Abuja Top 25 plus

January - March 2011

25 ways to say I Love You One Vote At A Time T25: On The Scene

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months have rolled by already, and what an eventfilled time it's been.

Unfortunately many of the things that have happened in the last 90-plus days have been down right horrifying, I try to remember that this is a new Year with new possibilities, and new opportunities to undo the mistakes of the past.

Valentine's day is just around the corner, and for those who have found love or are looking for love you'll especially enjoy this issue.

harm no matter how divergent our perspectives on culture, politics and religion might be.

Thank you, and God Bless Nigeria.

And I hope you all have gone out and registered to vote, its the first step in protecting your inalienable right to protect our country's democracy. It can be an arduous process but please bear through it.

I would finally like to ask us all to put the many many people who have lost their lives to senseless violence over the last few months in our prayers. I urge you all to remember life is a very fragile gift and we must protect each other from

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Zainab Mohammed Creative Director

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Ummi Shagari Features Editor

Ibrahim B. Aliyu CEO Kasim Abdulkadir Contents Editor

Aisha Gidado Idris, Rahima Gambo, Hassana Bello Aliyu, Jidda Ahmadu, Samuel Lassa, Lami Jacobs, Kevin Johnson Azuara Photographers: Aisha Dapchi, Nemi Arimeriokuma, Zanswat Bowsan, (Animation: Cover & Manga): Ibrahim Idris

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Contents

From the Editor 3 Bye too the Old Welcome to the New 6 Top 25 Places 7 Columns 19 Aquarian Age 20 The CEO 21 Price Compare 22 Features 26 One Vote at a Time 27 Make that New Year Resolution Stick 29 Interviews 30 Gadgets 32 25 Ways to Say I Love You 34 Health & Beauty 36 Have Fun Eating Healthy 37 Love Yourself At any Weight 40 On The Scene 43 Screamfest 44 MI2 Album Launch Party 47 Pillow Talk 48 The JL Woman Program 51 follow us on: The Runway 53 Manga 55 Get Listed 59 5

bye to the old

welcome to the

anus is the roman name for January; described as the guardian of doors and entrances. It has two heads one looking forward and the other looking backwards at the same time. To me January means the same thing, New Year, new month and a whole new beginning. So I say bye to the old and welcome to the New Year. This feeling gets stronger as the year starts, every year should bring a change in one's life, a change for the better that is. A year older is a year wiser, so it's only proper to sit down and reflect.

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I had pondered a lot on what kind of year do I wish this to be, which kind of resolution should I make this year? I want to be realistic by setting achievable goals and of exercising and eating less fatty foods and sweet drinks. Lastly I want to stop being lazy. Other goals that are not easily achievable are the ones that we must put behind us if indeed we hope to move forward. So our resolution shouldn't be one of getting our ex-lovers back, or getting even with our neighbours or friends. Above all lets aim for things that are truly important to us like finding alternatives to worrisome behaviours such as smoking.

Often a lifestyle changes, I believe the best way to start that resolution is to get rid of bad habits first. There is no right or wrong way to make a resolution. I would silently make a resolution to become more focused and disciplined. I would also aspire to be more 6

committed to my goals and relationships.

During such a time I would consciously and unconsciously review the year that gone by. The kind of relationships I earnestly want to make right from its or their wrong. I shall also become aware of the disappointments both in others and myself and rectify it knowing that indeed the New Year is a challenge in itself. In whichever way I meet the New Year, one thing I must realize is that the New Year is a new one and that every step I take is a new step. The past is a luggage we must leave behind.

After I do that I instinctively am about to have a new and refreshing year ahead. I then look at the possibilities and opportunities ahead…and enter it truly because the past is over and done with.

Whatever New Year means to you, it is indeed a chance to change for the better. To me it means a new chapter ushering a new beginning. Start acting and thinking as the person you wish to be, it's a powerful technique. I use it to deal with my fears and for setting my goals. Now it is your turn, what would your resolutions be in 2011 what strategies would you use to make the resolutions stick? Good luck.

by By Aishatu Gidado Idris

7

Abuja

Top 25 Places in statement applies to her. In a colourfully- printed floor length Ankara dress, Dee looks deceivingly demure sitting on a lime-green plastic sipping on an Espresso.

It's hard to believe that just a couple of nights ago we were both dancing and singing wildly to Ice-Prince's Oleku, at the Sheraton Hotel's Aqua club.

Glancing at her across the lime-green table, it's hard to reconcile “video-ho” Dee of two nights ago, with the DeeDee homemaker serenely slurping before me. omeone once told me, that to simplify ourselves through singular definition is a dangerous thing to do. That as humans we are diverse beings made up of fragmented dispositions. We are not one thing but many different things and therefore our desires, wants and needs reflect this plurality. As Dee-Dee and I sit in the courtyard at Dunes Express, I start to think how well this

Abuja has come a long way, I remember a time when all there was in Abuja was Mega-hotels and federal government. Entertainment was a vague concept we 'Bujians' knew little about. There were numerous evenings where many of us would look longingly,some enviously towards the Lagos horizon…

8

Today, life in Abuja is a Technicolor version of what it once was. Below are some of the places that have stood out, as I explored the old and new in Abuja. I categorised the spaces I visited with the following headings; The Trusty, The Curious, The Laid-back, The Shopaholic, The Trendy, The Romantic, The inner child, The intellectual, The Addiction.

The Trusty; Classic Abuja hotspot's, that over time have become synonymous with Abuja itself.

The Fulani Pool bar When God created Abuja, the next thing he created was the Transcorp Hilton Hotel. Its huge monolithic structure marks the city centre. Dee and I go for Sunday Lunch at the Fulani Pool Bar. The atmosphere is always relaxed yet busy. They have great food and service. However it is hard to spot anything authentically Fulani apart from the thatched roofing above us.

Location:Transcorp Hilton Hotel, 1 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Food: Delicious continental food with a Nigerian twist Ambience: Bubbly Décor: Minimal, yet comfortable, perfect for the pool-side Cost: Expensive (N950 for1chapman) I spot a sneaky toddler peeing in the pool, and we decide against swimming.

The Pappillon Restaurant I spend Saturday lunch with my nieces and nephews at the Pappillon in the Sheraton Hotel. It's the perfect family venue, and the waiters are so well behaved it's eerie. The Sheraton hotel like its competitive older sister the Hilton has been a permanent fixture in the Abuja skyline. It is known for the more approachable and affordable services it offers. The Papillion is popular for the value of its all-you-caneat buffets.Providing a wide, tasty range of food from around the world.

Location: The Sheraton Hotel, Ladi Kwali Way Food: Epic salad & dessert bar, Hot

and fresh main dishes Ambience: Calm and classy Décor: Tastefully corporate, the wooden indoor arches and Nigerian art stand out.

Cost: N4000 per adult, half-price for children.

