Celebrities June 23rd, 2013
Most businessmen don’t understand arbitration
– Ekene Oluchukwuamaka Odum pgs. 44-47
NEWSWATCH
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CELEBRITIES
Yes! I’m born-again, yet flamboyant – Adunni Bankole
Chief (Mrs.) Adunni Bankole, the Iyalode of Gbagura is a socialite who knows all the ‘happening’ men and women in the society as well as politicians. She was step-mother to the former Speaker, Nigerian House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole. The flamboyant woman, who was born in Abeokuta, Ogun State spoke with Bayo Adeoye in this interview.
T
ell me how you were brought up? I was brought up to see life on its simple side. As a matter of fact, simplicity rules my life. A lot of people screen their calls; I regard such people as those who believe life is acting. But to me, life is as simple as daybreak and sunset. There is nothing to life but what you make of it. And if you approach life from the simple side of it, you are likely to understand people and what life is all about, and thereby, live a fulfilling life. And you must know that living a fulfilling life is not about being rich or occupying a top position. It has to do with your personality, what you believe in and what you are. My daily life preaches simplicity, love and accepting others as if they are yours and that the other person is as good as you are. So, I have been able to live life without the usual paraphernalia that people believe must come with having a name or being a person of repute. I don’t need a personal assistant, and of course, I am a down-to-earth person. If you call me and I don’t feel like talking to you, I may simply tell you ‘please, I don’t want to talk now’ and ask you to call another time. At this point of your life, would you say you are fulfilled? I thank God. I thank Him to a great extent because life is paradoxical. Life is such a complex thing that it is very difficult to understand and go about. You see, life is one big, endless thing that each person, no matter how long he lives, will only cover a little portion of life. And it is what you make of that small portion that you cover that will make you who you’ll be and leaves your impression on the sand of time. Some people die, and within a little period, they are completely forgotten. And some people would die, and for generations, something would always be said about them. So, if you are lucky to be alive, try your best. Living a fulfilled life or being fulfilled as a person, is not a generalized thing. It is something that you only get by your own choice. Being fulfilled in life has many definitions, it is personal. Some people always aspire to be fulfilled; yet, they don’t until they
breathe their last. But when you map out a strategy or goals for yourself, you can get fulfilled at different stages of your life. All you have to do is thank God and move on to the next stage. But when you want to do so many things at the same time, you want to attain too many heights at the same time or be so many things at the same time, you may end up not being anything. So, being fulfilled is all about yourself and how you see life. There was a recent report that you are now a born-again. What informed this? I have been born-again for a long time. How come people are just knowing about this? Maybe people just choose to know now. I became born-again in Kris Okotie’s church in 1995. I was going to ask you if all you’ve talked about informed your being bornagain? No. I’ve always been like this since childhood. I was a child who would see things from a different angle, totally different from how many other people do, even elderly people would view it. They would often ask, ‘is this girl a fairy spirit?’ But, you see, all these are from intuition. These are things you don’t learn, they come naturally to you as a person. What kind of background do you have?
B a n k o le
Bankole
My parents are from Abeokuta. My father, God bless his memory, was a chartered accountant and a banker. My mother is an educationist. My parents were very educated. I am the first child of my family, and I have several brothers and sisters. Were you naughty as a child? I wasn’t naughty. I was actually a Tomboy, an incessant hard worker. I always liked to work. As a matter of fact, I would go to about four or five houses away to ask if they had jobs for me to do for them. What type of jobs did you do for them? I would wash their clothes and other chores. If they had little children, I would be the one to take them to school and play with the kids. But immediately they start cooking, I would run away because I never used to eat. And of
course, with my mum, you never had to eat outside. I enjoyed working with people, and it has stuck with me till today. My philosophy is that you can only get tired when there is no more work to be done. That’s the way I learnt to live, and that’s the way I’ve always lived. How close were you to your parents? I was very close to my father. He was very fond of me. I wasn’t an obstinate child that gave her problems. Rather, my parents got good reports about me from people and neighbours all the time. I was a loved child, not by my parents alone, but by everybody around me. So, what was schooling like? School was great. I went through school well, primary, secondary and then, went to England where I studied. I am a journalist and a public relations practitioner by training. Did you ever work with your certificates? I did. Before I went to England, I worked as a reporter with Radio OYO in Ibadan. After I came back from England, I worked with the public relations department of the defunct National Bank of Nigeria before I veered into business. What was the experience like? It was okay, the same Tomboy experience. I got on very well with all my bosses. And the other side of me that people don’t really know about is that of a jester because I love to crack jokes a lot, unusual jokes, but packed with meanings. How did you come about all these traditional titles? I cannot really explain it myself. All I know is that one came, and others started coming. And before I could
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count, there were already 15 titles, and I have had to reject about seven. How do you reconcile these traditional titles with your being a born-again Christian? As far as my philosophy is concerned, chieftaincy titles and being a Christian do not go against each other. If you are not into ritual or fetish, I see no reason why you cannot be a chief. Being a chief is a duty call, and it has nothing to do with your being a Christian. I know some Obas who conduct praise and worship in their palace and also go to church. The two roles don’t clash. What responsibilities do these titles confer on you? They are quite a lot. But you cannot satisfy them all, just try your best. It is the Lord that gives titles to man. The physical manifestation only happens when you come into the world. Are you a politician? You are right if you call me a politician, and you are still not wrong if you say I am not a politician. Then, are we likely to see you come out for an elective post one day? I may if the call is strong enough. There are determinant factors in politics, especially if you are a woman. Marriage may be a factor, child-bearing may be another factor. But sometimes, as you advance in life and your hands are a bit free, then you can do more for politics. Even at your age, you still look beautiful. What is your beauty routine? I hear that all the time. But because I don’t know anything about being beautiful, you see people say that to me a lot. But my answer had always been that it is God. You mean you don’t have any special beauty therapy? Nothing! I am as drab and monotonous as anything. I can bathe with any soap,
