen in the latest Autumn Crocus collection. The Autumn Crocus is a beautiful but toxic garden plant that blooms alone during autumn/fall. Fashion label, Weiz Dhurm Franklyn has revealed that the flower served as the inspiration for its 2015 collection.

“So beautiful at sight yet deadly to touch, design techniques, colors and silhouette depicts her deceptiveness and her will to seduce.“- Weiz Dhurm Franklyn.

The collection is composed of exquisite and glamorous pieces suitable for the red carpet, work environment, cocktail dinners, and a few other occasions with utmost attention to detail. The creative behind this label’s keen eye for style is evident in the look book of the collection as attention to visual detail is amazing, hair & make-up is flawless and how stunning the model looks, should also not be left unmentioned.

What holds much value in the collection is the fact that regardless of your age as a woman, there is something for you and we see several top celebrities opting for some pieces from the collection for red carpet looks.

Photographer: Kelly Green Makeup Artist: Oluwayemisi Serki Beauty Retoucher: Regie Aufur Model: Melissa Devidal Images: Bellanaija

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COVER

Make Up: Teni Photography: Studio 52 Creations Outfits: Najomo & Camille’s Own

COVER

Twice the Charm from Jewelry Merchant,

Martha Najomo and Daughter, Camille

Upon arrival at their lovely home in MKO Gardens, Alausa, Ikeja Lagos,the Glam & Essence team received a warm welcome with greetings shared and introductions made amidst offerings for refreshments, as we acquainted ourselves with the living room, which is to be the location of our cover photo shoot. Cameras set up and hair and makeup underway, we quickly stole some time to have a chat with the CEO of Seraphina Gems, Martha Najomo, the lovely wife to the very famous Captain Najomo, and her last daughter, Camille, who bears a strong resemblance to her mum, with whom she has a lot in common. Martha, whose hot figure at 52 never ceases to draw admiration, being a grandmother and a mother of seven is our cover and she honoured us by opening up about her family, business, being a grandmother, her personal style and the robbery incident that startled her.

She shares this cover with her daughter, Camille who equally shares with us her mom’s influence on her life, while talking about her aspirations and life in England. This mother and daughter duo showed us that they share a lot more than genes that includes a thing for style, a love for handbags and heels and a passion for excellence. They tell all about these and more in an exclusive interview with G & E’s Ayoyinka Falade.

How has the journey been since the inception of Seraphena Gems?

I started Seraphina Gems 5years ago and March 31st was the official anniversary of the start of Seraphina Gems. The name of my company before then was Marita Nigeria Limited. I changed the company name so as to immortalize my sister’s daughter who died in my swimming pool a couple of years ago. Her name was Seraphina. And it has been like the typical story of every business person in Nigeria. And it has been good and I give God all the glory. It’s been ok for the past couple of months or a year. I do luxury items. Jewelry is luxury. You have to be full and comfortable to go buy jewelry.

You can actually have one set of jewelry for the rest of your life if you want. It’s not like food that you need to eat everyday to live.

It’s not compulsory for you to buy jewelry, so it’s been a bit rough but I thank God, we’re surviving.

What would you attribute the success of Seraphina Gems to?

It is God, God and God. A friend of mine in Canada was telling me recently that she kept seeing this woman with particular jewelry in church and she goes, “This

looks like Martha’s jewelry. Her brand is different.” So she goes to meet the woman and the woman called me and she said, “Oh, I knew it!” But I still think it’s God, because I won’t ascribe anything to myself.

I don’t think my jewelry looks different from what people sell, it’s a passion and I put in everything. The month of June made it exactly 21 years I’ve done the same thing.

I’m passionate about what I do. I do a lot of brands. I do the Propate, the Damaso, and the Roberto Coin, but every other person can work with them and do the same thing.

So I think it’s God that makes me and my jewelry unique.

You’re known for your great organizational skills and knack for strategic thinking. Would you say it’s a factor that has helped you grow your brand?

Like I say basically for everybody doing business, think above and beyond what other people are thinking. Try taking a step further than every other person that is doing the same thing with you. That is the extraordinary. Besides that, you have to know the difference between your capital and your profit. When you make money, you spend money, when you’re not making

money, you need to cut down on how you spend, if not, you ruin your business. So it’s God. I always end up with God, because if God does not give you that wisdom to do what you’re doing, then it’s nothing.

How does it feel being one of the biggest Jewelers in Lagos and arguably Nigeria.

I don’t think so. I don’t want unhealthy competition between me and my colleagues.

In fact, I’m not going to use that word, but I love what I do and I’m proud to say God has blessed me. It might not be ok right now; it was ok in the past. It has helped me with my kids and everything I’ve had to do in my growing up years up till now. It might not be flowing right now, but I know it will be ok soon. Because that’s what’s happening to everything in the country right now.

It’s not just about my jewelry because there are people selling clothes, shoes and even the restaurants and all that. We’re hoping that with the successful presidential elections and governorship elections, everything will fall back in place.

What would you say has been a major challenge faced in your business?

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with jewelry, I hate to say it but by January 1st of this year, I decided to quit. I told my children I won’t be actively involved in the jewelry business again. I’ve done it for over 21 years, I’ve been known for it and I’ve put in my best. I’m going to stay in the background and let my children and sisters run the business and change our strategy of selling because in the past, I used to hawk jewelry. I’d go to Asaba, Abuja, Warri, Port Harcourt, and I go everywhere to sell jewelry. And you discover that because you hawk the jewelry and because the people are your friends, some of them owe you for two-three years. As I sit here, if I tell you how much I’m being owed, I’m sure you’d flip. So, it is not a good sign. And with the no liquid asset in banks right now, it’s better to push your cash into the banks and earn an interest and in the mornings, you jog, you eat your fresh vegetables and you just live. There’s no point really. A lot of people buy the jewelry and actually tell you they are not supposed to pay cash for jewelry.

Meanwhile, they go to buy laces and buy shoes and bags and they pay cash for them. But jewelry is associated with indignity and that, I cannot stand. It’s really getting irritating and I’ve had to quarrel with almost everybody because they take your jewelry, wear them to parties, and when you call them for the money, the next thing they tell you is, “I can’t pay for them, I want to return them”. So because of that, I really want to 32 | www.glamandessence.net

step back. I’ve tried, I’ve made a means.

“I love what I do and I’m proud to say God has blessed me”

was kept because they asked for a brown box, they knew the actual colour of the box, took them and they left. My people called me abroad and I came back. It shook me for a while, but I’m a very determined person, I love God and I know that he is a God of restoration. I lost so much yes, but I think I have been restored. It might not have been through jewelry, but I have good health at least. I think we’re doing well and everyone is graduating. Jewelry is something that is replaceable, life isn’t. A few friends helped me. I have a friend in Abuja called Aishat, she bought me a watch, another one, Laura came around even though I wasn’t here, and she dropped money in my house. A lot of people dropped money.

A lot of good friends, about three to four of them bought me watches. So I have moved on.

eled anymore, I left them at home. There were about 15 Chopard and Rolex watches and everything. I have safes in my office but unfortunately I felt I should bring my personal things, home so I don’t have to go to the office every time I have to change my jewelry. The police were not able to nail my house help in the month she was in custody because it was obvious the thieves didn’t break in, they opened my door and walked into my house, put guns to my daughter and husband’s heads. I wasn’t around but my husband was and they beat them up.

The thieves actually knew where the jewelry

So how would you describe life as a business person in Nigeria?

The structures are not in place here like they are abroad, so it is up and down. I can’t say it’s been bad. When I look at my mates, I am happy with where I am. I don’t have money like I should, but I am grateful to God. Business, like I said before has ups and downs. At times, you get people who buy things and instantly pay you cash and give good turnover and you’re back in business. I haven’t done anything this year and I haven’t gone abroad for business. I’m just

So there was news of an incident of robbery. Did it affect your business in anyway and how?