I watch my uncontrollable 3yr old nephew run around the restjipojaurant barefooted, singing nursery rhymeskkkkkikjij0ji0jI yuuiiiwonder if there' a special leash/nuzzle for children…

Abacha Barracks Fish (Mogadishu Barracks) Never has grilled fish claimed so much notoriety. Try Googling Abacha Barracks Fish. It's more famous than that Nigerian Guy that won Big Brother Africa. Although the Barracks itself is now called Mogadishu Barracks, people still refer to it as “Abacha Barracks”. Although the place itself is little more than a few plastic chairs and tables, and the menu is simply fish and beer, visitors and residents flock there for evening meals on the regular.

The famous fish on display are huge!

Promising a satisfyingly delicious fish experience. Knives and forks are 9

redundant here, you use the utensils you were born with; your hands. And that's what I did with Abacha Barracks fish Location: Mogadishu Barracks Food: Delicious roasted grilled fish Ambience: Very busy, a lot of military folk Décor: Ahahaha…minimal…

Cost: Relatively cheap I try to pry Dee's hands off her bag…she's asking for cutlery…I'm slowly shaking my head…relax I say…

Millennium Park It's one of those rare venues in Abuja where you see people from all segments of society, interacting in a leisurely manner. A couple of friends and I spend a bustling Sunday evening strolling in the park. Skaters roll along the pathways, Photographers try and sell you “your new Facebook picture” and there's music blaring from more than one radio. People are genuinely having a good time. It's almost like one big carnival. Millennium Park has been tagged as a venue to avoid… For me the park is a vibrant social experience

that is nothing less than refreshing…Honestly there is no reason why you shouldn't go there.

Location: Central Abuja, opposite the Transcorp Hilton Food: Hawkers selling suya, sweets and drinks Ambience: Festive Décor: Nature, trees and grass Cost: FREE! 'Sources' tell me that one should avoid nights in the park due to an infestation of frolicking couples, that hide in bushes…

The Laid - Back; The down-to-earth, un-pretentious side of the city. Where people proudly eat with their fingers and leave their Western accents at the office.

Pepper Soup Republic What I imagined was a world of pepper-soup; soup fountains, rivers and nymphs. What I saw was a neatly organised cafeteria, in the style of a fast food joint. Okay so I was a bit disappointed that my expectations weren't met…However the menu

excitingly boasted all kinds of peppersoup from the worryingly ambiguous “bush-meat” to the popular ox-tail. So I decided to go safe; I had the chicken pepper-soup. And yes it was quite good!

Location: 458, Ahmadu Bello way (opposite Diamond bank), Garki 2, Abuja Food: Nigerian, and Chinese food, wide range of delicious pepper soup Ambience: School cafeteria, family friendly Décor: Typical Fast-food style, a lot of plastic furniture.

Cost: Bowl of chicken pepper-soup N1,000 I decide to leave Dee out of this one…I go with an 'open minded' substitute friend…

Afro Asia garden So you want your grilled fish fix, without the hassle of the traffic heading to Abacha Barracks. Afro-Asia, for me is a convenient inner city alternative. The garden during cool evenings pulls in a nice crowd. Perhaps with the right person it could even be 10

described as romantic…

Location: Off amino Kano crescent Wuse 2 Food: Nigerian, Chinese, known for the roast fish! Ambience: Laid-back Décor: You can sit inside or outside Cost: Average Since then I've been describing myself as “Afro-asian”…it has a ring to it no?

Circles Garden I have to say I love going to circles garden in the evenings. Lush, cool, green, it's one of the more popular gardens in Abuja. I love sitting on the lawn, which is in the lower section of the place.You simply stand at the site where you want to eat, and the waiter sets up tables and chairs for your party. The food is really great, I had Nkowbi and chips....

Location: Opposite the Dunes on Aguyi Ironsi way, Maitama Food: Nigerian and delicious Ambience: relaxed Décor: it's a park Cost: not bad!

Open Early to late 7 days a week Serving: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Margarita Nights & Live Music, Thursdays from 6pm Sunday Film Club 6pm sharp.

savour the authentic flavours of Italian cuisine HOMEMADE PASTA ANTIPASTI/APPETIZERS

DESSERTS

PRIMI-PIATTI MAIN COURSE

Special days Mini lounge: Fridays & Saturdays Ladies night: Wednesdays Every first Sundays: buffet (N3500 plus drinks)

Plot 1173, adetokunbo ademola crescent, along ap plaza, wuse II – Abuja. Tel: 07032921300, 097801435

salamandercafe@gmail.com 11

I notice some adventurous expatriates huddled in the corner digging into some “eba”…

The Curious; New to the Abuja scene, these places caught my interest in a good way…

Pillow-Talk The appropriately titled Pillow-Talk has been causing a buzz due to the “Adult” nature of its content. It's the only adult store catering to women in Abuja.

Ranging from sexy lingerie to edible body butter, to various suctioning and vibrating appliances… wink-wink, nudge-nudge. I predict many “Hen” nights and girly parties here.

Location: 2nd floor, The Mall, Usuma street, Maitama Perfect for: The grown &sexy Ambience: Oh la la…R-rated yet still cosy Décor: A pink and black stripped velvet settee stands out Cost: A wide range I try to explain to Dee that the “back massagers” she’s eye-ing with interest are

not really “massagers”...

Elevated This restaurant really is “Elevated” as it literally sits on a precariously steep hill.

It's hard to miss from the road.

Perfectly located in the new business district of Wuse 2, for me it's a perfect “after work, lets chill” venue. I had the peppered gizzard which was delicious!

Location: Food: Good quality Nigerian Ambience: Classy Décor: Modern Cost: A wide range Hmmm…a nice space for a function or party of some sort….

The Shopaholic; For those who find shopping a soothing and exhilarating experience….

3rd February Their slogan says “be indulged”…so I proceeded to indulge as my eyes feasted on Burberry, D&G, Mulberry, Channel and other luxury bags 12

Location: Ground floor, The Mall, Usuma street, Maitama Perfect for: The rich woman Décor: Cosy nice detail & focus on the bags Cost: Very expensive I noticed a gilded birdcage with a bag trapped inside…oh my dearest…how I would love to free thee…

Wuse Market Beads Shop Owned by Shafiu Alhasan Enterprises Ltd this small shop in Wuse Modern Market, is a candy store of beads of all colours, materials, shapes and sizes.

Although difficult to locate in the bustle of the market, this shop is a sparkly gem of a find! You can either by the stunning ready-made jewellery on display or you “pick & mix”; you simply pick bead strings of your choice and they make a necklace or earrings to your taste.

Location: Block B 53, shop 9, Wuse Modern Market, Abuja, 08035972999

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Perfect for: Trend-setters Cost: Cheap! A bargain if you ask me!

I've developed a sweet-tooth for beads….this place is addictive to say the least!

