CONTENT
FEBRUARY 2017
EDITOR’S NOTE
www.mediaroomhub.com
SPECIAL FEATURES ASO-EBI CIRCUIT Nhn Ways
COUPLE’S HILLS THE JOURNEY OF MARRIAGE TURNED INSIDE OUT
THE OBAMA OF RIVERS STATE CREDITS Hair stylish-Ferdinand odinaka orji the wig lord . CEO ferdinandshair Studio.
Clothes by Enthyst Fashion Klinik And Ouch. Hair by It’s Hair We Are for Wigs
COVER STORY BY AZUKA OGUJIUBA
PG. 4
Mercy Johnson Okogie’s Costumes by Ndidi Obioha, CEO, Enthyst Fashion klinik. Henry Odianosen Okogie’s costumes by Uche Nnaji, CEO Ouch
Stylist Moses Ebite for Moashystyling Makeup-Davesucre Mide’s Mane, It’s Hair We Are for Wigs, BK unique hair. Cover photography Bamiyo Emina
SUBSCRIBE TO MEDIA ROOM HUB www.mediaroomhub.com
At a certain stage in one’s life, you want to pick up your mantle and stir the direction of your journey, even if you can’t foresee what lies ahead, and not even if you consult a crystal ball. The arduous plod of survival, clustered by fear, drains your ability to take a leap at any adventure. But the journey must sternly continue, even if l don’t know whether it’s leading to the four cardinal points. The Media Room Hub has begun a journey and off course I am the pilot, I must confess fear of the unknown occupied the tunnel of this trip, but I hear a voice from my inner man saying ‘it is well’. Well, has that fear disappeared completely, I guess not, but my mind is made up to go on this journey, whether it is on a camel’s back or a speed car. This site was suppose to be up on the 14th of February but we had some technical issues, then it occurred to me that February is the month of celebrating love. People celebrate love everyday though. As a hopeless romantic, I chose the season of love to commence this journey and also I love the color red. It simply oozes the word love. February is known as the month of love and this is mainly because Valentine’s Day, a day which love is celebrated worldwide, is on the 14th of February. On this day, people show their affection and love towards others by sending cards, flowers and gifts to them. Valentine is every day for some people while some others can’t be bothered. This maiden edition celebrates love, the color red, it’s fashionable antics, its bold and enchanting presence, how it’s glued to your memory, your eyes, your mind, your heart, soul and how it finally turns you to a foolish clown. Nevertheless, it’s also a beautiful feeling. We all know the Nigerian sweetheart, Mercy Johnson Okojie, our beautiful talented thespian and the girl-next-door. Back from her last movie set, we were able to able to hang out a whole day
with her and her amiable hubby, off to our Media Room Hub set for our Valentine edition. This debut edition is jam-packed with celebrating couples who have stood the test of time in making sure their holy matrimony works. Also for the fashion segment, we are showcasing fashionable and stylish women who have made bold statements in their red outfits, from evening gowns to little red dresses to traditional outfits. The bold and daring men are not left out either. Mabel Makun, the CEO of Midas Interior, also tells us why the red color is a stimulant for her. And guys find out who is the Obama of River state. How can I not mention the bold voices God used as instruments to destroy my fear on this journey. Simon Kolawole, my former Saturday editor, Thisday Newspapers was like a guardian escort in the media jungle, Lanre Alfred my brother from another mother, the only Akogun of the Nigeria media, Efe Tommy, my fashion mirror, Konye Chelsea Nwabogor, my sister from another mama, always ready to listen to me even my irrelevant gists, Ifan Ifeanyin Micheals, Chuks Nwanne, Femi Salau, Funke Osai Brown, Toyosi Ogunseye, Lanre Odukoya, Bolaji Okusaga, Bola Balogun, Archie Ezenagu, Ndidi Obioha, Chika Acholonu -Ekezie, Mercedez Richards. My four special friends, My baby’s god-mother Sylvia Mordi-Moemeke, My childhood, primary and secondary school Kate Imafidon, my Yinnnngiii Yannnngiii, my friend turned blood sister Joy Chico Ejiro and Bamidele Bentley Sharayi, their friendship supportive system woke me from my slumber. I know l will never stop saying THANK YOU forever, l am grateful. Above all l am extremely grateful to the big lion of
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my little kingdom, he never sleeps nor slumber over my affairs. He goes before me with his Holy ghost sword and maketh the way as easy as can be, thank you God. On this maiden cover project, l worked with my friend who has also turned my sister Ndidi Obioha, ever supportive of anybody’s dream. I called her up and told her of my plans even in the face of daunting anxiety. She laughed at me, gave me the push word. She opened her Enthyst Fashion Klinik doors to us. All Mercy Johnson Okogie’s outfits for the shoot were from her store. Uche Nnaji of Ouch, with the moniker, Nigeria Style Doctor gladly made sure Henry Okogie looked dapper in his black suit. Moses Ebite of MoashyStyling, thank you so much for taking out time to style this project. It was so much fun pulling this idea with you. Davesucre, thank you for coming to my aid at the last minute, you are so reliable and this explains my gratitude. My Lord of wigs, Ferdinand Ordinaka Orji you have been amazingly supportive, thank you for appearing at a shirt notice. Bamiyo Emina shot and produced the cover pictures, Bamiyo thank you for not hesitating to agree to do this, even at a very short notice. Thank you Mide’s Mane hair, BK unique hair and It’s Hair We Are For Wigs. My team, yes we had sleepless nights getting ready, secretly l was scared you guys will give up on the project because of the hard floor where we all spent the night, thank you Seyi Akindubi, Pelumi Sharayi, Daniel Oluseyi and Oluwatobi Ogidiolu, l am so grateful to God for bringing you guys into my world A big thank you to all my friends whose names I regrettably couldn’t mention for want of space. I say the biggest thank you to everybody who has chipped in a word of encouragement one way or the other from the ‘ikebe’ of my heart. You are welcome to join me on this jolly journey!!!