It did! I lost over a million dollars worth of jewelry and they were all my personal things unfortunately and some of the ones I had brought home to take with me abroad to remodel. And because I had discovered that the people didn’t want them remod-

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waiting to see. It’s better to watch when the terrain looks rough, to sit back and observe.

Having been awarded Style Personality of the Year by Glam & Essence Magazine, how would you define your personal style?

It’s simple; I wear things that suit me. I don’t do brands but the only brands i can say I do are in terms of trousers. I only wear Escada pants because I believe they are made for African shapes.

I do a few True Religion but more of Escada pants.

But for dresses, I’m not particular. I can wear Escada dresses, Terry John (I just start wearing these), a few Stellar McCartneys. I’m, however not particular about brands. I can enter a shop and see a brand with a friend or a sister and I like it. I’d wear it if it suits me. I really don’t know why I was given Style Personality of the Year. People say I dress well and I don’t know about that. I’m simple. I won’t over do anything. I’m not a trends person and won’t get something because it is in vogue. I’m not a vogue person, I wear things that flatter my figure and I like tight fitted clothes. For instance, you can’t catch me wearing a boubou at 52. Other mothers wear them but I can’t. I just throw on a simple nice dress or a pair of shorts and a spaghetti slip. I will not wear a boubou because I believe they make women loose consciousness of their figure. So I like to wear clothes fitted to my body.

Who are the people you would describe as sources of inspiration to you?

That’s difficult for me because I’m not star obsessed. My last daughter has a picture of Kim Kardashian on her Blackberry display picture 9 times out of every 10 pictures she posts. But I don’t have people like that. I respect people like Sen. Ita-Giwa, Daisy Danjuma. I like the fact that at their age, they can pull off almost anything. I also like Chioma Madubuko. They are all over 60 and they are still glowing. They dress well, they wear nice pants and tops when they want to and they wear natives very well too. They inspire me. I might not know the kind of dresses they wear in terms of brands, but they come out at functions and they are well packaged. So I would say the three of them inspire me. I’m not close to Sen. Ita-Giwa, but I’m close to Chioma Madubuku and Aunty Daisy is my big aunty. So yes, these women inspire me.

Can you share three style items you can’t do without?

Oh my world! I can’t do without God. I know you’re talking about style items. I love very high shoes, I would be 53 this year and everybody is preaching to me that I need to slow down on the heels.

The black Louboutins I wore in the shoot, I bought them a few days before and it’s very high. So I love high shoes. I must have my make up on, it’s a necessity. I can’t be caught without my makeup on. No! I love make up because I believe it brings out a woman’s features. So I would wear makeup when I’m going out. Then I also can’t leave my hair untidy. Never!

What inspires your designs in your business?

It’s God. I have about 17 jewelers that do jewelry for us, but sometimes we meet them and what they have is not what we want so we can alter the dewww.glamandessence.net | 33

COVER

signs. So while at it, I pray. I pray a lot and I believe God’s hands are in everything. So we meet the designers, some of them would agree to change the designs for you while some of them won’t. But as much as I can, I come together with my daughter and my sisters as a team and decide what colour a piece should come in, what design; pendant or choker. It used to be an authoritative decision that this is what I want, but because I’m trying to bow out of the business like I said before, now that I’m getting older, I want to sit back and let my daughter and sisters take the front bench. So we go to Trade Fares together now, we all see the designs and decide on what to do together. Whether it’s to be altered or to leave, as they all choose the colours and brands that we like. So we all do that as a team now.

What is being a grandmother like at 52?

It’s fulfilling. I don’t see myself as a grandmother, by the way. I have younger friends and I like to play young. If you see me and my children, we play like we’re mates. So it’s not like a grandmother who is aged and old. No, I like that they be sent to me during the holidays. Last year, I travelled with them for summer and all that. I relate to them like their Big Mummy but we play and do things together. So grandmother is not like grandmother in your head that is old.

“I’m simple. I won’t over do anything. I’m not a trends person and won’t get something because it is in vogue”

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Would you say your style has influenced your daughters’ style?

(Laughs) I have four daughters and it’s only one of them that has taken after me, unfortunately. The oldest is married with children, she doesn’t care too much about clothing but she likes jewelry. The second is a tomboy and she wears only t-shirts and jeans. I’ve talked and begged, she is just a tomboy. The third is in between. She dresses well, but doesn’t want anything overtly expensive, so she won’t go for Louboutins and all that. The last, Camille, is actually worse than me when it comes to fashion and style. I wouldn’t say she’s like me because she’s actually a step above me. She knows when the new Chanel bag is coming out and when the Louboutins are coming out. The reason I don’t have a problem with that is when a child balances things out, knowing what she has gone to school to do, giving good results and all, then you really don’t mind. Then I want to add, each time I grant an interview, I always say I have 5 children – 4 girls and a boy and I feel bad because I took in two of my sisters children from the beginning and I want to correct that impression with this interview. I took one of them in at age 5 and he is now a certified Pilot and he lives with me. And then another one I took in from Stella and John Idogwu. He was 2 when I took him in from Dublin, when I went there on holiday with my kids. I saw him and I was told he couldn’t start school until age four and I said “In Nigeria, at 1 and half years, children are in school”.

So I pulled him back into Nigeria and he’s 13 now in JSS 3. They all call me mummy and hardly go to their parents houses. So I hate to present to the world that I have 5 children when I still have 2 extra ones that have lived with me since they were babies. Because a child who started living with you at 2 and is 14 now knows you as a mother and actually calls the mother, “aunty”, is technically your child. So I can freely say he’s my child.

COVER

Camille Najomo On a path to attaining a degree in Law and to pursue a career in the legal sector, Camille Najomo is in her second year at the University of Excibar. She reveals that studying law was not a decision imposed on her, but something she chose for herself not because of an exclusive passion for law, but due to a deep interest and fascination with the Social Sciences as a whole, which she developed about 5 years ago, while in Secondary school. Camille Najomo, the soft spoken last daughter of Martha Najomo who loves fashion just as much as the next girl and who holds a deep respect for her mother, shares a brief insight to who she is.

Where would you say you have spent most of your life? Here in Nigeria or outside the country?

I had the majority of my education in Nigeria, so I was here for the first 15 years before I moved to England.

How would you compare living in England as opposed living in Nigeria?

It’s very different in the sense that I am much freer over there. I have my freedom, I have my privacy and privacy is something I enjoy and I know how to use it wisely. I know my priorities so I study a lot during the week and on some weekends, if I’m feeling stressed, I can choose to go and spend the weekend in London.

Growing up, what was it like being the daughter of a celebrated person?

I’ve never known anything different so I don’t know what to compare it to. But in everything, I know where I came from, I’m humble and I don’t talk about my mother to everyone I come across. Although she inspires me a lot and I hope to be like her someday in the future, but I’ve learnt a lot from my mother in business and personally and I also learnt how to be friendly from her. So I’ve learnt a lot from her.

What major ways would you say your mother has influenced you?

I think I got my determination in life from her. Because every single time I come home for holidays, she always gives us a talk. She tells us we have our whole lives ahead of us and we have time to do whatever we want in life. And as long as you achieve your goals, nobody can tell you what not to do. People will respect you if you know what you’re doing with your life. So I know what to do now. I know that this is the time for school and this is the time to prove a point to myself and to others that I’m not wasting the money being spent on my education abroad. It’s not easy to send children to school abroad, so I’m doing the best to make the best of my degree. I hope to come out with a first class. It’s not easy but I’m on the path to achieving that.

Being the last daughter can be quite tasking for some, while it’s easy for others. Describe your own experience in this position growing up?