Urge Boutique A haven for tasteful and beautiful objects. The space itself exquisitely showcases the classy yet quirky bags, shoes and jewellery for Him and Her. You're sure to find something that calls to you. I found a black leather rose ring…actually the ring found me…

Location: Shop 14, Urban Shelter Living Estate, Phase 3, Katampe, Abuja, 09-872-5302 Perfect for: Fashion-fiends Cost: a wide range The black rose ring gazed at me...I gazed back…and I knew we were meant to be …together….

Abuja Arts and Crafts Village: Art, culture, hand-made quality accessories, all in one place. The place is like a magnet towards my wallet.

Although it targets tourists, this place is a shopping haven for everyone. It's a fashionistas dream as your sure to find uniquely created pieces. I find a leather shoulder bag at bargain price! I feel a surge of emotion…is this what happiness feels like…

Location: Central area, across the road from the Sheraton hotel Perfect for: Fashionistas Cost: A wide range plus you can bargain!

Dee finds a leather horse whip…I don't ask what it's for…

Sleeves I hold the position that one can never have enough work shirts. Selling neatly stacked Hawes & Curtis shirts, finding the shirt of your choice is easy. The friendly assistants give the right balance of advice and space when you need it. With accessible changing rooms the shopping experience is hassle free.

Location: Next to the dollar shop, Transcorp, Hilton Hotel 14

Perfect for: The working person Cost: Average to expensive Shirts fabulous shirts! Its not just a want…but a need!

The Trendy; Popular and in-trend Abuja Hotspots!

Club house: Driving into the gates of the TAK estate its difficult to believe that theres a popular restaurant inside. The ambience here is top notch, one could spend hours on end ordering the delicious food and drinks and puffing on the nicely served Shisha. On a friday night this place is packed you're sure to bump into a “fre-nemy” or two Location: Take continental estate, Gwarinpa, (just after the roundabout on the way to Life camp, Abuja) Food: Continental, delicious big portions Ambience: Great positive energy Décor: Inside; classy yet cosy, outside; relaxed Cost: Expensive

They have chocolate fondant on the dessert menu!!

Woks & Koi Restaurant: Abuja has seen a considerable mushrooming of Chinese restaurants over the last year. This one stands out for me due to the great food and service. The décor is traditionally Asian with a comfortable low seating area at the entrance. Located at the Silverbird entertainment center, one can have a meal then watch a movie, a perfect night out methinks!

Location: Silver Bird Entertainment centre Food: Full Chinese menu Ambience: Tasteful Décor: Asian Cost: A wide range U wan Pwon flied lice….giggle sigh…never gets old that joke…

Uptown Asian cuisine One of the few restaurants in Abuja where you can order fresh and tasty sushi. The other food on the menu is quite good too, I recommend the

chicken and sweetcorn soup Location: Food: Great! Ambience: I like it!

Décor: Modern, stylish Cost: Expensive Sushi Lovers we have finally been saved!

The Romantic; Even if you're not in Love….in these places you can pretend you are…

La Dolce Vita Funky modern Nigerian/ Italian fusion located in the heart of Wuse 2. It's a bar, lounge and restaurant serving pasta side by side with suya. The balcony restaurant area has a nice feel to it. I had a plate of deliciously creamy gnocchi!

Location: Saffire Plaza, 2 Kowa link, AdemolaAdetokunbo crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja Food: Italian and Nigerian Ambience: Refined yet relaxed Décor: Quirky Cost: Average meal is about N3000 15

…Dee and I stare at each other in silence from opposite ends of the table…that's the last time I'm going out with her…

Chez Victor I try to do a Carrie (Sex in the City) taking myself out to eat dinner alone empowerment date…I soon start to feel awkward…by the end of it I feel more alone than ever as I chew on the complimentary bread…that's the last time I'm taking advice from a fictional American character! However it's a quality restaurant, great service and good food! The expatriate community love this place…

Location: 20 Ganges St, Ministers hill, Maitama, Abuja Food: French and Nigerian Ambience: Sophisticated Décor: Simple yet classy Cost: Expensive The Fela painting with fist uplifted seems to be saying “keep the faith”…Oh Fela if you only knew what a jungle the singles

16

scene is…

The Cake Parlour I randomly discovered a cute cake shop in“The Mall” specialising in beautifully constructed wedding cakes.

I'm not a romantic, but looking at their brochure got me thinking about the “special” day…

Location: The Mall, Usuma Street, Maitama Food: All types of cake, from cupcakes to wedding cakes Ambience: Cute Cost: At request At this rate it looks like Dee and I will be getting married to each other…

The Inner Child; Places that bring out your childish side…..

Maitama Amusement Park Okay so it seems there are only 2 amusement parks in Abuja.

“Wonderland” and the smaller, more central Maitama Amusement Park.

There's nothing particularly

spectacular about the rides and if you go at noon-time the ambience can take on a hellish-tinge… However kids seem to love this place and I have to admit the spinning tea cups have a “charm”to them…

Location: IBB Boulevard, Maitma Food: Several fast-food joints, candy stalls Ambience: Fun Décor: Outdoors Cost: Small gate fee, pay per ride …calling “inner child”…no response…

Drumstix“Kiddie Area” Drumstix is one of the better fastfood joints in Abuja. Its familyfriendliness really stands out and their upstairs kiddie section shows their commitment to this. I have a little peek at their children's birthday events space…I have a strong urge to jump into the pool of plastic balls…

Location: 32 Aminu Kano crescent, Wuse 2 Food: Hygienic, tasty Ambience: 17

Friendly, relaxed Décor: Typical Cost: Cheap-average …I guess my inner child is alive and well…

The Intellectual Spaces where you can exercise your brain muscles rather than your jaw…

It's the most well-known book store in Abuja. It stocks a variety of popular books, as well music etc. We need more book stores…

Location: Silver Bird entertainment centre, Plot 1161, Memorial drive, Abuja Ambience: Friendly Décor: Modern …we need more book stores…

Silver bird book store It's the most well-known book store in Abuja. It stocks a variety of popular books, as well music etc. We need

more book stores…

Location: Silver Bird entertainment centre, Plot 1161, Memorial drive, Abuja …we need more book stores…

Pen & Pages; The knowledge resource Centre A small organised book store. They specialise in printing and publishing but it was their well-stocked educational children's booksthat caught my eye…

Location: Suite 02, B Block, White House, 79, Adetokunbo Ademola crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja Ambience: Cosy Décor: Modern Again…we need more bookstores…or people need to read more…

The Addiction; You can't help yourself…you just keep going back for more….

Burger Lounge It's sad but I have to admit that their

Burgers haunt me! I have dreams where I'm chased by their thick American style pancakes…

Location: Maitama Amusement Park, IBB Boulevard, Maitama Food: Very tasty! They also serve shisha Ambience: Relaxed Décor: Clean cut Cost: Affordable Burgers!!….pancakes…droooolll!!!!