baby soap. And I have bathed with the same soap for 32 years. Sometimes, I don’t even alpply cream. …And your fashion? My fashion is self-made. I have a picture of how I want to look. I only dress to suit myself. You mean you don’t have a particular fashion designer? I have a fashion designer, but it is not the expensive one. I am one that would sew a dress for about N40, 000. I like to wear simple things. For example, my iro and buba, has become synonymous with me. How are you able to cope with life as a celebrity? I have to go without a lot of things. I have to be under a lot of restraints and caution about where I go, who I meet and the group I mix with and the decision I make. If you look at me as Iyalode, you’ll realize that it has become synonymous with a lot of things. I cannot be excessive in anything, and I cannot afford to be selfish in any way. At the same time, I have to be firm and upright. If you mention Iyalode today, the first name that would come to your mind is Adunni Bankole, though it may not be me. I have had experiences whereby people brought out pounds for me to sign autograph in Europe. I have had to get off a bus before my destination because people who I didn’t know would recognize me and want to say hello to me. Because of this, I have to be very careful. And of course, when you have a big name like the Iyalode, and you don’t have money, then you have to be careful. What I do is that I sell and buy on plenty of goodwill that I have built over the years. What would cost some people millions of naira to buy, sometimes, I just have to draw on my goodwill to get it done. But people want to believe that I am very rich. How has your training as PR person helped you in any way? It has helped a great deal. I have been managing myself. Life is as you see it and as you want to live it. In the course of life, you will meet with different kinds of people. But you still have to maneuver yourself and survive. You have moved to a remote part of Ikorodu, why? This place is a retirement home for me. I want to have a quiet life and be closer to nature. There is a rumour that you may build a church. How true is this? What I have in mind is not a church. The calling is that of a praise centre and an inter-denominational centre. It does not matter which church you belong to, you can just stop by and praise God and go. There would a 24-hour musical band to sing and praise God. What particular experience, good or bad, that has remained stuck with you? It cannot really be one good thing because God does good things that make you happy. I have had very good days. But at the same time, I have very bad days, gloomy days that people will not believe because I am happygo-lucky person. I have had very dark days that I would say ‘but they say you go to heaven when you die. What does heaven look like?’ I have got to such extremes in my life. Do you want to share any particular experience with us? I just want to leave it at that. But I have been through a burning furnace that I felt Jesus on the crucifix. Remember I said fulfillment is personal. However, I am not complaining. All I am saying is that may God never allow me go through such experience again.
this WEEK Celebrities with signature headgears (gele)
Ronke Sokefun’s simplicity and humility – pg.53 – pgs. 50-51
Tayo Sobola hits location for ‘Corper Jide’ – pg. 53
Ibori’s daughter celebrates 30th – pg. 53 birthday
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Why I left Chocolate City
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Od um
‘Most business people are ignorant of arbitration’ Barrister Ekene Oluchukwuamaka Odum is a lawyer, and more. Odum is also a University teacher and has been for about 15 years. In 2011, Odum was one of 16 Nigerians elected as a Fellow of the Charted Institute of Arbitrators Nigeria (CIAN). What distinguished him on that year’s list was the fact that he was the only new Fellow, who was neither a high court judge, nor a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN); not to mention the youngest. He is a member of various professional organizations like the Nigerian Bar Association, Law Society of England and Wales, International Bar Association, Nigerian Association of Law Teachers, Chartered Institute of Arbitration (Nigeria), Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria and Negotiation and Conflict Management Group. He is also the pPresident of Civil Rights Watch Project, an NGO with focus on rights, education and enforcement. He spoke with AMINA BRAI OMOIKE in his Surulere, Lagos office.
S
o what were the criterion for your election? Being elected as fellow of Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Nigeria is something at the discretion of the council of the institute. I know that
many people apply for it every year but at the end of the day, it is those whom the council deems fit to have satisfied the requirements to become fellows that are elected. Others beneficiaries of the prestigious honour were Justice Francis
Ikechi Ogbuagu, JSC; Justice Walter Onnonghen, JSC; Justice Mahmoud Mohammed, JSC; Justice Francis Fedode Tabai, JSC; Justice Moore Adumein, JS; Justice Ibrahim Auta, Justice Okechukwu Okeke, Oluwakemi
Pinheiro, SAN; Adesina Julius Oladele, SAN; Lawal Mohammed Alade Pedro, SAN; Roland Itoyah Otaru, SAN; Theo Chike Osanakpo, SAN; Arthur Obi Okafor, SAN; Joseph B. Daudu, SAN and Adenipekun Adebayo, SAN.
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Photos: Godwin Irekhe That year (2011), you were the youngest lawyer as well as the only one who wasn’t a Justice or a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Why did the Institute choose you? It has to do with competence, skill and experience in arbitration or other areas of alternative dispute resolution. It has to do with experience as an arbitrator both locally and internationally because arbitration is more common in international commercial transactions than local transactions. But that is not all. One’s contribution to arbitration in Nigeria, as a profession as well as contribution to the institute, could further boost one’s chances. Most importantly, elevation as fellow is the highest level of arbitration in Nigeria and globally. As it is with most lawyers, your office is stocked with books. What is it with lawyers and books? Just as doctors are known for their stethoscope and overalls, lawyers are known for their books. A lawyer without books is not a lawyer. There is no denying the fact that arbitration is not too common in Nigeria. What was your attraction to arbitration? These days, one has to be contemporary in Law and other realities in business, in international transactions. Globally today, dispute resolution has shifted towards the alternative format in