Well, I don’t think I’m necessarily treated differently from the other children. I’m quite different from the others in the sense that I’m very quiet and everyone else is very loud, but I don’t think I receive special treatment

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COVER for being the last daughter.

How would you define your personal style?

I’d say my style is simple and chic on most days. But if I have an event, a major event, I would go all out.

But generally, even if I’m being simple, I always have a nice bag. And I love my bags, I like big bags. You’d always find that with me, but my personal style is basically simple and chic with a touch of something loud.

How does your style relate to your mother’s style?

We’re quite similar. I wear a lot of her clothes, shoes, bags and everything. We have our days when we go all out and we have our days when we’re simple. I think she is louder in her style than I am but to be fair, she’s older than I am. I can’t wear heels everywhere I go for example. The places she goes are quite different from the places I go. She dresses to make a statement a lot of the time, whereas, I just dress up to go to regular places.

Would you say her style has influenced yours?

Definitely! Because growing up, I’d follow her on shopping trips. I used to follow her to Italy and she bought me my first designer bag. And I see the kind of bag she carries and I’d say “oh! I like this one”.

So I started learning what goes with what, what I can wear with what and of course, being reasonable to know not to ask for things a child my age doesn’t need. For instance, I’d never ask her to buy me a Birkin bag. I’d wait until I feel like I deserve it and I have earned it. I don’t want to dress way older than my age. I’m only 19!

What are your three style essentials?

(Laughs) It depends on where I’m going. I always have to carry a bag though, even if it’s just a small clutch. I always have to carry a bag because there are always things with me. I wouldn’t say I wear heels everywhere. I used to wear heels a lot more before, but when I moved to England, because it’s cold there most of the time, I can’t really wear high heels. But I wear high boots in the winter, then I’d wear a really nice coat with a cape. I like the edgy look it gives.

I’m very quiet and everyone else is very loud, but I don’t think I receive special treatment for being the last daughter.

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What is that one thing your mother says that serves as a driving force for you?

She would tell us that we have our whole lives ahead of us and whatever we choose to do with it depends on our actions now, which would follow us for the rest of our lives. For instance, every time my mother is talking to me about school, she always emphasizes that she was the best graduating student and when she says those things, I’m always reminded that I have to work for the things I want, because the things I want and the things I like are expensive. I want to be able to afford them. I have to do well in school to get a good job. I can’t waste my mother’s money and I can’t waste my life. I have to work for what I want to enjoy it later. So what essentially drives me that she told me, is that whatever you do in life would affect your future.

Did you feel any differently when your mother became a grandmother being the last daughter?

I was very young when it first happened, I was 9 or 10.

So as a child, I didn’t see it as anything different. I’ve always been surrounded by lots of children and even now, I have lots of cousins, so I’m used to it.

COVER

“I don’t see myself as a grandmother, by the way. I have younger friends and I like to play young. If you see me and my children, we play like we’re mates”

MAN OF THE MOUTH

The World of

Film-maker

LANCELOT His name rings a bell in the Nigeria Entertainment circle, largely because of his works and also for playing a prominent role in establishing the Edo language movie industry. In the last two decades, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen has received many laurels for his works, both home and abroad since starting out in 1995. Last year, he made the list of world renowned movie directors, making him the only African Film-maker to be included in the list. G & E’s Jombo Uche caught up with him at his new movie location in Ajah, Lagos, where he talked about his world as a Film-maker, screenwriter, and his family.

Twenty years in Nollywood as a film-maker, how does that make you feel?

It has been quite fulfilling for me and I am humbled. Nobody actually had anything up there like we are looking at today; it was just like going into a journey, and not anticipating. There were no fore-runners; no set down rules and regulations, there was nobody for us to follow. It was like we were embarking on a colourless journey, but we had faith and belief that all will be well. Today, we have been able to shape it, give it a name, where people can make reference. I am so humbled to be part of an evolution, creating from nothing to something. It was like telling people stories that never existed, and today people can actually sit down and watch it. I was humbled again at the AMVCA 2015 award that my work in 20 years was recognized.

Did you win in any of the categories?

No, I didn’t win for reasons best known to them, but my work was mentioned as one of the best 3 movies in Africa. That was humbling enough.

Tell us the low moments in the 20 years of filmmaking?

The hullabaloo I had with the production of Adesuwa, go with me to my grave. It brings tears and lots of emotions. I get really sceptical when a lot of young people come to me and say I want to do this and that, I get worried. I get disturbed, fear grips my heart. A young guy once came to me that he wanted to do a job, I gave him my all, my talent, money and intelligence and at the end of the day it turned out to be one of the most devastating periods of my life. Amidst the debacle, my mother died, it was not a good experience.

What has been the highest point in your career?

I am not sure I would have wished for anything than being a film-maker, a storyteller and an interpreter. I am not sure I would have been a better Doctor, Architect or whatsoever. Every day, people stop me on the road and ask, “Are you Lancelot? I enjoy watching your movie.” They are not just people that want to patronise you, they say it with the depth of meaning, especially my Edo people, and I want to give kudos to them. For the fact that they thought, the whole movie production was more Igbos and

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Yorubas, and along the line, they saw a name that they can identify with.

Oh my God, it gives them a lot of nostalgic feeling and when they see me, it is the same thing. You can imagine such feelings, I will not wish for any other thing. I enjoy it but unfortunately, we are operating in a devastating society, where this kind of business should not even thrive at all. No light, bad traffic, lack of resources to put in productions, the challenges of sales and distributions, the devil called piracy not being checked, lack of structure in the industry yet, we still strive to excel. That really makes me emotional and I’m like, “What kind of people are we?”

From your movie Adesuwa, to the world acclaimed movie, Invasion 1897, how does that make you feel?

When I was making Adesuwa, everybody was amazed, but I told them that this is just a test- run to the kind of movies we are going to be making. I am happy because those people that saw Adesuwa and have also seen Invasion 1897 are gripped with fear. I use to make a joke that Adesuwa was John the Baptist and that Jesus is on his way. I use to share the joke with Zik Zulu Okafor, Movie Producers Association President.

When we produced Invasion 1897, I said he has come. Well, we should be able to draw a graph of how our productions are and also what we expect in the new one. Going through my productions and some of the

MAN OF THE MOUTH success I recorded starting from early movies including Yesterday, Last Burial, Scared, Uncle Wayward, Games Men Play, Games Woman Play, Behind Closed Doors, Private Sin, August Meeting, Isaakaba Boys and Ovarami are some of my most successful works, at some point, I decided to do something different, something blowing. Since we finished Invasion 1897, the kind of reviews and accolades that has followed the movie has been thrilling. I give God all the Glory.

Invasion 1897 movies, how did you start it, and what’s the cost of the project?

The Nigerian thing came in, maybe if I had 5 billion dollars, for the project people would have been on location for like between 2 or 5 months on set. Maybe if we had a film village where things are well structured, it would have been better. Anytime I look at the film, I say to myself, if I have another opportunity to do the film again, I will do it better. If I have more money I will do it better. In fact, a lot of productions I have done, if I had the right funding and the right environment, I will do it much better, where everything is set, all the camera men are professional .

“If I was in the military after 20years, I will be a General by now, so I am a full 4 star General in film making, we have done well. We have had our own ups and downs; we have made our mistakes, thank God” What were the challenges you encountered on set?

First, we were telling a story of what happened between Nigeria and the British, so you can’t use Lebanese and say they are British, or get Americans and said they are British. We wanted people that have British accent and that played out, because we knew from the movie that it was going to go global from the onset.

We called for audition in London, because bringing British actors here was not going to be easy, since a lot of them earn money per hour. A lot of the actors belong to guilds and that is not the way we run our things here, that was a big issue. So we had to source those actors locally and train them for the roles in London. If we were looking for one or two British actors, it would have been a different thing, but we were looking for 30 British actors. The funding for this project didn’t come as we expected.