Flowers for Valentine's day is definitely NOT a corny move! If you do decide to take the flowers route…go fresh and real…not plastic….yuck!; Louger Intl Ltd; Located inside The Mall Usuma Street, off Gana Street Maitama Tel 08033583659, 08056559422 Newton & David, ground floor, Ceddi Plaza, 08023830211 Petals & More, Ground floor, Silver Bird Entertainment Centre, 1161 Memorial 18

drive, Central Business District, Abuja 08037874444 Abeg! Let's bring chivalry back this season….

Contact: blog.abujafood.com, info@abujafood.com

Columns

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T

hroughout the world people have personal values about the state of the world as it is today and although many of these believes are beautiful, they are also erroneous. Many scientist and astrologists have termed the

awareness means accommodating these changes that are happening around us first, and later turning it into our deepest belief of what good means.

Now is a time that even religious beliefs are blending from simply being able to differentiate good from evil, and right from wrong, in this day where spiritual enlightment is within your grasp and capacity, where you are your own scholar depending on how far you are willing to go with your knowledge.

Aquarian

Age

age as the golden age of humanity and others have predicted that this time will bring about some radical transformations with humanity filled with great concepts.

These changes are already around us and it is feeding the human ego. As long as man is egotistical about this new found independence that the Aquarian age has to offer, negative energy will surround us and it will make us err in ways we cannot imagine.

We have to create a good avenue to bring about true social change, but we must begin by changing ourselves. We have to create a bigger awareness than we have right now, awareness that is so big it will override our ego. This

We are no longer bound by norms, culture or tradition. Now is a time for a human being to use his unique God given gift of character to the best of his ability without being told or being guided.You can seek wisdom from elders or enlightment, but only you have the capacity to push yourself forward.

How do you push yourself forward? You seek knowledge and opinions from others, you search for answers to life like a scholar searches for knowledge, like a song writer finds inspiration for lyrics, like a scientist experiments for results.

After you have done this, sit yourself 20

down and discuss it with no one but yourself, break them down and mull over your thoughts about it. And if you truly listen to yourself, then whatever answer comes to you is what is right for you at that particular moment in time.

An Aquarius man in astrological terms could otherwise be described as a “humanitarian�, an Aquarius cares about what humans are going through and he is aware of every change in time and sequence as the world turn into its daily axis. So the Aquarian age therefore is the humanitarian age. We are aware of shortness in time, we are aware of change as it is happening or when it happens, we are no longer succumbing to time on watches and clocks as time and its shortness is everywhere around us now.

I bring you the definition of an Aquarius man because we are all Aquarians right now, and if using our knowledge is not for the benefit of people around us, if we are not aware of the shortness in time that will propel us to be productive socially, then you might not have arrived at the right answer when you listened to yourself....please listen again.

by Ummi Shagari

08075177766, 08023718783, 08134590187

CEO The

buja is currently bursting with young CEOs and entrepreneurs. People are no longer sitting around and waiting for jobs, which are getting harder to come by, they are coming up with new innovative and unique ideas using their own talents and turning it into a lucrative business.

Top25+ was recently granted an exclusive interview with one of Abuja's very own young CEO.

A

The CEO: Hadiza Yakub The Company: Berrys Couture Location: No. 4 Kumasi Crescent, Off Aminu Kano Road, Abuja. Telephone no.

Hadiza Yakub started Berrys Couture, a fashion house three years ago and it has now become a very well known brand name in the fashion industry. This is quiet an achievement for a young woman to accomplish in such a short period of time. Her designs explore styles that are elegant, vibrant and embrace the essence of femininity.

With no formal fashion education, she built a budding business with the Godgiven talents she was born with. As any CEO would tell you that success does not come easy and a good amount of prayers and hard work coupled with having a great staff and family support helped Berrys Couture to be where it is today.

When asked how she maintains her relationships with her customers and she answered that she uses the social web, which is a tool that is becoming more important for businesses to use. The company has a webpage www.berryscoutureng.com that gets updated with new collections as soon as they are available, a fan page on Facebook "Berrys Couture" that keeps customers 21

informed with any events, fashion shows and sales and also a twitter account @BERRYscouture where people can follow her.

Her and her team have media strategies in place that keeps them informed with any thing new in the fashion industry and also to help deal with their competitors. Her ultimate goal is to offer the best, both in clothing and customer service, and this is achieved when customers leave happy in fashionable outfits, looking and feeling good.

We asked our CEO if there's more we should expect from her in the future and she said she is currently running a salon, and has other projects that are under construction in other sectors of the fashion industry.

Co Pr mpice ar e L

et me start of by saying, as a former London resident I once found Tesco's insidious presence on every street extremely irritating. Where I lived there were at least 5 within every half mile radius.

Now as a current Abuja resident, oh how I miss dear old Tesco! So convenient so cheap! Their 'every little

helps' motto is certainly accurate. And as a presently serving 'corper', I'm all about the cheap! My pockets are extremely shallow. Every little help as such aids in making that allowance stretch to the end of the month. I often find myself staring at the price of an item, doing a quick mental pounds sterling conversion, and hugging and empathising with myself in horror, thinking I could get that for half the price at Tesco! My sisters have wisely advised me not to do that anymore. 'Toto, we are no longer in Kansas!'

So for the benefit of other financially challenged beings such as myself, (or for those who just don't appreciate being fleeced), I decided to explore what Abuja has to offer in respect of supermarkets. For this issue I have done a price comparison between 4 stores in central Abuja. They are Dunes, Amigo, Park and Shop and Exclusive stores. They were judged in four areas, namely toiletries, household products, confectionery and foodstuffs. In each category I selected a number of random 22

products and compared the prices between the four stores. Each store got 5 points for each product with the lowest price tag, and 3 points for products of average price. 1 point was deducted for each product that had the highest price and 0.5 points were deducted for not having an item in stock.

After much covert note taking, (I did not disclose my mission to any of the stores as I didn't think they would appreciate me comparing their prices), I came to the following conclusions; Toiletries In this category Park and Shop came top of the pack with the lowest prices followed closely by Amigos, the Dunes, and languishing at the bottom rather surprisingly was Exclusive stores. The main reason for this was that Exclusive had a pretty limited range of products in this category. Many points were lost due to lack of stock. And although Park and Shop came top with low prices, it also suffered from lack of variety. And we all know that variety is the spice of life. Amigos prices were not much higher than those of P&S and they were amply stocked. Therefore my conclusion is…

Best for Toiletries: Amigos Household Products Amigo was ahead in this category, with Park and Shop and Exclusive stores coming a close joint second. At the

bottom of the list is Dunes. Both Amigo's and Exclusive Stores had a pretty good selection of products with Amigo coming in just slightly above Exclusive in the price stacks. Therefore my conclusion is …

Best for Household Products: Amigos/Exclusive Confectioneries An area dear to my heart! And leading the pack in this field is Park and Shop, followed by Dunes and Exclusive in joint second, with Amigos at the bottom. Extra kudos goes to P&S for stocking a wide selection of Haagen Daz ice cream at a price 12% cheaper than its nearest rival! Therefore I conclude…

Best for Confectioneries: Park and Shop

Exclusive have a wider variety.