contrast to litigation which everyone is used to. Meanwhile, arbitration has enormous advantages like speed, independence of the parties, finality of the decision, cost effectiveness and other mechanisms like negotiation, conciliation and mediation. For one who is also a solicitor in England and Wales, he should definitely know better. Is arbitration the evolving trend? In developed countries, it is the inthing. So we try to emphasize that contracts should have arbitral clauses so that in event of dispute, it should be resolved by way of conciliation, mediation and negotiation. It is faster, cheaper and better. You have dual qualification as a lawyer. You first qualified as a legal practitioner in Nigeria (Lagos State University, Ojo) in 1990 before moving to the United Kingdom much later to qualify as a lawyer. Why? London is the centre of Law and business globally. What I found attractive then because of the European Union treaty is that a person who qualified as in London has the capacity to practice in every other country of the European Union. I can appear in every country in Europe which makes me a global player. What really is arbitration? What Od u m as a g rad u at e Continued on page 46
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Mr & Mrs Od u m
‘As a child, I was addicted to Matlock’
Odum wi t h f e l l o w N Y SC c orp me mbe rs
judgment. The beauty is that the award is final; it cannot be appealed against. does it entail? I daresay it is equivalent to a Supreme An arbitrator is a judge, a private judge. Court judgment. When people have disputes, they take the For how long have you been practicing case to court and the dispute is resolved arbitral proceedings? by the private judge. In arbitration, I have been practicing as a counsel for the parties appoint an arbitrator who over 10 years; even though I officially will resolve the dispute between joined the institute in 2005. The truth is parties and that I just love business. deliver an Unlike the Western world, arbitration award. That is still very low in Nigeria. Is it that award is like a many business people are unaware of arbitration? The few that have an idea about it are not honest enough to follow it through. You will agree with me that one basic frustration in the administration of justice in My attraction Nigeria, especially in business, is the protraction of legal to Law was the disputes from the court of ability of the appeal to the Supreme Court. It can last for up to 15 years. It court to give is ridiculous. It is outrageous. an order and For commerce, that is killing. In arbitration, it could last someone who between one week to three has sworn not months; depending how the parties want it. to do something Like most sectors in the is compelled society, arbitration has its own challenges. What is the major to do it; or one of challenge of arbitration in who has vowed Nigeria? to carry out I would say lack of awareness. People still don’t an action is understand what arbitration restrained from is all about. They don’t appreciate the enormous doing that power of an arbitrator. For instance, when you appoint an arbitrator, the parties pay 50Continued from page 45
Continued on page 47
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‘A lawyer without books is no lawyer’ Continued from page 46
50. Some disputants do not see their need to pay. They think it is one of the charity things lawyers should do. At times, you have disputants abandon the case halfway. An agreement must be honoured faithfully. When did you first fall in love with the wig and gown profession? (Laughs) As a little child, my attraction to Law was the ability of the court to give an order and someone who has sworn not to do something is compelled to do it; or one who has vowed to carry out an action is restrained from doing that. I found that very fascinating. I was also addicted to Matlock, a television drama series back then. I was a fanatic. Who were your early influences in life? My father, Apostle Odum who taught me the basic principles that have guided me in life – hard work, ambition and prayer. The late legal luminaries, FRA Williams and Gani Fawehinmi were also two people that I respected as senior colleagues. I loved Gani’s passion. Then for Rotimi Williams, he was very intelligent and could use the law very well. Barrister Vincent Adaikpo, my first real boss, was also a major inspiration for me as a young lawyer. He would always send me on hard cases and tell me: ‘Ekene, prepare very well for this case. The senior
lawyers you are going to meet went to the same Law school you did, read the same law books you read so just be prepared’. And that has really helped me all the way. What is your background like? I was born on the 17th of December, 1967. I have a twin brother and we are three children. I like to describe myself as a ‘Lagos boy’ because this is where I grew up. I attended Yewande Memorial School on James Robertson street, Surulere; then Birch Freeman High School, Surulere. I did my A’ Levels in Federal School of Arts and Science, Victoria Island before gaining admission into the Law department of Lagos State University, Ojo. After I was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1991, I got an NYSC placement as a legal officer in Diamond Breweries, Enugu. I later went to work as a counsel in V.N Adaikpo and co. chambers in Agbor, Delta State. While there, I enrolled for my Master’s degree in the then Edo State University, (now Ambrose Alli University) Ekpoma, Edo State. I returned to Lagos in 1996 and took up employment as a lecturer in the Faculty of Law, LASU before establishing my own law firm, Ekene Odum and co. in June 1998. Tell us about your nuclear family. I am married to Barrister Angela Odum and we have three ‘musketeers’ – two daughters and a son.
Od u m
Od u m, as a ki d , wi t h h i s si b l i n g s
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MEN’S FASHION
SUNDAY NEWSWATCH, JUNE 23, 2013 ...with Olaide Sotunde
Guide to buying
wrist watches Buying a Watch Given that you know which watch you want, the next step is to buy it. First, you need to know the list price. The best sources are the buyer’s guide or through window shopping. Second, you need to know how to pronounce the name of the watch so you won’t end up buying fake version. .
Invest in style: Good watches are meant to last years, decades and sometimes longer. To get the most out of your timepiece investment, it is important to choose a watch that will complement your personal style and go with everything in your closet. Stainless steel, gold and titanium watches are sleek and versatile. Leather watches are classic and masculine. The proper fit and match Whatever its type, your watch should fit snugly (and not move up and down when you move your arms), without leaving an imprint on your wrist. Silver watches match best with blacks, grays, silvers, and blues, and ideally, you should wear them at night. Gold watches go with browns, beiges, tans, and other earth tones. They are best worn during the day. And, of course, digital watches go better with casual clothes or workout attire than with business suits or formal wear. Weight The weight of a watch is very important if it gets much above about 100 grams. At that point you start to feel the watch, and some people don’t like heavy watches. If you’re getting a big watch, consider titanium, which is much lighter than steel. Don’t be afraid to ask the dealer to weigh the watch before you buy. Consider features: Sport watches with compasses, stopwatches and barometers are great for camping, hiking and running on the beach. Water-resistant watches are good for swimmers and explorers, but they also come in handy in everyday life.