You carry the vision and for you to translate it to the people and they will appreciate it, it was difficult. Even on location they were people who felt that if there is anyone that should do such project, it has to be them.

I had to deal with that, I also had to contend with the spiritual. Some people will look at you and say you want to go and resurrect Ovarami, are you ready, some people had tried in the past and it didn’t work.

These were the challenges. I woke up every morning from my hotel room and the reality is staring at me. I bought a 28KVA generator when we got to the location, the generator couldn’t power a 60watt bulb. I bought 3 generator sets on that location. People started connoting that it was a spiritual attack. You need to have seen naked envy and wickedness, even among the people you are paying to work for you. They just wish it was for their project and not mine. People should learn how to support a project and if it comes out fine, we will all celebrate.

When we finished the Nigerian part, I have to wait for 1 year and 8 months for me to get the money to finance the concluding part in London.

These were some of the issues we faced. The facilities for such jobs in not yet in Nigeria. We couldn’t get endorsements for the movie; Nigeria is still exceptional when it comes to things like that. The companies kept saying that it is a Benin thing. There is something wrong with us as a people.

The movie is not a Benin movie, it is black history. It is even more appreciated in Jamaica, the Caribbeans, and even by the black Americans.

We were at the South African Film festival in Los Angeles, and it won the Special Founders Viewers Choice Award.

They just called for the movie in Rwanda. The movie is black history, educational and inspirational.

shown it in Dallas, Washington DC. In London, we have done 3 public screening of the movie at the British Museum, British Film Institute and it was massive, where we had over 450 people sitted at the showing. We have shown it in Scotland, we have done some private screenings too and we have screened it at the University of Benin.

We have new directors coming up every day; do you see them as a threat?

No way, I shot my first movie in 1995, and by 1997, I was already a household name in the Industry and for 18 years, I have sustained it. If I am threatened now, then something is wrong with me. The sky is big for everybody. I always tell the young directors, don’t always come and say you want to show Lancelot how to make films, just do your own. We were here when foreign directors invented the industry. I always tell them when you come, give kudos to those who have sustained the industry that makes you want to come and do your own work.

When I started, they was no Lancelot to look up to, so respect them.

What should we expect next from you?

Greater jobs. I have two comedy series I just finished shooting back to back. One is titled Star Rise and the second one is titled About Tomorrow likely. It has been a whole new experience.

How rewarding has it been for you these past 20 years?

If I was in the military after 20years, I will be a General by now, so I am a full 4 star General in film making, we have done well. We have had our own ups and downs; we have made our mistakes, thank God. The young ones are still coming to say thank you for a job well done. Artistes are still very excited to work on our set. It has been very rewarding for me. If I am to come back to life again, and this is what I will still do.

How do you balance your work and family since you are always on the move?

I work over night on set, so I have to go very early so I can see my family before they go out. I let my family know my work schedule. When I have the opportunity, I try to give them everything I can as a human being and God has been helping me in creating that understanding in their minds.

I have a particular month in a year that I don’t work but I stay with my family. If they want a holiday or anything, it is ok by me.

Tell us about your wife and how long have you been married?

I just celebrated my 8 years wedding anniversary. I am married to a lovely, sweet and pretty lady, I met at her tender age. She has grown to understand what I am doing and we have 3 lovely children who are doing very well academically. I like to use this opportunity to praise my wife for keeping the home front for me. I remain indebted to her for bringing up our beautiful kids for me and running the home well, especially in my absence.

You have been on a global tour with the latest movie, tell us about it?

We have been to Canada, it has been shown there twice and we have

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SHOWBIZ STAR

From being a Music Director in Church of God Mission in Delta state, songwriter and Five Star Music Record Label artiste, Harrison Tara Okiri, whose stage name is Harrysong, is currently one of the wavemaking artistes in the Nigeria music Industry.

His works has earned him recognition from far and wide, starting with him writing Kcee’s monster hit song Limpopo, which was followed by another hit song, his tribute song to late South African President, NelsonMandela, which got him a Headies award.

In this interview with G & E’s Jombo Uche, the MTN Brand Ambassador opened up on his forthcoming album and all. Enjoy.

How did you build your brand in just 3 years?

In the last 3 years, we have been working, recording, and prayering, it has been hard work all the way.

How did establish yourself so quickly in the Nigeria music Industry?

The Five Star Music Record Label has got their own way of pushing their brand and artiste. So far, it has been fantastic and we are doing very well. I have been releasing singles from Better Pikin, to Kolombo, and others. They push the songs and they blow up to become no 1 on the music chart. Basically, I give it up to E Money, Kcee and the rest of the Five Star team for building the brand, Harrysong.

When you started out, did you see all this glitz and glamour coming?

The Harrisong Midas Touch

No, it was just the love and passion for music that kept me going, and music was what I just wanted to do.

From nowhere, you’ve become a brand in Five Star Music Label, what were the challenges you encountered?

It is all due to purpose and focus. You know where you are going and you know what you have, you know what you want, you keep the focus and stay hardworking and prayerful.

You left Questionmark Record Label to be signed on by Five Star Music. How do you compare the two music labels?

I cannot compare, I don’t know, for me it is God. I was in a record label and when my contract expired

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SHOWBIZ STAR

ture and they have different message they want to pass out.

When an artiste comes to me to write a song for them, I look at the artiste history, the songs they have done in the past and I just picture what that person will need and write their songs based on that .I am a writer but I know it is the grace of God. My songs have different sounds and different genre of music, they are all different sounds. I don’t know how it works, but I’m grateful to God for the grace to achieve all these.

You are very energetic on stage; do you spend time to practice the dance steps?

Not really I’m not a dancer, I just do my thing.

How do you maintain your voice?

The thing is, it is your life and a business, you must create time to work on it, I create time to work on myself. I listen to myself every time and I improve on my work.

What are the challenges that come with the job?

there, I came to Five Star Music Record Label. I starting doing music and it worked, I believe it was my time and everybody’s got their own time.

What are the things people don’t know about Harrysong?

I am just me, I am a musician, a singer and a songwriter, I am not really a fashion driven person. I like my outfits simple, cool and comfortable. My favourite colours are black and white.

You have written hit songs for many Nigerian artistes, how do you do that?

I really don’t know, I am a song writer. If an artiste needs me to write songs for them, they come and settle with my management, I will write and the song goes out and my money comes in.

How do you get the inspirations to write songs?

Life itself. For me, the everyday life gives me the inspirations to write songs on any title and the world at large is my biggest inspirations. People get inspirations in different ways but for me, that is how mine works.

How was life growing up?

I grew up with my grandmother in Delta state; I am the first child in a family of 3.

Growing up was cool for me. I learnt a lot while growing up and I also got to know that at a certain point in life, you have to know you are alone, and you have to prove some certain points to get to a certain stage in life.

What is the greatest thing that has happened to you as an artiste?

It is me being a songwriter and Harrisong as a brand. I know a lot more great things are going to be happening in my life. I might say it’s this one and another bigger one will happen. The greatest thing for me is my talent and the grace of God upon my life.

How rewarding has it been in terms of material possession, because we see a lot of things you post online sometimes?

How do you relax?

Well, I don’t talk about materials possessions anymore because it brings a lot of issues and challenges, so now it is all about the music through which God is blessing us.

We are working doing good music and it is going out well. Our fans are loving it and more shows are coming in, thank God.

I don’t go out that much. When I don’t have shows and I’m not recording, I just relax in my house. My house is comfortable.

You run a tight schedule from going for shows, writing songs how do you make sure you don’t repeat the same lyrics?

What about your hobbies?

I gym, swim and I play table tennis.

I don’t know how that works, but I just manage to do it. It is a separation of the mind, I know every artiste has different voice tex-

First is creating time for myself, family and for the business, so it has to be 50-50, to strike a balance.