Therefore I conclude……

Best for Foodstuff: Exclusive Stores.

And finally in that all important category of price, after all the points were totted up, we have the following results in order of cheapest to priciest; Park and Shop Exclusive Stores Amigo Dunes Therefore the very last conclusion is...Best for Price: Park and Shop! (I must admit that came as a bit of a surprise.)

by Hassana Bello Aliyu

Foodstuff For the third time running we have Park and Shop at the top of the pile, with exclusive in second place, Amigos in third and Dunes in last position.

Park and Shop may have the better prices (though not by too much), but

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24

Our Amenities

25

Features

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e live in a celebrity infused universe, a world where paying unrivalled attention to the lifestyles of the rich, famous, and wannabes has become more important than the execution of our civic duties. For many of the polarized young citizens in Nigeria, there are several existing reasons that make us reluctant to partake in the country's political machinations.

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Monopolization, nepotism, violence, the banking industry, the novae riche, lack of sufficient political information, a death in the quality of candidates and unfulfilled promises‌The list goes on. Seemingly, young Nigerians need physical reasons to celebrate truth as a virtue. The same truth and transparency that many political candidates are quick to pledge allegiance to on their campaign trails.

Yes, we must hold political candidates and leaders accountable, but a change in ideology must also commence within us: in our brains and hearts. We must affect our way of thinking with a greater will to politically educate ourselves, rather than

One Vote A t

A Time continuously adopting a sit and watch approach. As young people, political participation is an integral part of our societal framework, and the responsibility of voting sets a positive example to neighbour's, friends and family who may be uninterested in or unfamiliar with the electoral system.

Imagine 80 million Nigerians who are politically in-tune with the decisionmaking process. Maybe then our society will sound less like the million voices of a confused marketplace and more reminiscent of the well-harmonized voices of an orchestra.

We should regard our right to vote as a tremendous gift, because in many countries around the globe scores of people fight and die for this right. A right that many in democratic-styled nations, such as Nigeria, take for granted. A democracy is meaningless without the active and willing participation of its 27

citizenry. A government by the people and for the people cannot work without the people. This is a simple fact. Like a car without an engine, or a computer without a hard drive, a democracy without voters is just a shell and has no power.

While it is easy to say, “One vote doesn't make a difference,� the stark reality in a transparent democracy is that every vote counts. Going to the polls on voting day sets a good example for others.

Remember, your children if you have any, they observe all that you do and will learn from your examples, right or wrong as they may be. Civic awareness is an important part of their training and it is one of the early steps on the road to maturity.

By exercising our suffrage, we not only reflect national pride in Nigeria, we also illustrate voting as a true expression of a person's right to the freedom of speech.

Essentially, voting is not only our right, but also our fundamental duty as patriotic Nigerians. Change is within our reach, let us effect it.

Kevin Johnson-Azuara is the Editor-in-Chief of PoliticsAfrica.com. Follow him on Twitter @KevinJAzuara

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Make That New Year

Resolution

Stick

e have just crossed the threshold into a New Year, in reflecting back -all the Sallah meats are long gone, Christmas presents bought and preparations for end-of-year visits to the village done but aren't we forgetting something? What comes to mind as the year winds down? No idea? I'll give you a clue then. Resolutions... That sort of gave it away, right? Yes, New Year resolutions!

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If by any chance, you have a sour look on your face right now, then you're exactly like me. I could never understand what the big deal about then was or

even why people chose to stress themselves that way. That said, it's not like I had never made New Year's resolutions in the past. They just never survived past the first week of January.

Anyways, this isn't about my half-hearted attempts so let's just jump right into it.

What is a New Year resolution but a commitment made to oneself? It's a dream, a wish to be fulfilled but within the time limit of one year. First of all, making one is easy but it takes a huge amount of guts, will-power, resolve & maybe even a little pinch of desperation to keep it. On the other hand though, making one and then failing to keep it can be a huge blow to the self-esteem, don't you think? I mean, no one's going to arrest you or anything but the knowledge that you couldn't keep a promise to yourself can make you question your own self importance, failing to come up with a good reason for ignoring your resolutions can bring about some negativity into your life.

The thing about New Year resolutions is they could be about anything. For some people it's all about the 29

material things, a well-paying job, their first million, a new car to wipe the grin off that rich acquaintance's face, a trip to exotic locations. Name it and I'm pretty sure someone out there has made it their goal to achieve during the course of the New Year. For others, resolutions stem from a more personal place, often fuelled by the desire to better themselves, grow more introspective, to be healthier, kinder or more open to other people's pain. Still, there are those who make such resolutions based on spiritual and religious convictions. There are choices like the need to be closer to God; be respectful to nature and also to listen keenly when the universe drops subtle hints.

So instead of waiting for something to happen, learn from Julia Robert's character in EAT PRAY LOVE. Force some change into your lives by channelling and experiencing new and positive things. Who knows? 2011 may turn out to be your best year ever. I already know what my new year's resolution is going to be. What's yours?

From all of us Top 25 this is saying happy new year!

By Jidda Ahmadu

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i ew v

r

Yes I write all my songs. Of course I am open to ideas but the bulk of the work is done by me What should we expect from your album?

My album is going to have a lot of elements in it. It's going to be fun, conscious, emotional, rap and some surprise features Single and searching? Or in a relationship?

I am in a relationship Words of advice to others that want to follow in your footsteps.

Be patient, follow your heart, work hard, trust God and don't let anybody tell you can't do it. If I can be where am at today then you can go even further and do even better.

Real Name: Panshak Zamani Stage Name: Ice Prince Where do you get your inspiration from?

I find inspiration from God and all the things around me, I also inspire myself.

Do you write all your songs?

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Real Name: Kelechi Ohia Stage Name: Kel What made you decide to become an artist?

I always knew I wanted to be in the entertainment industry, I just wasn't sure exactly what I was going to be doing. I started out rapping along to other people's songs, and then writing my own.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

From God, from life.

What should we expect from your album?

A more grown up Kel What is your ideal way to spend valentines?

A quiet night in, dinner and old movies with loads of red wine ;) Words of advice to others that want to follow in your footsteps?

Be you. Do you. Pay no mind to whatever people say or think about you. Trust in God. Have fun. Live!

Stage Name:The Faculty Real names: Danladi Jacob (Five), Dlama Ezekiel (GrandSUN), George Iverson Amwe (Juze) and Gwanzwang Duniya (Gwan)

We have a lot of gigs lined up especially in Abuja but the one we're most excited about is "Hybrid Theory presents: The Faculty".

Check our Facebook page for frequent updates on our gigs and everything Faculty related http://www.facebook.com/thefaculty Ideal way to spend Valentine's?

Clear your schedule (including work if possible), buy her cards, chocolate and the gift(s) she really wants (pay attention to the subtle hints), don't take her to dinner, cook for her that day! Whatever you do, make sure the day is absolutely about her... 'Cos all a girl really wants is love, attention, to be treated right and made to feel special. I think!