Digital watches with calculators, data storage and other computing features keep you organized with style Opt for security and durability Your watch is an investment, and it is important to keep it secure. Check watch straps, buckles and clasps to be sure that they are durable. You may also want to consider materials and construction that will last. Titanium, rubber, leather and stainless steel are great, durable materials. Essential glossary Whether mechanical or electronic, watch making remains an exacting and highly complex science and art. There is a range of important industry words and definitions that may elude the average shopper. Here are 27 must-know watch terms. Aperture: Small opening in the dial that displays certain information such as date, day, month or moon phase. Applique: Numerals or symbols cut out and stuck to the dial. ATM: A measurement of pressure called an atmosphere. An atmospheric measure is the amount of air pressure at sea level that a watch can withstand. (1ATM = 1BAR = 10m = 33.3ft). Automatic movement: Self-winding watch whose movement is mechanical. A weight (the rotor) turns by the motion of your arm and winds the mainspring. The energy generated by the movement is transferred into mechanical energy that creates the movement. These watches can be shaken or manually wound if the power reserve runs out. Bezel: The ring around the top of the crystal. Generally holds the glass or crystal in place. A rotating ratchet bezel moves in some watches as part of a complication. Rotating bezels either rotate clockwise, counterclockwise or both to assist in calculations. Caseback: Bottom of
the watch that lies against your skin. Chronograph: Stopwatch function that uses sub dials to keep track of seconds, minutes and hours. Chronometer: A very precise watch that is tested for 15 days and nights at five different positions and temperature ranges. Complication: Any “function” added to a watch, such as a minute repeater, countdown timer, stopwatch, altimeter, asthometer, pulsometer, calendar, moon phase indicator, split second chronograph, power reserve indicator, or alarm. C.O.S.C.: Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres (Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute). They test watches for 15 days and nights at five different positions and temperature ranges. They either pass or fail the watch movement. If the watch passes, it is called a chronometer. Crown: Knob used to wind a mechanical watch and to set the time or calendar of a watch. End of energy: The end of energy in a “mechanical” watch is indicated by the seconds hand,
which jumps every two, three or four seconds. End of life: The end of battery life in a “quartz” watch is indicated by the seconds hand, which jumps every two, three or four seconds. Gasket: Most water-resistant watches are equipped with gaskets to seal the caseback, crystal and crown from water. Gaskets need to be checked every couple of years to maintain water resistance. Guilloche: Decoration found on the dials of high-end watches. Hacking: A feature that stops the second hand when the stem is pulled out as far as it will go. This allows you to set the exact time. Horology: Science of time measurement, including the art of designing and constructing timepieces. Isochronism: Equal periods of time. A watch’s ability to maintain its rate as the mainspring unwinds. Ligne: Traditional unit of measurement used to measure the diameter of watch movements. Luminous paint: Self-illuminating paint that is put on the hands and markers to
SUNDAY NEWSWATCH, JUNE 23, 2013
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MEN’S FASHION read the time in low light situations. PVD: Physical Vapor Deposition. Method of coating thin watch cases by integrating titanium particles and then depositing gold for color (usually comes in black finish). Rattrapante: Addition of a second hand to measure split times. Super accurate: A watch that is accurate to +/- 10 seconds per year. A technology that uses quartz crystal oscillators working with an integrated circuit, assuring up to 10 times more accuracy than a conventional quartz watch. Telemeter: Stopwatch or chronograph function with a scale that measures the distance of something from the wearer of the watch through the amount of time it takes sound to travel. Triple date calendar: Complication that provides month, day and date. Waterproof: No watch is 100% waterproof. White on: Analog watch that is able to display functions at the touch of a button. An easily legible white numeric display appears on the inside surface of the crystal when any digital function is activated.
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Celebrities with signature headgears (gele)
R
ecently, we dwell on men with branded caps but it is not only the men that know how to brand themselves, fashion wise, the women who know how to step out in styles that are uniquely theirs. Some of these women have been known with a singular head adornment for decades and since it is their creation, they are always at home in it. Newswatch’s SOLA SANUSI brings you some of our celebrity women with headdress swag.
Gladys Ndubuisi-Kanu
Y
ou can’t but notice Gladys Ndubuisi-Kanu at any event she decides to attend, especially with her attention seeking hats that you can’t ignore. The wife of Rear Admiral Ndubuisi-Kanu (rtd.) knows how to embellish her outfit with hats.
Sen. Remi Tinubu
S
enator Oluremi Tinubu is the wife of former Lagos State Governor and national leader of the leading opposition political party in Nigeria, ACN, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and turned senator is one known for her simplicity in fashion and style. Senator Remi Tinubu’s gele is always tied in the same way and is always a low, not so high type depicting class and elegance.
Dora Akinyuli
T
he former NAFDAC boss turned politician is a woman who knows how to customise her head covering. Any time she is not in English wears, she has a way of putting together her gele such that you can easily single her head gear out among many others.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
D
Mrs. Idowu Philips
I
ya Rainbow, as Idowu Philips is widely known, is a screen idol. The famous Yoruba actress has a special way of tying her headgear, which her fame as an actress has helped promote. Many of her fans have been copying her style of gele.
r. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is the minister of finance, a post she has been occupying since the time tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. She is also the leader of the economic team of President Goodluck Jonathan and the Vice President of the World Bank. Style for her, is creating an identity as she has been known over the ages for her one way gele and her beads which she uses to complement whatever she wears. A proudly Nigerian woman, she is known to have adopted this style since the former president Obasanjo started the campaign of wearing made in Nigeria outfits.
Mariam Abacha Yeye Funke Daniel
T
he former First Lady of Ogun State and wife of the equally stylish ex-Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; has a special way of tying her head gear which stands her out in the crowd. Her gele always brings out a special effect of her face.
T
he wife of the former military dictator who died while in office, the late Gen. Sanni Abacha, Maryam Abacha is known for her turban-like headgear and unlike most Northerner women, her scarf, hijab, is always wrapped round herself from the neck.
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CELEBRITIES Celebrities with signature headgears (gele) Opral Benson
C
hief (Mrs.) Opral Benson is the wife of the late one time Minister of Information in Nigeria, Chief TOS Benson. This Sierra Leonean born Yeye Oge of Lagos knows her onions when it comes to making fashion statement. When it comes to tying her head gear, it has a bow-like in the front and comes out well. Be it ankara, aso oke or gele, it comes out the same way.
Abiola Atanda
A
Erelu Abiola Dosumu
biola Atanda, popularly known as Madam Kofo is an actress that has carved a niche for herself with her distinctive headgear. For Madam Kofo, the traditional headgear for one head isn’t enough to tie her signature gele, she uses more than just one to achieve her unique style. Madam Kofo’s gele has brought fortunes her way as she is a Glo brand ambassador. She also anchors events. Madam Kofo not only got fame from her acting, even her gele brought her fame as anyone that ties a big gele is tagged: Madam Kofo gele.
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his Lagos traditional title holder and woman of style, is known white attires, a unique style she cultivated since she became the Erelu of Lagos. Aside being resplendent in her white dresses, Erelu Abiola Dosumu has a unique way of tying her white gele, in such a way that it comes out as a turban.