Your fans will like to know is Harrysong married or in a relationship?

My fans should not bother about that, they should just keep supporting my brand by buying my music.

What next should we expect from you, an album, an international collaboration or something?

I am working on my album right now. I am going to be doing a lot of collaborations.

I will have Kcee, MI, Duncan Mighty, Patoranking and many other of my colleagues I can lay my hands on.

“I learnt a lot while growing up and I also got to know that at a certain point in life, you have to know you are alone, and you have to prove some certain points to get to a certain stage in life” www.glamandessence.net | 41

EVENT

The remans of Chief Oluwole Shodimu

SNAPPED AT QUINCY AYODELE’S FATHER'S BURIAL The city of Abeokuta in Ogun State was agog as the final burial rite of Chief Oluwole Sodimu took place. He was laid to rest in style, as A- listers of the society from Aveokuta, Lagos and beyond were all in attendance to support Herbal Slimming expert, Quincy Ayodele and her family. The 2-day burial activities began with a Wakekeep on Friday 19th of June, 2015 at his residence in Abeokuta and the burial proper held on Saturday 20th of June, followed by a reception at DLK Event Center, Abeokuta, Ogun State. It truly was a befitting burial, as all the children and grandchildren of the deceased came in from far and wide with their husbands and children, while top celebrities made appearances at the event, despite the rain to honour one of their own.

Quincy’s daugther & her husband Quincy & her family members

Quincy Ayodele

Quincy’s daugther & her family

Eng. Ladi & Mrs Quincy Ayodele & their grand kids Late Chief Shodimu’s Pretty Grandkids

Quincy in church with her family

Quincy & friends at the reception

Quincy & friends

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Quincy’s daugthers

EVENT

A Classy 40th Bash for Seun One of Abuja’s most celebrated personalities, Seun Olagunju, rolled out the drums to mark her 40th birthday recently.

She was honored by many top dignitaries who turned up to celebrate with her.

Seun cutting her birthday cake with her family

Seun Olagunju @ 40

Seun With TCN MD, Paul Stefiszyn

Mrs Titi Atiku Abubakar, Sen. Seun her husband and FRSC Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi

Seun & her friends

Seun with NAFDAC DG,Dr. Paul Orhii and Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka

Seun with DG,National Sports Commission, Gbenga Elegbeleye

Seun Dancing to Ayefele’s music

NTA DG, Mr Sola Omole, Seun and Chief Akin Aruwajoye, her uncle

Seun with Tosin Dokpesi, Namure Edoimioya and Toju Jeremy

THE ENGAGEMENT CAKE

THE COUPLE

GROOM’S PARENTS

THE COUPLE’S GAZEBO STAGE

BRIDE’S PARENTS

THE COUPLE’S WITH MAMA

The Olowes & Osipitan Unite The hall of Yard 158, in Oregun, Ikeja, was packed full of Lagos celebrity women, all friends of Funke Rowaye and those of the two Oloris of Oba Osipitan. The occasion was the marriage between Sikeola Olowe and Adebola Osipitan.

BRIDE’S MOTHER FUNKE ROWAYE PRAYS FOR HER

DUPE BEWAJI, HER MUM & AUNTY

The bride, Sikeola, the pretty daughter of Funke Rowaye, the Etal Hall boss, looked radiant, while her groom, Adebola was all smile as the two of them were formally married the traditional way. Guests were entertained by top female Juju musician, Ayo Balogun.

THE COUPLE

FUNKE WITH MOJI & FRIEND

HAJIA TAI, TOYIN KOLADE & FRIEND

BRIDE’S FATHERS

JUMOKE OLULENYIN & FRIEND

GROOM & HIS PARENTS

SUSAN EYO HONESTY & LARA SOYEMI

THE COUPLE WITH BRIDE’S DAD & UNCLES

FRIENDS OF THE BRIDE’S MOTHER

QUINCY AYODELE & HER DAUGTHER

FRIENDS OF FUNKE ROWAYE

EVENT

Funmi Ladipo & FADAN Patrons

FADAN’s new Patrons

Mrs Obasanjo & Mrs Abimbola Fashola

Chief Rasak Okoya & his Lovely wife Shade

FADAN President Funmi Ladipo & Executives of FADAN

The new FADAN Patrons

Fadan Runway Show If you haven’t been paying close attention to the fashion industry, now is the time to, because it is the next big thing in Nigeria. Icons in Nigeria seem to have identified this potential, as an increasing number of them are associating and investing in the industry. This much was evident at the Runway FADAN 2015 organized by the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria at the Federal Palace Hotel on the 13th of June 2015.

With over 17 student designers showcasing on the runway, performances by several groups including Nefertiti, the event held much entertainment for the guest in attendance which included fashion icons and dignities like Sen. Ita Giwa, Mama Aba Folawiyo, Shade Okoya and Chief Razak Okoya and others.

The new FADAN logo was unveiled at the event and FADAN patrons were inaugurated as well.

Shaffy

Sen. Ita Giwa, Haji Folawiyo, Madam Nike, Mrs Abimbola Fashola & Mrs Ambode

The Nafitti Group Parform

A celebration of Love for Folu & Paul On Thursday 28th of May, 2015, lovebirds Paul Imonopi and Folu Kalejaiye welcomed family, friends and well-wishers to celebrate their love as they tied the knot in a mix of Turquiose, cream and red deco. The day’s events began at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Miracle Center, Ketu, Lagos, where they were joined in holy matrimony before family and friends. Guests, family and the bridal party proceeded to the reception which held at Tyttlo Event Centre, Magodo Lagos where guests were treated to food and drinks and much entertainment. A large number of royal heads graced the event with their presence.

THE COUPLE CUT THEIR CAKE

Seyi and Eniola's 2-in-one Nuptial Turquoise and pink were the colours of the day as the Kashaam family and the Ajani family congregated with family and friends alike to celebrate the union of their children, Seyi and Eniola. The one day wedding ceremony which held on Friday 1 of May, 2015 at the Yard 158 Event Arena, Oregun, Ikeja, was a two-in-one event, as the tradition wedding and white wedding was done that same day.

The day’s activities began with an emotional traditional ceremony, where the bride was given away by her parents and the ceremonial picking of a Quran before they proceeded to the white wedding.

THE COUPLE PAUL & FOLU

BRIDE BEING LED IN

COUPLE BUGGIE DOW

BRIDE WITH HER MUM

COUPLE WITH GROOM’S PARENT

COUPLE WITH THEIR TRAIN

SHOLA & FRIENDS

BRIDE BEING LED IN BY HER AUNT, MARY CHARLES

KENNY ST BEST & HER FRIEND

DANCING TIME FOR COUPLE

FAMILY OF THE BRIDE

FAMILY OF THE GROOM

THE COUPLE & BRIDAL TRAIN TENNY & FRIEND

COUPLE WITH FAMILY

COUPLE WITH MARY CHARLES

COUPLE WITH ALHAJI OKOYA&OMOBA SUBOMI BALOGUN

CHIEFS AT THE EVENT

COUPLE WITH FAMILY

GROOM’S SISTER & HER HUSBAND

FATHER & DAUGTHER DANCE

EVENT

…AND OLA AND LARA BECOME ONE Though it was a Friday affair, the wedding ceremony of Ola Olaniran and Lara Banjoko was nothing less than classy all the way.

No doubt, Lara wanted a colourful wedding and made sure she got just that, as the Ruby Gardens hall, Lekki, captured an Alice in Wonderland ambience that the hall designer created.

So did her guests do justice to her colourful striped Aso-Oke headgear, lighting up the event in colours of green, red, powder blue, white and even turquoise!

Lara and her man looked hot in all their attires, with Lara stealing the show with her Laali inked back, hands and feet. With the engagement and blessings over, it was time to dance the Friday night away with the Sharp Band entertaining guests as well as the DJ, who churned out old school vibes.