How did you start out?

We were all students at Ahmadu Bello University and every friday night, we'd meet and trade verses with other rappers at Sculpture garden (venue for a rap cipher held in the school). The four of us decided to record a couple of tracks together, the result was 9 songs recorded in two days! We decided it shouldn't be a one-off situation... The Faculty was born!

Upcoming events?

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Real Name: Chinegwu carl Stage Name : RUDEBONE How did you start out?

I started by brake dancing on stage in my secondary school (Kings college Lagos) I was d best in my set and I represented my school in many events, I became a star instantly.

What should we expect from your album The best Dance hall music and videos, 15 tracks like Bust it up, DrunkHard rmx, CHINKUZZY, Hota Faya n Also collaboration with Foreign artiste like Sodja boy, Rihanna, TYGA,VyBzkartel and Nigerian artiste like tu face, mallamspicey, daddy fresh, blacksolo, Young so,Yahill, 2duk kay, Dj cizle etc??

What are your plans for the future? To make my new Chinkuzzy dance popular all over d world n To live a happy , peaceful and long life and also to make positive impact in other peoples life.??

Words of advice to others that want to follow in your footsteps?

Be focused, always pray and worship God.?

Gadgets

I like it when

you touch me like that:

T

ouch screen devices have been around for a while, fashion designers, graphics experts and architects all wowed us in the past with their tablet PCs. They were so cool, the swivel-screen the light scribe pen, it all seemed like technology that was a generation away. Eventually touch screen technology came to phones, I remember having a QTek phone a few years ago, thought it was the best thing since sliced bread, but I was wrong. I had not seen the apple iphone yet.

Apples Iphone brought a revolution to the cell phone market, it made touch screen phones mainstream and, with the success of the iphone, many phone makers have scrambled to get there own version of a touch screen out, and many have brought forward a number of commendable offerings.

The evolution of the touchscreen device has however taken a new form, the tablet. A small, portable computer, bigger and more functional than a phone yet smaller and more portable than a PC. The two major tablet offerings are Apple's IPad and Samsung's Galaxy tablet (RIM will be offering the Blackberry playbook this first quarter of 2011).

Samsung Galaxy: The Samsung Galaxy measures in at 7 inches and runs on the much talked about google operating system, Android 2.2. It touts a 1GHz processor, 16GB of onboard memory (with front and rear-view cameras. With a slew of applications available through the Android Application store and the open nature of the android OS finding an application that will keep you busy poking, prodding and sliding your fingers up and down the galaxy tab's screen will be very easy.

Many believe the Galaxy Tab to be the one tablet PC that can unsit Apple's iPad as the king of the Tablets.

(Samsung Galaxy Tab can be found in most electronic stores, it is also bundled with 32

a data plan in most Etisalat stores for N125,000) Apple iPad: Apple's iPad has reigned supreme as the only tablet worth getting for a long time (until Samsung's offering) and is still the only tablet to get for those who prefer a bigger, 9.7 inch, screen. With its flawless iOS 4.2 operating system, a beautiful muti-touch screen and battery life that will impress anyone, Apple certainly did not skimp on anything when it comes to the iPad. The iPad comes in 16, 32 and 64GB versions each with an option of wifi only or a wifi + 3G options. (Apple's iPad are available at most electronic stores with prices ranging from N80,000 to N200,000) I have seen and played around with both the Galaxy Tab and the iPad, and functionally both are on par with each other. The iPad however ekes out a win for me based solely on how sexy a device it is. The bigger screen and aluminum casing just screams “pick me up, hold me!� Now if only our service providers will offer us services that will allow us to tap into the full potential of these cool tools.

by Ibrahim M Aliyu

nanet suites

Nanet Suites located in Central District Area, Abuja is the best one-bedroom hotel apartment in Abuja.

The hotel offers a Nollywood Lounge which attracts all the who-is-who in Nollywood. With a celebrities nite club and Live Band, the hotel offers a forever entertainment.

Nanet Hotel Limited Superior Hospitality Services.

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Ekiti House, Plot 1042 Kur Mohammed Street, Central Business District Near Federal Secretariat, Abuja, Nigeria.

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We Do Kids Parties Too! Goodies Filled Character Bags & Yummy Kids treats 4c Lake Chad Street, Maitama, Abuja +234 803 192 3805 33

25 Ways to Say

“I LOVE YOU“

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he French say “Je'tai me,” the Spanish “Te Amo” while in English it's simply I LOVE YOU. But how do we say it in our own Nigerian languages?

Here are 25 ways to say, “I love you.”

1) Hausa – Ina son ka/ki sosai 2) Yoruba – Mo ni ife re

3) Ibo – Ahuru M Gi N'anya 4) Fulani – Mi Yiddi ma 5) Kanuri – Nya Rakna 6) Nupe – Miye wa we 7) Gwari – Mmiyehollo 8) Igala – Na fedo uwe 9) Tiv – U doom shima 10) Jaba – Mi shim whoo 11) Ibibio – Mme Mma fien 12) Ugep - Atum a dem 13) Etsako – Ukpemevho 14) Ankwai – Henzem gor/yor 15) Ikwerre – Afuru M Gi N'anya 16) Idoma – Ahum otu 17) Anang - Mmu ma fien 18) Margih – Jagu Ngau 19) Ijaw – Ari e dise mi 20) Igbira – Mesirai awu 21) Efik – Mma ma-fi 22) Tangale - Naan ka amdo mi fif 23) Urhobo – Wojevwe

24) Yagba – Mofe o 25) Okrika – I belema me

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Health & Beauty

36

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f you are fed up of being told what to eat and drink, this could be your lucky day. In this edition, we have selected three sets of food which are healthy but defer in relation to what you want your food to do for you. We know living in the Capital city is not easy with everyone telling us what is good for us and fighting with cravings for the bad stuff, food is not an exception. We would love to take you through the good, the bad and not so ugly stuff-but as a part of a healthy and balanced diet, the following foods aren't actually as bad for as you may think.

The Good (for those looking to loose a few pounds) Cherry Anyone who has ever had anything to do with cherries knows that at the time birds start to eat them, they are ripe and

Have Fun Eating Healthy delicious. They are delicious and have health benefits and an encounter with cherries once or twice a week allows for weight loss, while purifying the body and cleansing the blood. Next time you miss your gym session, consider punishing yourself with half a bag of cherries.

Sweet Potatoes As the name implies, I cannot imagine the number of ways in which people can benefit from adding it to their diet. It's a good source of easily digested carbohydrates and it is beneficial in weight loss diets because it produces a feeling of satiety that reduces the appetite. They also contain only 150Kcal/100g which is consistent to weight loss diets as well as relieving hunger for several hours.

Asparagus Have you ever looked for something you could eat that will literally burn your excess fat and be healthy to your system as well? Studies have shown that the body burns off energy while digesting asparagus, and also makes your kidneys work better. Whether fried, boiled or 37

fresh in a bowl of salad, it is the secret to getting into that new dress you bought.