Omotayo Omotosho
Shade Okoya
T
he youthful and youngest wife of Eleganza boss, Alhaji Razaq Okoya, is known to dress with a touch of affluence, class and elegance. Her headgear is always attention seeking as it is always bold and of course, beautiful.
T
he former Director General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, NTDC, is known to tie a one-way gele. When once asked why she ties it the same way day-in-day-out, she said she had to learn to do it the simple way, so that she can tie it, even in her car without looking at the mirror. Tied before a mirror or without a mirror, her headgear comes out the same way.
Kemi Nelson
F
or Chief (Mrs.) Kemi Nelson, former commissioner in Lagos State under the administration of Senator Bola Tinubu, tying gele isn’t a difficult thing to do so far the gele isn’t too big. Her gele is always half the full head gear you buy in the market and so, after tying, it comes out simple and moderate, yet classical and over time she has been known to come out in the same time anytime her outing demands she ties a gele.
Abbah Folawiyo
H
ajia Abbah Folawiyo is a woman of style, the wife of the late Alhaji Iyanda Folawiyo, over the years, has stuck to her turban-like gele and it has become her trade mark.
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Adeoye Bayo
bayoolunla@yahoo.com
y t i r b e l Ce
Ibori’s daughter celebrates 30th birthday
D
espite her father’s ordeal and incarceration in the UK, Otonwen, daughter of former governor of Delta State, James Ibori recently celebrated her 30th birthday in Abuja enveloped with the affection of her husband, Mr. Akpak. Associates of her convicted father and mother were on hand to made up for her missing parents Amongst those that uplifted the gathering with their attendance were Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Orji UzorKalu, Ambassador Sam Nkire, Ifoma Graham Douglas, Philderma Garrick, among other notable personalities.
At home with Preddy Wise
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reddy Wise, the boss of P.Wise Record Label, which launched Alaadin into limelight in the late 90s, was the factional President of Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) and the boss at Wise Forest Suites. He spoke with Bayo Adeoye on his relationship with former Governor James Ibori and Kia Motors among others. Excerpts: You were described as a factional leader while you led PMAN, was it your ambition to lead a faction of the association? I was described as such because the association had a lot of crisis when I came in. Amongst those claiming to be president, I was the only one that came in through an election. You know how it is when you are trying to fix something and there is always distraction, especially in a country like Nigeria. You can only force a horse to the stream, but you cannot force it to drink. I had my businesses, which were quite time occupying, but I decided to make that sacrifice based on the contribution I had made to PMAN president. Many people felt you failed as a president because you did not achieve what you set out to achieve, do you agree? I tried my best but it was not working and at that point, the so- called youngsters were also launching a fight against PMAN, because they wanted a power-shift from the old leader to the younger generation. They had certain people they wanted to put in office in mind, but when power did not get to them, things did not work with them too. I made them understand that you just do not take power because you want it; if you want power you have to go through the process of election. So, because it did not work out for them, they decided to launch a campaign against PMAN. Their decision affected the association because some of the young ones are even more relevant in some areas of the media because most of the corporate organizations/ telecommunication outfits are concentrating on these young artistes and if these artistes are not relating with PMAN, of course it will affect the running of the association. You started a record label called P Wise Record but it failed, is the label dead? The structure I had for the company was American and it was based on the fact that I was still partially living in the United States and my workers could not maintain the structure that I had on ground for the music company to work. We started this idea of taking artistes abroad to see how they can promote their work and see if they can do collaborations with foreign artistes. The label is not dead and buried, I have started it again, but because I was out of the scene for a while and I did business I left the label thing; but now that I am more comfortable, I have decided to bring it back again. I want to do what I have passion for, which is music. I have some artistes that are already signed onto the label. I decided to sign on all new artistes. You were once heavily into KIA Motors marketing when Chief James Ibori was the Delta State Governor, are you still doing the business? I would say I am the first independent marketer for KIA. My company was affiliated to Dana Motors; they have the sole right of KIA. I owned a KIA showroom and workshop in Asaba, Delta State. We did quite well during Chief James Ibori’s regime. We are still in the business, but this present government is not using a lot of KIA products. They are more in tune with Toyota. Now, we are focusing on Toyota, Honda, KIA and the other cars, unlike before when we focused exclusively on KIA brands. We have expanded in that area because our biggest market then was the government and since the government is not buying KIA products anymore we have also diversified. Finally, what are you working on presently? I am working on getting the artistes who I have on my record label, which is now Wise Music out as soon as possible. I am working on their videos and underground, we are working on making sure peace reigns in PMAN, so that the organisation can be the way it is supposed to be.
Robbers invade Titi Abiola’s home
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ut for divine intervention, Titi Abiola, one of the wives of the late Chief MKO Abiola would have been a victim of armed robbers as they stormed her Abeokuta home on Wednesday morning Celebrity Take Out confirmed that the ‘sons of the gun’ arrived at Titi’s home around 3.am and damaged her door but couldn’t gain access into her apartment upstairs before help came. It was gathered that her desperate and relentless shouts of ‘thieves, thieves’ alerted the neighbourhood and this scared the bandits, who ran away. The robbers escaped before the arrival of policemen.
Tayo Sobola hits location for ‘Corper Jide’
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till basking in the euphoria of the huge buzz and success recorded by her first self-produced movie, Arewa Onijogbon, pretty video vixen turned actress is set to hit the location for her second movie with the title: Corper Jide. The fast rising actress, popularly called Sotayo in the Nigerian entertainment circle, is leaving no stone unturned to make sure the new film surpasses the success of Arewa Onijogbon. Revealing further, Arewa Onijogbon has no doubt put me on the spot and I just have to up my game with this new project, but I want my fans to be rest assured that with Corper Jide, they will surely get value for every penny they would spend on acquiring the movie when it eventually comes out”. Corper Jide will be shot on location in Lagos and Ijebu-Ode and will feature top Yoruba movie personalities such as Dele Odule, Gloria Mba, Ayo Mogaji, Afeez Oyetoro, Iyabo Oko, Ayo Adesanya, Aremu Afolayan and Tayo Sobola (aka Sotayo) herself and will be directed by ace director, Muyideen Ayinde.