OLA AND LARA

LARA AND OLA

COUPLE RECEVING BLESSSING FROM PASTOR PAUL

OLA & LARA DO THE COUPLE DANCE

THE COUPLE KISS

BRIDE WITH GROOM FAMILY

BRIDE WITH GROOM’S PARENT

GROOM & HIS FRIENDS

GROOM WITH HIS PARENTS

OLA POSTRATING FOR HIS IN-LAW

SUSAN AND YINKA

FRIENDS OF THE BRIDE

LARA THE BRIDE BRIDE WITH HER PARENT

FRIENDS OF THE BRIDE

GROOM WITH BRIDE PARENT

FOOD FACTOR

International

Cuisuines To Try At Home

Tired of an unexciting food schedule that features rice, beans, eba and yam exclusively? Here are some foreign cuisines you can try right in your kitchen in the comfort of your home to spice up your boring food schedule.

Beef Stroganoff with braised white Rice

T

his hearty, pungering and tasty yet very simple meal originates from Russia. The ultimate comfort food packed full of flavor and aroma from the fussion of sautĂŠed strips of steak and mushrooms deglazed with white wine.

Ingredients.

Substitute 2 cubes of stock cube and a cup of water if you do not have made beef stock.

Allow to boil until the meat is tender and step aside while you boil the rice or noodles.

500 grms or 2 pkts of shop packed steak 1 can of button mushrooms 2 onion sliced 2 tbs of flour 1tbs of mustard Half cup of sour cream Half cup of white wine 3 sprigs of fresh thyme Half cup of beef stock Salt and Pepper Directions.

Cut the beef or steak into strips after carefully removing the fat into half inch thick by 2 inches long . Season with salt, pepper , garlic, celery and fresh thyme for about an hour In a large sauce pan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown the beef quickly, add the sliced mushroom and onions and allowed to sautĂŠed together for like 3-5 mins Stir in flour, cook slowly for another 1 min. Deglaze the pan with the white wine and add mustard and the beef stock.

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Add the cream just about serving time after adjusting the seasoning.

Serve with with steamed broccoli as accompanying vegetable with the remaining white wine poured into 2 wine glasses and you have a romantic meal for two.

This recipe was brought to you courtesy Chef Shine

FOOD FACTOR

Sous Vide Guinea Fowl served with Sweet Potato Cakes Ingredients: 8 tablespoons dark soy sauce 8 cups water Zest of 1 orange 1 stem lemon grass 2 spring onions, chopped 1 thumb ginger, peeled and sliced 2 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar 6 guinea fowl legs Sweet Potato Cakes (recipe below) Chicken Can be used in the place of Guine fowl Directions: 1. Place all ingredients except legs and potato cakes in a pot and bring to a boil.

Reduce to one-fourth of the original mixture. Set aside and let cool.

2. Place the legs and 2 tablespoons of the liquid mixture in zip-top plastic bags.

Make sure that most of the air is out and that they are sealed properly.

3. Place the legs in a pot and cover with water. "Sous vide" them in water between 140 to 160 degrees F. (60 to 70 degrees

C.) for 4 hours. Remove and allow to cool.

4. Over medium-high heat, in a pan big enough so all the guinea fowl legs can lie flat, wait for a small amount of oil to become very hot. Place all the legs skin side down in the pan until they are nice and caramelized, almost black. Turn them over so that the flesh side is at the bottom.

6. Add the liquid that was left in the bags and simmer with the legs in the pan until it is reduced by half. Use this sauce to pour over the guinea fowl.

7. To assemble, place the sweet potato cake on a plate. Lean the guinea fowl leg against it. Drizzle with the pan sauce and enjoy.

Sweet Potato Cakes Makes 6 Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and boiled 1 spring onion, finely chopped

1/2 chili pepper, finely chopped 1/2 thumb fresh peeled ginger, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, finely chopped Salt and pepper to taste 1 egg 1/2 cup flour 1 cup breadcrumbs Oil for frying Directions: 1. Mash the sweet potato. If it is very watery, dry it out in a oven at low heat. Add onion, pepper, ginger, garlicm salt and pepper to the mash. Allow to cool.

2. Make 6 small sweet potato cakes out of the mixture and place in the freezer for 3 hours so that they are set and easy to work with. You can also make them the day before and freeze them.

3. Make an egg wash with the egg and a little water. Dust each individual cake with flour, dip it into the egg mixture, take out and place it in the breadcrumbs. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.

4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. (180 degrees C.). Fry the cakes in oil in a large pan until light brown on each side. Bake in the oven until the cakes are warmed all the way through, about 15 minutes.

Recipe courtesy of Frank Louw, head chef at Singita Sweni Lodge.

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BEAUTY TALK

Grey

is the

New Black It seems like “ordinary” is not the norm this year! From green ombre hair to this “Granny Hair” trend ladies are embracing and boldly rocking! What was once considered a nightmare by many is now fashionable!

The new hair trend alert is Grey!!!

Well this trend is really cool and can be pulled off depending on what hairstyles the grey hair is used for and also the shade of grey for your skin tone. I think it’s best to find out what shade of grey suites you before going for it!

Style icons such as Rihanna, Bubu Ogusi and even Denrele have been seen sporting this look.

It can be obtained by: 1. Using a grey coloured weave or dying a weave grey 2. Dying your actual hair grey! Are you brave enough?

Here are some tips to pulling off this hair trend perfectly.

1.

When trying out this color trend, choose lavender hued grey rather than silvery grey. Why? Silvery grey when not perfectly executed may wash out colored skin, leaving you looking a lot older than you actually are.

2.

Show off your dark roots in ombre inspired grey styles.

3.

Perfect your complexion with foundation and concealers, as lighter hair projects flaws more.

Rihanna

Bubu Ogusi

4.

Also, keep your eyes lined and eyebrows defined for a more youthful look.

5.

You can rock a red or nude lip with this style. Please stay away from crazy lip-colors such as powder pinks, greens or blues with this hair style.

6.

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Rock you hair with confidence.

Facebeat for

BEAUTY TALK

Summer

Prepping the Face: Start off with a clean face (freshly washed or wiped clean with a facial wipe) Shape brows as desired Moisturize face and then apply primer to face and neck (for people with oily skin, use an anti- shine oil mattefier) Define brows and highlight with concealer and then highlight with lighter shade of eye shadow (Check next edition for step by step instructions or visit glamandessence.net) Apply foundation, contour and apply setting powder and ensure to blend all the way down to your neck.

Apply eye shadow primer on eye lids.

Face is ready.

Look 1 For this look: Gold, Bronze and Black, Matte Brown eye shadows, black eyeliner, false lashes (optional), nude lipstick, wine lip liner and clear lip-gloss.

Apply gold shadow to inner lid, then bronze shadow to middle of the lid and the black on the outer lid.

Blend with a bit of matte brown eye shadow along the crease of the eye upwards to the eyebrow.

Fix lashes (optional) Line upper lid with black liquid liner Line waterline with black liner Prime lips with a lipstick primer, apply lipstick in nude on lips and line with a wine lip liner. Blend to create an ombre look and dab some clear gloss over it to add a bit of shine.

This look is great for work or brunch with friends.

A more conservative look, it suits those who want a more subtle look but still want to look great.

Look 2 For this look: Magenta glitter eye shadow, black and matte brown eye shadow, black liner, false lashes (optional), nude lipstick/ dark coloured lipstick, and nude lip liner.

Apply black shadow to outer crease Blend with a bit of matte brown eye shadow along the crease of the eye upwards to the eyebrow.

Apply magenta glitter shadow to inner lid Line upper lid with black liquid liner.

Line waterline with black pencil liner.

Line lips with nude lip liner and then apply nude lipstick over primed lips.