The Bad (I don't care about weight lossjust want to have fun eating healthy) Pizza Yep! You heard right, Pizza-but not the thick crusted one with cheese pouring from the side and thick chunks of beef.

I'm talking about the pizza base that is made of healthy wholemeal or wholegrain with a rich tomato sauce smeared on it with fresh veggies and lean meat, topped with a low fat mozzarella.

Trust me; a homemade pizza like this with all the vital food groups is healthier than a bowl of eba and egusi with goat meat.

Peanut Butter Butter is something every culture in Nigeria has in common for breakfast.

While it may not be as tasty as processed butter, it has a lesser fat and caloric content, and it is healthy too.

Peanut butter is known to reduce LDL levels (which are linked to heart diseases) in the body, and it is not known

to increase weight gain. Smear it on your bread, biscuits, oat cake, with the mindset it is just 150Kcal and tastes good.

The tempting addictions‌ (For chocolate and ice cream addicts) Chocolate For those addicts who have no rehab to go to, dark chocolate helps to lower your sweet cravings while you are on a diet. Next time you're having a bowl of ice cream, pour some dark chocolate on it, this will give you less than 150kcal, compared to a slice of cheese cake which contains over about 500kcal.

Always remember ice cream and dark chocolate will not help you in losing weight and when taken in excess will invariably contribute to weight gain.

So at the end of the day not everything labelled as bad is really bad. Have fun while eating, exercise and remember to always eat responsibly.

by Dr Samuel Lassa (MBBS, MPH, FRSTMH)

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made the standard that only thin people are pretty and the ultimate in beauty?

We live in a world where people are willing to die, just to fit in a social society that is false. Beauty does not lie in the numbers on the scale,how much you weigh is NOT more important than your character, your personality. I have been heavier and I have been thinner, I am the same person at any weight.

We need to learn to love ourselves not for our physical image but for our internal soul. Whether you are a size 0 or a 40 celebrate the best of you. Each of us has abilities that are special you will be your very best if you share who you are with others. Let your radiance shine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Bring out the Confidence! It's sexy, powerful, and alluring.

wei g ht n our society today, most young women equate being skinny or even a size 0 to being considered beautiful or sexy. I was watching doctor Phil one day and heard these two girls talking about how they would rather die than be fat and my heart just went out to them. Who

I

For many women, confidence is the 40

missing beauty tip that makes the difference between great first dates, job interviews, midterm exams, raising kids, and trying to fit into those skintight leggings – just about everyone needs an occasional ego boost .

Follow these tips for feeling more confident and they will help to bring out your inner beauty. *Splurge on a great hairdo: Hair they say is a woman's crowning glory. Wellmade hair always looks gorgeous, making you feel that much more beautiful. *Embrace your own uniqueness! One of the biggest obstacles women face is that they compare themselves to others and thus, do not appreciate their own unique qualities. We each have something unique about us and we need to celebrate our diversity instead of trying to fit the same mold. “Each woman is like an instrument in the symphony of life‌each has a different sound, a different shape, a different purpose, but together we can make beautiful music"

special.

Do you have a gap toothed smile? a beauty mole?cat eyes? Angelina jolie lips? Whatever, find that unique feature and embrace it!

another person and for sure we know models and celebs are as insecure as we all are at times!

*Keep your eyebrows groomed: Makeup artists swear that well-kept eyebrows pull your look together, even without any makeup at all.

*List your life successes: Chances are, they are all things that have nothing to do with your weight or looks.

Looks are just one part of your awesome package!

*Get real: It's okay to admit you'll never look like Halle Berry or Cindy Crawford . It's also okay to be happy about it! No one can look like

*Giving back is a surefire way to increase your self esteem and get your spirits up . It's simple: feel good by doing good. *Put yourself first: We all have responsibilities and a lot of us have dependents but it is important to do something that is just for you everyday. It's the greatest act of selfrespect and it will make you feel

Everything that makes you feel good will help to build up your confidence.

So the bottom line ladies: love yourself @ every weight,height,skin color! How do you expect to be loved if you don't love yourself first?

Some Inspirational Beauty Quotes: "Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart." ~ Kahlil Gibran "You can take no credit for beauty at sixteen. But if you are beautiful at sixty, it will be your soul's own doing." ~ Marie Stopes "Everybody is unique. Compare not yourself with anybody else lest you spoil God's curriculum." ~ Baal Shem Tov “Revere the body and care for it, for it is a temple." ~ Swami Muktananda

By Lami Jacobs

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2nd floor 911 mall @ 70 usuma st maitama, 9.30 am to 8 pm pillow.talk.lingerie@gmail.com, Tel: 097831377

Pillow Talk

On The Scene

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for Screamfest were Aaron and Sharon Igho of the music group Addiction and also new music sensation John Ogah.

Top 25 was there to capture gory and glory of Halloween. bY iBlend

Screamfest! he origin of Halloween are said to be in Rome but it is an idea popularised in America, as the annual holiday observed every October 31. iblend the multifaceted entertainment company based in Abuja, brought Halloween closer home with their Screamfest

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Event which attracted the crème of Abuja. Eddie Madaki the face behind Screamfest said it wasn't just a party but a feel of how Halloween is supposed to be celebrated. Oche Ejiga of iBlend said their focus was to up the ante in terms of providing entertainment value for the capital city.

Amongst the guests that showed up 44

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MI2 THE MOVIE

ALBUM LAUNCH PARTY

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help buyers make choices that left them looking and feeling like a million bucks inside and out! This was also helped by the models who modelled the current season collections.

talk

Pillow Pillow Talk a new luxury boutique in the heart of Abuja recently opened its doors to all lovers of style, luxury and comfort. Guests were treated to champagne, cocktails, cupcakes and chocolate-dipped strawberries while shopping from the various lingerie, shapewear, loungewear, sleepwear and accessories for both men and women from renowned luxurious and yet cost-conscious

houses like La Senza,Victoria's Secret, Intimissimi, M&S, Ann Summers, Ardyss, Squeem, Shirley of Hollywood and many more in the cerise and black boudoir-inspired store.

With so many beautiful and fabulous styles from the various ranges in-store, the guests had a hard time choosing things for themselves. However, the shop assistants who were dressed in trendy black outfits were on hand to 48

Gift items were also available such as Bed of Roses, Weekender and Holiday kits to keep people busy on their down-time!

The store also offers one-on-one bra fittings and consultations on a walk-in or appointment basis to ensure that your lingerie is the absolute right fit for your style and personality.

For the team at Pillow Talk, their ultimate desire is that the products bring clients joy, inspiration, stimulation and relaxation. In other words, a true and complete sense of well-being inside and out.

Come into the Pillow Talk parlour, we'd love to see you!

Address: 911 Mall on Usuma, Maitama District, Abuja. Tel: 09-7831377.

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Shopping

Experience

Cioa Restaurant

es Lifes h t o l C tyle Food

and much more!