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SUNDAY NEWSWATCH, JUNE 23, 2013
TAKEOUT
Godswill Akpabio set to host 2013 Media Nite Out Awards
CELEBRITIES
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he buzz about the 2013 edition of the Media Nite-Out Award has started and this will no doubt, mark the 7th year of rewarding with excellence the efforts of performing media personalities, corporate bodies and supporting individuals. Many good jobs have been rewarded in the past and organisers are still working to ensure the media industry is getting the necessary accolades. In this edition, His Excellency, Gov. Godswill Akpabio, of AkwaI bom State will be the host. Meanwhile, Col. Mike Torey (rtd.) former Military Administrator of both Ondo and Enugu states, who has been the Chairman, Board of Trustees from inception; is as well throwing his weight behind the remarkable event which will hold on Sunday August 18, 2013 at the prestigious 10 Degrees Events, Billings Way Oregun, Ikeja. Nominees for the grand awards include Entertainment Writer of the Year, Ajibade Alabi of the Nigerian Tribune, Bayo Adetu of PM News, Ademola Olumilua of the The Punch, Mercy Michael of The Nation, Tony Ogaga of The Sun Temidayo Badmus of the Nigerian Pilot. Society Writer of the Year, Ayobami Adedeji-Nigerian Tribune, Wale Abiodun-Nigerian Compass, Kemi Lawal-The Punch, Bayo Adeoye-Daily Newswatch Folorunsho Hamzat-Global Excellence, Paul Ukpabio-The Nation, Damiete Braide-The Sun, Titilope Joseph-Bravo Magazine. Business Writer of the Year-Segun Edwards-Nigerian Compass, Simeon Ejembi The Punch-Tonia Osudorie-The Nation, Adewale Sanyaolu-The Sun, Chijioke Nelson-Guardian. Aviation Writer of the Year-Segun Koiki-National Mirror, Kelvin Ose Osubor-The Nation, Louis Iba-The Sun, Shola Adekola-Nigerian Tribune, Franklin Ihiejirika- Nigerian Pilot. Crime Writer of the Year - Henry Umai-The Sun, Juliana Francis-Daily Newswatch, Eniola Akinkuotu-The Punch, Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare-Nigerian Tribune. Sports Writer of the Year – Kayode Ogundare-i Soccer, Kazeem Busari-The Punch Emman Njoku-The Sun, Julius Okorie-Sporting Life, Babs Oyetoro-Soccer Star, Gowon Akpordonor-The Guardian, Jerome Obuninta Sportsday. Politics Writer of the Year - Ade Alade-The Sun, Victor Oluwasegun -The Nation, Geofrey Ekenna-Nigerian Compass, Dare Adekanbi-Nigerian Tribune, Wale Elegbede-Nigerian Pilot. Editor of the Year (SOFT SELL) Wale Lawal -Complete Hints Magazine Kunle Rasheed-Global Excellence, Dapo Olaniyan-Top News, Johnson Adegboyega-Metropolix Magazine, Dada EriyeBravo Magazine, Loye Amzat-News of the People, Wole Alakija-City People, Sola OlugbemiroAccess Weekly Magazine and many others.
Why I left Chocolate City – Brymo opens up
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t’s no longer news that the once sweet romance between the popular singer, Olawale Ashimia (aka Brymo) and his record label, Chocolate City, has gone sour but we can now authoritatively reveal that the music star has decided to dump the label! Although, Brymo’s deal with Chocolate City is still valid till 2016, the Good morning crooner actually came out to reveal that he’s been cheated by the label and has, consequently, dumped the record label. “I’ve been very loyal to the contract, working hard to be heard but I’ve been cheated by Chocolate City,” Brymo lamented. He traced the genesis of the brouhaha to April 16, 2011 when his popular song, Good morning was released online. “I got to know few minutes after the song was released online that the intro part has been chopped off. Although, I managed to correct the mistake by myself, till today, nobody has offered any explanation on how the mistake came by.” Brymo said. However, contrary to the news making the rounds that Brymo flouted the laid down principle of the label, and you will recall that there was a controversial picture of Brymo on the Instegram which was reported to have not gone down well with Chocolate City, Brymo revealed that he’s calling it quit based on the label’s inability to fulfill most parts of the agreed terms in the contract. “Apart from promises and failures, there is no accountability on how my new CD is been sold and distributed. When I released the CD, they promised me it was safe to sell online but the idea failed and I have to talk to some marketers in Alaba Market because the street market is more important, not everybody can buy online. “Unfortunately, the CD (album) leaked, and nobody is ready to give me explanation or apologise whenever things go wrong and we have a contract. Sometimes, you will be working hard but someone else, who is supposed to take the contract seriously, is doing that nonchalantly,” Brymo gushed. “I was surprised at the claim that I’m still with the label. I’ve moved on from the day I tweeted my departure from Chocolate City. I’ve left Chocolate City and I’m now working on how to push myself further from where they stopped,” he concluded.
Ronke Sokefun’s simplicity and humility
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eautiful Ronke Sokefun left school and was called to bar at the age of 21 and while many of her mates were still doubtful of what the future has in stock for them, she got a job with M.P. Ohwovoriole & Co. before she later moved to Ighodalo and Associates. She then berthed at Oando Plc, and rose to become the Chief Legal Officer for four years. Again, she changed careers and got an appointment as the Special Adviser (Land Matters) to Ogun State Governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun in 2011. But barely a year after her political appointment, Sokefun, who has long given up the glamour of the Lagos social scene, was made the Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture, but despite all these, the lady didn’t allow it to get into her head as she remains humble. No wonder she is well loved by everybody in the ministry where she holds sway, and people around, including her staff speak well of her and her humility.