To switch this look up for a bolder, night time look; Wipe off nude lipstick Line lips with the same shade of preferred dark lipstick.

Apply dark lipstick onto lips and dab some clear gloss over it to add a bit of shine.

Touch up face with a bit of powder.

This look is for a more daring personality who likes to make a statement and is a look that can carry from day to night by simply switching up the lipstick. It is great for parties and a night about town.

- Looks Created By: www.glamandessence.net | 51

RELIGION

House Cleaning – Rev. Elekima Ekine

If you do these things (anger, jealousy etc.) you cannot have the fullness of God over your life because the kingdom of God is here on earth and it is about the ruler ship and reign of God over a person’s life and circumstances. When you come to God with your life clogged with them you come out of God’s presence unaffected.

A Christian examines himself regularly to check if he is still in faith so that his relationship with God does not become a routine. Ask yourself am I growing? Am I having new experiences with His word? Strip yourself and change your garments and then you can have a change of experience with God; an encounter that you know that “I have met with God”.

Text : Gen 35: 2“Then Jacob said unto his household and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you and be clean, and change your garments.”

Gen17:1 “…God said to Abraham, walk before me, and be thou perfect…”

Two things occurred to both Abraham and Isaac that are similar.

God appeared to them both and introduces Himself as the Almighty God which means ElShaddai - God who is able to turn the natural course of events.

There was a name change. God changed Jacob- a sup planter, a grabber to; Israel – someone that prevailed with God. Abram’s name was changed to Abraham.

But, for this to be real in Abram’s life the Lord says “walk before me and be thou perfect’; we cannot put aside this important necessity with God if you are going to experience God in His fullness. Anything doesn’t go. Sin is not a mistake to the believer; sin is sin to the unbeliever as sin is sin to the believer. It is not that the devil tempted you.

Ephesians 5; 3, 4 “But fornication, and all uncleanliness or covetousness, let it not be once named among you as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish jesting, which are not convenient...”

That is the standard of God’s word. Let it not be once named among you. If you go to places where they say it doesn’t matter they are deceiving you, when they say all you need do is to confess, they are deceiving you; for the wrath of God comes upon the children of disobedience and the Bible says it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. The only thing that would prevent all these is to do HOUSE CLEANING. People are becoming familiar with the house of God that they lost the God of the house. When they brought their strange gods out Jacob says “now you can meet the God of the house- let us go to Bethel” .

You may have been going to the house of God and taking things as ordinary as you want, but if you remove strange gods out of your lives, then the God of the house of God will appear to you.

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When Jacob and his household were on their way some people died, one- Rebecca‘s nurse, two- Rachel. Why? Because Rachel was the avenue of the strange gods; she refused to latch on to what God has said holding on to the pastan idol- an idol is something you hold on to that you don’t want to let go.

Reverence has to come back to the house of God, there is a proper way to live as a believer; anything does not go in the house of God; in God’s kingdom; some things are not okay.

Why must you wear clothes that expose your body? That reveals the things that are meant for secrecy and you say it is the fashion? It is not everything that is out there that you should be partakers of, the world out there does not know the way of God and they are waiting for you to show them.

Adultery and fornication brings damages to your body and it’s not just AIDS. The normal course of nature that your body undergoes and is affected positively by sex within marriage is reversed when you engage in sex outside marriage.

Covetousness – the grabbing mentality of this world should not be mentioned among us neither foolishness nor foolish jesting, I do not understand why a believer should be using the four letter word f---. If you do not have anything better to say, shut up! If it is not good in the sight of God; it is not good in the market place out there.

A lot of people are forgetting that this whole race is all about seeing the Savior, meeting with Jesus face to face. It is time for you as a person to bring yourself to God. “Now the doing practices of the flesh are clear, obvious, they are immorality, impurity.

Indecency, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, jealousy, strife, ill temper, anger , selfishness, divisions, party spirit, factions, sex with peculiar opinion, drunkenness, carousing and the like. I warn you beforehand just as I warn you previously that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God...” Gal. 5:19 amp.

In the natural, when you don’t do house cleaning you have reptiles coming in. You have reptiles you don’t know they have found a place to hide.

“The devil hides in the junks of our lives” and house cleaning enables you to get rid of hiding place for reptiles; reptiles in the spiritual are the spirit of demons. It’s not everything that you see out there that is being practiced in the name of Christianity that you do and the fact that somebody you respect is doing it does not mean it is okay. We all have to bring ourselves back to the word of God. “Let no man deceive you, they that do such things for this reason the wrath of God come upon the children of the disobedience ...”

Eph.5:6. Any church worth its salt will discipline sin when it happens among its members. Some members may go away because they are disciplined for sin, but the Bible recommends it so that others may hear and quake.

Un forgiveness will also take you out of heaven “He that will not forgive his brother or sister; your heavenly Father will not forgive...’ Matt. 6:16 and if God does not forgive you what will take you to heaven?

Jacob’s call is to you now “Arise and let’s go to Bethel” Prepare to meet your God. When your heart is cleansed of these things, you become open to the influence of God; various things you do not think you can experience and His blessings come into your life.

Let’s become a people who fears God, who talks with Him as we ought to, who regularly examine ourselves so that there will be no junk in our lives. Remove the junks and you will find the sweet fragrance of the sweetness of God.

To reach Pastor Ekine, you can contact him via : e-mail: pastorelekimaekine@yahoo.com Tel: 08038095388 P.O. Box 21187, U.I. Ibadan.

HEALTH

THE POWERFUL BENEFITS OF

CINNAMON AND HONEY

Facts on Honey and Cinnamon: It is found that a mix of honey and cinnamon cures most diseases. Scientists of today noted that honey is a very effective medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side effects, which is also a plus. Today’s science says that even though honey is sweet, when it is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm even diabetic patients.

What Honey & Cinnamon Can Treat HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, put it on toast instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol and could potentially save one from heart attack. Also, even if you have already had an attack studies show you could be kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of cinnamon honey strengthens the heart beat.

ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients can benefit by taking one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken daily even chronic arthritis can be cured.

BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder....who knew?

CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours.

As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol-could

be cured. Pure honey taken with food daily has been relieve complaints of cholesterol.

COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses, and it’s delicious too!

IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of boiling water to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age.

RASPY OR SORE THROAT: When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until throat is without symptoms.

PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.

parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin Infections.

WEIGHT LOSS: To achieve good result, use 1 tsp. Ceylon Cinnamon, 2 tsp. Local Honey to1C Water daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast and on an empty stomach. And at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body.

CANCER: Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully with honey and cinnamon. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder three times a day for one month.

FATIGUE: Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts have been found to be more alert and flexible. Research done revealed that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon increase the body within a week.

BAD BREATH: One teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water and gargled first thing in the morning makes breath stay fresh all day.

HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing.

SKIN INFECTIONS: Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected

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G&E

DJ CUPPY’S NEW RELEASE One female Deejay who is currently stepping up her game is DJ Cuppy, the daughter of Nigerian billionaire, Femi Otedola. She recently released the second edition of her famous “House of Cuppy” compilation; House of Cuppy II, which was inspired by African culture.

Cuppy featured some of the hit songs from artistes like Olamide, Seyi Shay, AKA, P-Square, Yemi Alade and the voice of actress, Funke Akindele on the compilation.

CELEBRITIES

SNOOP

ABOUT TRACY DANIEL'S MARRIAGE

BIODUN SHOBANJO ON HIS SMALL BEGINNING No doubt, you can never get enough of the grass to grace story of the amiable Chairman of Troyka Holdings, Mr. Biodun Shobanjo. Looking ever so cool and collected at the Yes! Magazine 4th Anniversary, where he was Chairman, he shared one of the most thought provoking moments on his journey to the top with the audience. Hear him, “Thirty six years ago, I went to a bank to apply for a loan of N10, 000, but they turned me down. But 28 years later, the same bank came to meet me and said they have opened a life line of 2 billion naira for me”. A case of never despising small beginnings you’d say.