Nanet Suites

Saturday, February

19th, 2011

Time: 12pm to 7pm for enquiries: 08053379058, 07037408166 50

become an asset to herself and others around her.

The JL

Woman

Program he JL woman program is a charity organization founded

by Tinuola Adaeze Oluleye. It comprises of JL women, who dedicate their time to teach and empower young girls. In her own words 'we give them the platform to discuss various issues they face at that age'. As a JL woman, her goal is to make sure that young women are not defined by their environment so that they strive to be confident, independent women who will

The charity recently organized a charity music and fashion show in November which showcased a variety of Abuja fashion designers such as Ms Makor and Coco' Couture and up-and-coming musicians such as Rude Bone. It was a well attended red carpet affair which helped raise awareness of the tremendous impact the charity is having in the lives of the young girls under their care. The young girls from the orphanage were also in attendance and they modeled some t-shirts and handbags from the designers and also put on a musical performance to show their appreciation to their big sisters.

The event was a success and the charity got some individual sponsors and they are hoping to get major corporate sponsors involved in their next event.

For further details about the JL program contact Tinuola her JL office Shop 15, New Banex plaza (vina), Wuse 2, Abuja Telephone: 08065666615

By Zainab Mohammed

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The Runway Music & Fashion Event @ This Day Dome

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Comic

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Get Listed

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Fashion and Accessories

Dboutique 41 Jimmy Carter street, Asokoro.

08057688888, www.dboutiqueng.com open 10am-8pm.

Dzny Couture Shop 3, Ground Floor, Asokoro Shopping Mall, Asokoro. 08036789302.

9am – 6pm, open Mon-Sat. Black Chik Shop C12, Al-Mahila Plaza, opposite KIA Motors, Area 11, Garki 08022002672.

10am – 6pm daily.

Wisemen Apparel unit 111 & 112 Dunes Centre, Aguiyi Ironsi Bakhour World way, Maitama, Abuja. of Fragrance 234 -9-4133099 Shop A10, Royal Plaza, 12 Fria Close, off Kontessa Ademola Adetokunbo 36 ceddi plaza, Tafawa Crescent, opposite Balewa way, central Rockview Hotel, business district, Wuse 2, 08043307125.

08028365356.

9am-8pm Mon-Sat. Open 10am-8pm Mon - Sat. Liberty Shoe Shop Transcorp Hilton Hotel, 696 Boutique 32 Julius Nyerere 1 Aguiyi Ironsi Street/ Crescent, Spring View Shehu Shagari way, Hotel, near FHA, Maitama. 09-4613000.

Asokoro. 08030846099.

9am – 9pm Mon – Sat. 60

The Shoe Warehouse Ceddi Plaza, Plot 264 Tafawa Balewa way CBD, wuse 2. 08138644035.

Coco' Couture No 7, Aguyi Ironsi Complex By Cantonment, Asokoro.

Tel: 07052999917 Berrys Coture No 4 Kumasi Cresent, Off Aminu Kano Road.

Tel: 08075177766 Evez Makeup & Lingerie USC 01, Block 1, K-City Plaza, Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2.

Tel: 08035989256

Health

Food

DIFF Hospital Abuja No. 6 Udi Hills Close, Aso-Drive, Maitama, Abuja. 234 -9- 2905998

Sinoni Chinese Restaurant Zeto Court, Oshogo Close, Area 11, Garki.

Tel: 08060958818

Asokoro Hospital Oliver Tambo Street, off Julius Nyerere Cresc, Asokoro, Abuja.

234-9-3141495 Abuja Clinic Plot 1261 Amazon Street, Maitama, Abuja. 234-9-2342199

La Luna 21 Usuma Street, Off Gana Street, Maitama.

Tel: 08036651343

Health World Pharmacy Suite 26B, Silverbird Galleria, Central Business District Tel:07041338317 Natalicious Western High Street Labels Call 08067806611 email: natalicious.abj@gmail.com

Burger Lounge Maitama Amusement Park, Off IBB Way, Maitama.

Tel: 08134855922

Cityview Restaurant 2407 Cape Town Street, Wuse Zone 4.

Tel: 09 6704224

Tonia Pharmacy Landmark Plaza, Suite 2 IBB Way, Maitama.

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Nylah’s Catering No 1 Nairaobi street.

Tel: 07036407369

Children

Kidsville Upstairs at Drumstix Restaurant, 32 Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2.

Tel: 08078005681 Hilton Playground Transcorp Hilton Hotel, 1 Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Tel: 09 461 3000

Wonderland Amusement Park Bumbuna Street, Wuse, Opp National Stadium.

Nanet Suites Ekiti House, Plot 1042, Kur Mohammed Street, Central Business District, Tel:

National Children's Park & Zoo Off Central Business District, By Asokoro, After Millenium Park.

Tel: 0807024001

Nicon Luxury Plot 903, Tafawa Balewa Way, Area 11, Garki. Tel: 09-461 9000

Maitama Amusement Park Off IBB Way, Maitama.

Tel: 08134855922

Valencia Hotel 44 Blantyre Street, Off Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse 2.

Tel: 09 461 8300

Sheraton Hotel Playground & Pool Ladi Kwali Way, PMB 143, Zone 4.

Hotels

Hawthorne Suites Plot 2493, Uke Street, Garki 2.

Travels

Aero Contractors www.flyaero.com Arik Air: www.arikair.com Chanchangi Airlines: www.chanchangi.com

Dana Airlines:

www.flydanaair.com

IRS Airlines:

www.irs-airlines.com

Overland Airways: Transcorp Hilton Hotel 1 Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Tel: 09 461 3000 Summerset Hotel 73 Usuma Street, Maitama.

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www.overland.com

Arts & Entertainment

Bwari Pottery Village Next to Nigeria Law School, Old Suleja Road, Bwari.

Tel: 08033117478

Thought Pyramid Art Gallery 62 Parakou Crescent, Wuse 2.

Tel: 08033322885

Beauty

Supermarkets

Amigos 1023 Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse 2.

Tel: 09 5238624

MB Hammam 31B suez crescent, Sheraton housing estate, wuse 4 (09-6724117, 08058544665).

Open 8am-7pm tue-sat; noon-7pm Sunday

Dunes Centre 44 Aguyi Ironsi Way, Maitama.

Tel: 09 4131911 Grand Square Plot 270 Muhammed Buhari District, Central District.

Tel: 09 7822380 Exclusives Stores Plot 1202 Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Opp Rockview Hotel, Wuse 2.

Bnatural 15 Imani estate, maitama (09-4139526, 08024246459)

Opticians

Ninads Luxury Spa 14 Djibouti Crescent, Wuse 2, Tel: 09 8700113

Park 'n' Shop 740 Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse 2.

Tel: 09 4135892 63

Marketing & Consultancy

Gmamz Ltd. 20 Thaba-Tseka Street, Wuse 2.

Tel: 08033454909, 08077755544. www.gmamz.com

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