Gateroyale boss, Femi Adeleye, loses mum
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rince Femi Adefemi, boss of Gateroyale is bereaved. He lost his mother, Princess Olufunke Adeleye recently. But the man who is also the chairman of Blueberry Records and Promotion in the UK, is full of praises for seeing the passing on to glory, of his mother at the age of 74. The deceased, who as a result of her steadfastness in the church, was made the Iya Egbe Aya Bishop of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Ibefun Archdeaconry. The amiable young man is not leaving any stone unturned to give his mother a befitting burial, service of songs is billed to take place in July 12 while church service will hold at Holy Trinity Anglican Church the next day at Ibefun. The reception follows at Gateroyale Events Centre, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
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SUNDAY NEWSWATCH, JUNE 23, 2013
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Laide Sotunde
Reasons men go bald
HEALTH f you’re fed up with being bald, you’re not alone. Check out these facts: ….At least half of all men will experience some type of hair loss by age 50. ….After age 50, the number of men experiencing baldness climbs significantly and hair loss is progressive. Hair grows everywhere on the body, except the palms of our hands and the soles of our feet. For some men, however, hair eventually stops growing on their heads as well. Every man loses hair over the course of his lifetime; but for some men this occurs sooner than later. Baldness is a common problem for many men, whether a small bald spot or a rapidly receding hairline Men can begin suffering from baldness as early as their teens or early 20’s. However, most women don’t experience noticeable thinning until their 40’s or later. The symptoms to look for in men are thinning hair on the scalp, a receding hairline, or a horseshoe shaped pattern that leaves the crown of the head exposed. How to tell if you are going to be bald Take a look at your hairline, which is where male baldness typically begins. If baldness is the culprit, you’ll probably notice that your hairline gradually recedes to form an “M” shape. Other common signs include: • Existing hair becomes finer and shorter • Hair at the crown or on top of your head begins to thin • In later stages, the top of the hairline meets the thinned crown, leaving a horseshoe pattern of hair around the sides of the head that continues to grow If you experience hair loss in patches, diffuse shedding of hair, breaking of hair shafts, or hair loss associated with redness, scaling, pain, or rapid progression, you’re probably dealing with something more than male baldness. These types of hair loss can be caused by medical conditions, poor nutrition, stress, or other factors. You should see a doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms in conjunction with your hair loss Understanding the causes *Extreme hair loss can result from stress brought upon by an illness or surgical procedure. Shedding can also be brought on by less dramatic stressful circumstances, like worrying about going bald. In many cases, the hair will grow back once the anxieties are allayed or the issues are resolved. • Changes in hormone levels can also trigger loss of hair, as can the use of
plus
certain medications like antidepressants, too much vitamin A, medicines used in the treatment of gout (an intense pain in a joint, most often the big toe, but sometimes other joints, including knees, ankles, elbows, thumbs or fingers), and chemotherapy. • Scalp infections can also cause bald head and so can certain diseases like diabetes and lupus (an auto-immune disease in which the immune system mistakes the body’s connective tissue for a foreign invader and attacks it). • The most common
Remedies for bald heads
forms of baldness in men is male-pattern baldness and a receding hairline. Both involve malfunctions of the cells that grow hair, known as follicles, which slow the production of hair and begin to shrink. Although the follicles remain as living tissue, they don’t produce normal and visible hair. This dormant stage can last indefinitely • Heredity, which is if the parents go bald then most likely there are also children who go bald. • The influence of drugs like blood thinners, medications for bone, chemotherapy and antidepressant medications can
cause hair loss which can lead to baldness. • Hormonal imbalance such as androgens and estrogens, or not very active thyroid gland. This condition can be overcome by going to the doctor and treatment. • Bald spots may appear on the head due to prolonged illnesses like jaundice and typhoid, hormonal imbalances, thyroid malfunctioning, nutritional imbalances and bacterial infections on the scalp. Women may also lose substantial amounts of hair in patches after giving birth. The propensity to lose hair and suffer from baldness is also known to be hereditary in nature, and it affects men more acutely than women • The rate of hair regeneration slows naturally as hormones shift in the body during the aging process. The slower the regeneration, the more likely it is that hair will fall out. A sign of hope In some cases, baldness can be overcome by the wonders of prescriptive science. The success of such treatment depends upon several factors. The most important of these factors is a man’s age, how much hair is missing and how complete a remedy he envisions. In other words, a young man with small hair loss is more likely to regain it than a man who is almost completely bald and has been that way for a long time. The goal is to reach spontaneous re-growth, but achieving that does not mean a man will necessarily recover his full set of hair. It may simply stop the hair from falling out, and even that is not fully guaranteed. The most popular medications for male baldness are Propecia and Rogaine.
RELATIONSHIP t a h t s e mistakstroy can de arriage your m
SUNDAY NEWSWATCH, JUNE 23, 2013
Laide Sotunde
I
t is natural to make mistakes but there are some mistakes that can destroy your marriage. Here are the top 10 mistakes that people make and why you should avoid them. 1. Being presumptuous This is simply the way you think about what your spouse tells you. For instance, your partner says: ‘I will be late today’ and you immediately think ‘he’s cheating on me.’ Jumping to conclusions is something you want to avoid desperately, because it is a baseless negativity that can destroy your marriage over nothing. 2. Ask for your spouse’s opinion and then do the opposite We have heard from many, angry divorced or almost divorced couples that this is the greatest indicator of “disrespect.” If you ask where your spouse wants he or she thinks about something, and you do the opposite, by your actions you said, “I do not respect your opinion and don’t care what you think!” if you are not going to do what he or she says, then don’t bother asking for your partner’s opinion.
However, Revivogen is starting to gain popularity: 1. Rogaine is a treatment that is applied directly to the scalp. It was originally used to control high blood pressure, but it was then found to also stimulate hair growth. Studies show that most men between 18 and 50 who used Rogaine had significant hair re-growth after four months of treatment twice a day. 2. Propecia is a treatment taken orally, which contains finasteride, an androgen inhibitor. Studies show that men between the age of 18 and 42, and who suffer from slight baldness, generally reported less hair loss and even some growth after three months of treatment. Most specialists
believe that Propecia is the most effective medication to treat baldness. 3. Revivogen, is a natural topical formula that works through the same mechanism as Propecia. Revivogen is made with natural ingredients that have been scientifically proven to reduce dihydrotestosterone production. In fact, the active ingredients in Revivogen reduce dihydrotestosterone even more effectively than Propecia. In addition, these ingredients prevent dihydrotestosterone attachment to hair follicles, which is not done by Propecia. Because Revivogen is used topically and derives from natural ingredients, it does not affect dihydrotestosterone production elsewhere in the body; therefore, it has no systemic side effects and is safe for use by both genders. By reducing dihydrotestosterone production and its destructive effects on hair follicles, the weakened and miniaturized hairs become thicker and stronger again, leading to a fuller, healthier head of hair.