Azuka Ogujiuiba
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MERCY JOHNSON OKOJIE
By Azuka Ogujiuiba
A NEW WORLD OF ‘MERCY’ For Nollywood heartthrob, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, the rain of pains simmered into light showers until the grim tale finally gave way for a bright new day. She has waltzed out of despair, perhaps eternally too, and Mercy left nothing to return to in her past. Welcome to a world of new ‘Mercy’, an adoring mother, witty wife and riveting actress as she takes us through some of the secrets held to close her chest these past years. Enjoy this exclusive Valentine’s special from us to you
Are there things you’re looking forward to this Valentine? That’s very hard to tell. Last week I was saying to my husband ”valentine is next week o, hope you’re planning a surprise,tell me now if you have a plan.” Every Valentine something always happens in our marriage and since last week I’ve been hearing some whispers here and there and when he starts whispering, something is going down. Are you also surprising him? No, I’m not surprising him. I’ll just smile all day, that’s enough, isn’t it? Which has been your best Valentine’s Day celebration together? It was actually the one we had when he visited me in Asaba, Delta State. I actually know the very day I conceived for Henry. I was working then when he came to see me. After the Valentine ’s Day get-together, my son Henry came.
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Has motherhood not slowed you down? You had just a few outings last year? I’d say yes, motherhood has slowed me down, but does it matter? I’d say no, it hasn’t slowed my life down. In my life, with marriage, dealings with people and so on I’ve learnt to appreciate myself first and recognize integrity before I can dish it out to any other person. I know what it means to have a scale of preference and do things in a manner of importance. Work has slowed down because I want it to slow down, if I want to leave my home and my kids at home and go to Asaba to work back to back or stay in Lagos and work like that, it’s not a problem because I get calls every day. It’s a way of life that I’ve chosen, so if you call me and it’s not convenient for Yes, me, I’d just tell you I cannot do it. My kids are in school right now and I have to do the school ‘runs’, wake up to get the kids ready for school, take care of the house, my husband, it’s fun and motherhood I love to do it. If anything just collides with what I’d planned I just let go. If you call me for a movie and it’s convenient I’d just tell my husband, ‘my love I’m going to shoot next week’, and has slowed me he’d say ‘sure, you can go’. But if I can’t make it due to one issue or the other having something to do with my husband and/or my kids, I just let it go. down, but does Some celebs have gone on maternity leave and by the time they’d return, new kids on the it block have taken their place. Don’t you fear that you might lose your place? I can never lose my place or be displaced by anybody. My name is Mercy Johnson Okojie, I nev- matter? I’d say er have such fear. Nollywood is like a family; it’s a large field and nobody can take anybody’s place. Even though I don’t get to do many films, when I do one, people will know that Mercy no, it hasn’t has done this. It’s not pride, I’m just saying that I know who I am and I know what I’ve got. So you can do all the ones you can do and I’ll do the ones I can do. It’s a not a tussle, I’m very comfortable in my space. If I have to do one in three months, it’s fine as long as I have something slowed my life back home that makes me smile all day. down… Are there targets you have in 2017? With marriage and motherhood, when you have one it’s tough let alone having three kids, so I’m doing my own TV show entitled ‘Mercy Marriage and Cooking’. I birthed the idea after I saw a tweet by ElDee, when he said something about role models and young girls of these days picking Kim Kardashian as a role model when they have people like Ndidi Obioha, Betty Irabor and others doing