FEMI FANI KAYODE IN LOVE AGAIN

Nollywood actress, singer and compere, Tracy Daniels, the twin sister of Treasure Daniel (who is also an actress) has been spotted stepping out alone for a while now.

The news making the round about Tracy's marriage with her Indian husband of 3 years is that all is not well with the union, with some even insinuating that it may have crashed. Tracy, on the other hand, has kept mute about it.

Ex - Aviation Minister and former PDP Presidential spokesperson, Mr. Femi Fani Kayode, is in love again. He is said to be madly smitten with a beauty queen, the current Miss United Nations, Miss Precious Chikwendu. The two lovebirds have been spotted together at different events lately. Most recent was at his court hearing in Lagos, where he stepped out with Precious, who was seen wearing an engagement ring on her third finger. The rumour making the round is that they are planning to walk down the aisle soon.

MERCY JOHNSON BACK ON LOCATION Nollywood award winning actress, Mercy Johnson, is back to work. The actress who had her second baby (a boy named Henry), last year has been off the movie scene for several months following his birth. The good news is that she is back to work and she is currently working on the Eastern Movie locations.

APOSTLE ANSELM MADUBUKO’S NEW LOOK Renowned pastor, Apostle Anselm Madubuko, the General Overseer of Revival Assembly church was also at the Yes! International 4th Anniversary and you couldn’t miss how handsome he looked in a brown native attire. One couldn’t also miss noticing how slim he is now looking, compared to his former rounded look. Obviously, his second marriage sure agrees with him, no doubt.

IFEANYI UBAH GOES INTO SPORT Capital Oil and Gas boss, Dr Ifeanyi Ubah has added another line to his growing business empire. His eyes are set on the business of soccer, as the Anambra-born Oil magnate recently acquired the Gabros International Football Club and renamed it, FC Ifeanyi Ubah to show his love for the sport.

ABOUT MAY D AND PSQUARE Sensational rapper, May D, recently opened up about his relationship with the popular musical twins, P-Square.

During a TV interview recently, he said, "I was introduced to the duo of P-Square, by a friend named Alade, who is based in London. We started going out together to clubs, attending events and all.” Surprisingly, the rumour mill was agog with tales of all not being well between them, that it was even alleged that the friends had parted ways.

On the break up story, May D said, "The press blew the issue out of proportion. We are still good friends."

Though May D was at some point signed on to the Square Records and featured in some of P-Square's hit songs including, Chop My Money musical video alongside Akon, but he now has his own record label with a few chart topping songs to his credit.

MUSIC STARS, LYNXX AND NECTO-C DROPPED AS GLO - AMBASSADORS Music stars, Lynxx and Naeto-C have been dropped as Glo Ambassadors.

Though, the artistes are yet to make any official statements on why they were dropped, but there are speculations that this may be due to their low performance in the last few years.

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ANOTHER BABY FOR MARY REMMY It’s baby news buzzing around Mary Remmy, the actress and wife of Iroko TV boss, Jason Njoku. Mary is pregnant with her second child and is elated about it.

The couple, who got married in 2012, welcomed their first son in 2013. The actress was spotted at a wedding recently and she looked amazing with her baby bump.

FORMER BBA HOUSE MATES, POKELLO AND ELIKEM WEDS Big Brother Africa housemates, Pokello and Elikem are now married. The couple met at the BBA house and hit it off. They got engaged last year as Elikem proposed to Pokello on stage.

Their traditional wedding took place at Pokello’s country of Zimbabwe, and Elikem recently shared some of the photos from their big day on Instagram and Facebook.

LARA SHONOIKI LAID TO REST The news of her shocking passing spread like wild fire, especially as not many knew that Lara Shonoiki, the energetic, hard-working boss of the popular clothing boutique, Dress Sense was that ill.

She passed away in June in the US, after her battle with Cervical Cancer. What made it even more painful was that while Doctors in Nigeria had told her she was in the first stage of the disease (which would have been treatable), but on reaching the US for further check –up, she was alarmed to find that she was already in the fourth stage of it, beyond treatment.

Family, friends and customers of Lara bade her farewell at a Service of Songs that held in her honour on Tuesday June 30, 2015 at the Grandeur Event Center, Ikeja. The next day, she was interred at the Ikoyi Vaults & Gardens, Ikoyi, Lagos, after a funeral service at the City Hall, Catholic Mission Street, Lagos Island.

WHEN YES! MAGAZINE TURNED 4

The Azu Arinze-led Yes International magazine held its 4th annual lecture and anniversary with the launch of its Classic Edition on the 19th June 2015, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event anchor, ace comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka set the ball rolling with his rib cracking jokes, while welcoming distinguish guests.

The event started with an opening prayer by Apostle Anselm Madubuiko, followed by the rendition of the National Anthem.

It was indeed a moment of sober reflection for Azuh, when he gave his brief speech, as he strolled down memory lane, telling his guests the story of how Yes! Magazine started 4 years ago. Hear him, “A lot of people don’t even know that the Yes logo was designed by Apostle Anselm Madubuko.” He equally showered encomium on the people, brands and institutions that have supported his vision.

Troya Holdings boss, Mr. Biodun Shobanjo was the chairman of the well attended event.

Rev. Joda & Pastor Ebun YINKA ADEWUNMI DEBUTS WITH BEJEWELED BY YINKA

Yinka, owner of Yinka Catwalk Studio, make-up artist, event organizer and exmodel, is branching out to a new line of trade. She recently launched her bead making line, Bejeweled by Yinka, at a small gathering of family and friends, where she unveiled her first collection. The collection featured intricate, classy and tastefully constructed bead and crystal works by the enterprising lady, which are selling out fast.

FRESH LOOK SPA HOSTS COMPLETE BEAUTY EXPO A weekend of relaxation was promised and that promise was delivered by Fresh Look Spa boss, Toyin Collins, who organized a 2-day fashion and beauty expo where fashion and beauty vendors and experts convened. Venue was the W Hotel on Oduduwa Cresent, GRA, Ikeja. With an abundance of fashion and beauty products for the guests to see, the exhibition was done in a fun environment.

REVEREND TUNDE JODA’S SURPRISE VISIT While members of the Christ Chapel International Churches, Ashi Bodija, Ibadan branch were preparing to receive their General Overseer’s wife, Pastor Ebun Joda as Special Guest at their church’s 24th anniversary celebration that held on Sunday 28, June, 2015, they didn’t know that they would be in for a big surprise.

The surprise was seeing their G.O. Reverend Tunde Joda in attendance, as he accompanied his lovely wife to Ibadan to celebrate with Pastor Ekine, the Pastor of CCIC, Ashi Bodija Ibadan, and his congregation. It was one surprise the church members were glad to experience, as the event was equally attended by several pastors of other churches, who had passed through the tutelage of Rev. Joda.

ABOUT ALIBABA’S SURPRISE 50TH BIRTHDAY GIFT It was a weeklong celebration of life as popular comedian, Alibaba, turned 50 and celebrated. The hearty performer took the period of celebration to share love and laughter with his fans. The weeklong activity took off on Sunday June 21st at Muson Center with a comedy Talent hunt show, Spontaneity then a Book Donation and reading to a school in Shomolu. The birthday party proper took place on the 24th of June as an Open House at Alibaba’s home which lasted all day. There was also a Gyration Nite on the eve of June 26th at Freedom Park and finally, novelty football matches at Onikan Stadium on the 27th. But the big gist is the surprise gift from his lovely wife, Mary, who gave him a Jeep for his 50th birthday.

Rev. Tunde & Pastor Ebun Joda with Elders of the Church