3. Dishonesty This one is self explanatory but still many people tell small lies out of habit. Try to keep them out of your marriage. If you went somewhere during work hours and you tell your spouse that you were at work all day, you can create a sense of distrust if any evidence shows up proving otherwise. It doesn’t mean that you are doing something wrong but small lies can make the other person feel that you don’t want them in all aspects of your life and these feelings can fester into distrust. 4. Having temper tantrums Every couple needs to be able to handle conflict in a constructive way. Having an angry outburst so that you can win an argument will make you the loser in the end. Since saying negative or hurtful things can be damaging to a loving relationship, it is wise to take extra caution before engaging your mouth when these negative thoughts come into your mind. 5. Lack of respect Respect can mean a lot of things to different people but ultimately it comes down to how well you treat your partner. If you respect your partner, you would value their opinions; consider their thoughts and feelings before making important decisions that affect both of you and even how you treat them during intercourse. If you don’t treat your partner with respect, they will likely grow to resent you and there will be distance between both of you. 6. Distance There are many things people do that create distance between them. Letting an argument get in the way of making up, cheating, putting friends and family first instead of your spouse, not helping with the kids and the list goes on. You need to be able to recognize when you feel disconnected from your partner and make an effort to bring yourselves closer. 7. Mismatched communication styles If you feel you aren’t being heard by your
husband, you may want to revisit your communication style. Some women repeat their complaint or a concern a few times in an effort to get their husband’s attention. Some men may call that nagging, but it may just be about having different communication styles If that happens in your relationship a lot, remember to pause to let your spouse absorb what you’re saying and have “a chance to validate what they’ve heard. 8. Apologising but not changing bad habits This one is pretty common and one of the more destructive mistakes you can make. When you and your partner recognize that a mistake has been made and you talk about it, don’t simply concede and apologize if you have no intention of correcting the behaviour. It hurts a lot when you apologize and then continue to do the same thing over and over again because it seems futile to even mention it in the first place. 9. Badmouthing your partner It’s always good to have someone to talk to about your troubles, but it is a little more complicated when you are ranting about your spouse. Make sure you are talking to one person and that you can trust them. What you are trying to avoid is bad talking your partner behind their back and marring their reputation with friends and family. Not only is this bad for them but when you have a serious problem that you need a genuine and unbiased opinion on, your friends won’t be able to give you that because they will think the worst of your spouse. 10. Not making love as you ought to This might not seem to be such an issue for some people but the fact is that sexual intercourse creates an intimacy that you cannot get outside of marriage. It brings the couple together on a deeper level as both partners express their vulnerability to each other. Without sexual intercourse, you increase the distance between you as well as create an excuse for having an affair.
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SUNDAY NEWSWATCH, JUNE 23, 2013
CELEBRITIES The funeral of the late Prince (Dr.) Ogiri Ajene, immediate past Deputy Governor of Benue State, took place at his country home, Adum-East, in Obi LGA, Benue State, recently. Pictures below capture important moments during the ceremony
Late Ajene’s widow, Comfort (left); brother, Prof. Ogah Ajene (right), and the children
Senate Minority Leader and former Governor of Benue State, Dr. George Akume, (left) and Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro
His&Hers Sola Bodunrin Sanusi olubod4me@yahoo.com
How to avoid dating men similar to your ex
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o every babe out there there are some certain features you look out for in a man before agreeing to a relationship with him. At times the relationship hits the rock and you try out another relationship and after a while this also ended on a sour note. You need to sit yourself down and ask yourself these pertinent questions, am I following a particular pattern in falling in love? Do I look for the same feature in every man I date? Even though you swear your exes are totally different, experts say most women have a relationship pattern they keep going back to. See how to break yours for a love that won’t leave you hurting. Many were shocked when they heard that the first guy Rihanna seriously dated after Chris Brown had been accused of domestic abuse by an ex-girlfriend. After everything she went through, it would seem as if she’d be repulsed by men with that kind of reputation. Most of us have a relationship pattern — that same type of guy we keep falling for — and it can work for or against us. It’s not uncommon for women to keep going back to the type that wronged them in the past. How do you change whom you’re drawn to dating? It’s not easy, but it starts with figuring out where your attraction to these guys came from in the first place. Family Ties Experts say we develop our taste in men at a young age — anywhere from childhood to adolescence. Whether it’s positive or negative, everyone has a relationship pattern based on what they learned about love when they were growing up. Repeatedly choosing the wrong guys signals that you may be driven to re-create the drama you had with your father or first boyfriend. Many women who had an absentee dad or let the arrogant football captain string them along for years will go for men who are unavailable or talk down to them because they’re subconsciously trying
Representative of President Goodluck Jonathan, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe (left), and Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State
L-R: Prof. Ode Ojowu, Deputy Governor of Benue State; Chief Stephen Lawani, Hon. John Ngbede and Rt. Hon. Egbiri Idaah
to resolve things with the guy who let them down earlier in life, even though, clearly, that’s not solving anything. Women in these toxic patterns get hooked on the ups and downs of their relationships and can form what experts call betrayal bonds, which cause them to feel even more attached to men who show them these extreme — and sometimes ultimately dangerous — forms of attention. You eventually feel like a guy doesn’t love you unless he’s either yelling in your face or trying to win you back. Break the Cycle All guys have less-than-admirable moments, but there are major tipoffs that your type is bad for you. Consistently feeling worse about yourself as you become more involved with a boyfriend is a giveaway that something isn’t right. Other red flags: feeling like you have to walk on eggshells around a guy and dropping everything to spend time with him even though he’s proven he wouldn’t do the same for you. Don’t force yourself on a guy, the moment you noticed any sign of disinterest in you call him to ask him point blank other than wasting your time on a never to be relationship. And while only you know what your relationships are really like, pay attention if your friends and family disapprove of every man you date. To alter whom you’re attracted to, you need to believe that what you’ve experienced isn’t how love has to or should be. Ask friends who are happy in their relationships to describe how their guy behaves toward them so you can hear what you’re missing out on. Or if you’re coming off yet another bad breakup, consider seeing a therapist to make peace with the guy who originally wronged you. For extra motivation, picture what your life could be like in 10 years if you’re still choosing men who treat you badly versus men who will care for you in a positive way. Which future do you want?