well in their marriages and career. When you follow people like these, you sum it up all, you’re a like a full package. So I’m going to have them come and do some dishes while we talk about some things that make their marriage work. The tweet got to me and I realized that we don’t even have a talk-show that talks about these career realities and nuggets of marriage. Part of the things that have made my marriage work is that I have a good foundation- I have mother, pastors, and elders who say, ‘Mercy, do it like this, do it like that’. And then I chose to learn and it has paid off. That’s what prompted the TV show and it’s going to be on-air soon. I’ve had some delays just like with any production. After the show comes a short drama on marriage and that’s going to keep me busy for the year. Aren’t you going to be on location for some other scripts? I don’t have much time for that now because I’m doing a series for Glo, ‘Professor Johnbull’ and I’m doing one for Africa Magic now which has only just started. In between them I have a few
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projects to handle too. Six years ago when you were on your way to marrying your ‘knight’, a scandalous tale made the rounds, so many had fears for you. Would you say that was the most trying time of your life in marriage? To be honest, when all of those things were going on, I love husband’s soul; it’s not about his physical appearance or any other thing. I remember very well that I was fasting from 12am to 12pm, and then when I heard what people had to say even though they didn’t truly know what was happening and kinds of things people were writing on their pages, they just tarnished someone’s image when they knew nothing about the real story. I said to God one day at 12 midnight, “these tears I’ve shed before this marriage are the last I will shed, and this would be my last embarrassment. When I get into this marriage, I’m going to be happy.” And it’s been that way. Yes, that was my most trying time (with tear-laden eyes) because I’ve never had a cause to be as sad as I was then. In marriage you’d have some minor misunderstandings (cheering up transitorily as she wipes her tears) and I could frown at him and pretend I was going to sleep in another room. It’s been so much fun marrying my husband I must confess. I know at what point to get to him because we’ve evolved, so we understand how to let go of everything. What’s been the longest time you quarreled? Have you had nights or days you didn’t talk to each other? No, that’s not possible because I play too much. My husband is tired of hearing ‘I’m sorry’. The other day he said, “My love why did you do this?” I said, “I’m sorry” and he responded, “don’t tell me you are sorry, just don’t do it again.” When I ask him to come and eat and he goes like I’m not eating. I’d just say “come on, that small thing I did is why you angry at your baby?” I’ll make him the food, go to him and say, “don’t eat it o, just smell it.” We’ve evolved from those little quarrels. At the early stage of our marriage when I’m angry, I’d squeeze my face and there was nothing he says that I’d listen to. You’d hardly even notice when I’m annoyed, the only thing is that the names I call him, “sex”, “my love”, “my life” and so on, you would not hear anymore. For like five years now, we hardly even ever quarrel because we always have something to talk about, he’s my gossip partner. We have a way of getting above quarrels now, it just doesn’t last anymore. The days you don’t have shoots to do and he’s also at home, what actually goes into your day?
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We have fun, we gist, we talk, we plan and so on. Yesterday, the kids couldn’t go to school, and I can’t remember exactly what they were doing behind the house. From upstairs I just saw my husband swimming, and in my mind I was like, wow, I got you. I just took off my wig and jumped in the pool. So, we chat, we play and he’s like every breath I take in with an aroma of his name on it. We do basically everything together.
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What else do you wish your husband has? Well, you may find this shocking, nobody is perfect but everything about him speaks of perfection. Even when he doesn’t get it right, he makes me laugh and when a man takes me and the kids as priorities at all times, what else would you possibly desire? I think that has taken away my consciousness of every other thing that he lacks. I can’t even see it maybe I’d need someone else to help me pinpoint it. Before you married, you took some brazen roles as a very crude village girl but now that city life has impacted you this much, would you still be able to deliver roles requiring you to play a village girl? I will still play my role that old way but just that I will do it with a lot of caution now. Some of the things I did before I cannot do anymore because I hate to embarrass my husband. Most of the things I did then, so many people didn’t understand that it was acting. I do my job passionately but even with the passion, I recognize the fact that it’s not pleasant to embarrass my husband. You’re almost entirely missing on the red carpets, how long do you want to be away? I love to be on the red carpet, but Angel, my last daughter, is crawling now and I have to pursue her. Is that the kind of thing to leave and go to the red carpet? If it’s extremely important that I should be there, I will be there. If it’s not I won’t just go and take photographs and be 24hours on live streaming, I don’t have that time. Is there anything you miss about being single? Well that was breathing not living, now I’m living and now I have something to live for. I told my husband this last mother’s day that I wanted a gift and he also told me he wanted a gift too. When sleep is sweetest at 4am, Purity is coughing, when Angel is hungry at 3am that’s when I’m dreaming about something so sweet yet I wake up and attend to them. When they are sick, my temperature is high because I’m worried, I know how their voice sounds when they cry and that’s why I was telling my husband that I needed a gift. So no, I don’t miss anything about being single, not even the freedom, I like my life now better. Sometimes when you sit back and watch some of your movies, which one makes you cry the most and makes you laugh the most? ‘Dumebi’ and Immaculate Heart are my favourites. ‘Dumebi’ for the one that makes me laugh and I keep asking myself, ‘are you normal?’ Then ‘Immaculate Hearts’ makes me cry, I feel proud of myself when I watch it. In one of your interviews, you said you were looking up to Genevieve Nnaji, and that you had to find a way into her booth just to catch a glimpse of her. If you knew you would grow this big in the industry, would you still have done that? I love my humble beginnings; I love the fact that something about her nurtured me to this level. I don’t think I would have grown this big if I wasn’t mentored to structure myself in the manner I have now. Growing up, she had a lot of influence in my career, most of the times when she couldn’t work, she’ll have them call me to go do it. I think I would have grown but not as quick as I did learning from her, and I got to understand the intricacies of film making. I got to understand that ‘who pass you, pass you’ and when you give respect to ‘who pass you’ you will grow and not just grow and fade away, you grow and you last. Life is extremely spiritual, forget that we look at it in the physical realm, that’s how I see it. Most of my success in Nollywood, most of the movies I’ve done were courtesy of her, probably when she was busy she recommended me, I’ve heard about a lot of recommendations like that. I would never deny the fact that I like her and that her mentoring structured me to be who I am today so no shame at all. What’s your style? Who is a stylish woman to you? Style for me is comfort; as long as I’m comfortable with what I’m wearing I’m good to go. I’m not good with wearing what’s in vogue except off course when I have good stylists like Moses and co. to dress me up, on my own I can’t. What’s your take of all the drama between you and Tonto Dikeh? There’s nothing to it, sometimes youthful exuberance will make you do some things you shouldn’t do. I’ve has my own fair share too, I’m human and I’ve made errors, some I knew I made and some I didn’t know I made. It’s part of evolvement and we should be proud of the women that we all have grown up to be. When I was younger I made errors too and same with her, what makes you honourable is your ability to know that you have hit the wrong buttons and then you come back and make amends. That shows who a changed person is, shows the strength of going through that thing called labour. The whole thing with Tonto was never an issue actually.
Hair by BK Unique hair Outfit by Ethynst Fashion Klinik
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The media, sometimes they make and other times they mar. What time in your life would you say the media has been unfair to you the most? Media people! I think that perhaps the time before I got married was the most misconstrued time of my life. I just wish that the media understood the kind of hurt people go through when they write things without verifying. This is like adding petrol to a burning fire, and it’s sad. People will say what they want to say with or without but it’s good to sometimes put yourselves in the shoes of those people you are writing about. Almost ninety nine percent of the Nigerian artistes have been misconstrued and labelled as things they are not and the media, as an intermediary between the artistes and the fans should be more investigative. I’ve had my own fair share of hurtful things been said to me by the media but I’ve been able to correct everything by my character and not by making noise. For example, some people predicted three months for my marriage and I’ll say, that fine boy out there, my husband ain’t going anywhere.
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I love to be on the red carpet, but Angel, my last daughter, is crawling now and
I have to
pursue her
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I can never lose my is
place or be displaced by anybody, my name
Mercy Johnson-Okojie, I never have such fear
Super lover, enchanting dad, that’s Prince Okojie Husband of Nollywood belle, Prince Odianosen Okojie, has etched on the sands of time subliminal nuggets for successful marriage, the avid tycoon and politician did this effortlessly. Only the brave will give wings to his wife’s towering career when off course something back at home may well suffer for it. Theirs, read like a fairy tale, and more interestingly are the unassuming roles Okojie played in calming the tempest that greeted their marriage in the wake of it. About love, business and family, the Benin prince speaks:99999999
When did you meet your wife and how has your marriage been so far? Prior to our marriage, I’ve known my wife for three years, we actually met in 2008. We started living together in 2009 and we got married in 2011. It’s bezen God all the way, there’s no miracle or anything much, it’s just been God. With marriage breakups and celebrity dramas, I think it depends on what one wants, for me, when I met my wife, I knew she was the one for me. The love, the affection and the tender care is there and though we might have some misunderstanding but when we sleep over it, we move on. My wife is my best friend and I hold her in high esteem and as a result of this, we don’t quarrel often. When we do, we grow from it and move to the next level. Have you gone on for a day or night without talking? Sometimes when you are angry, do you want to sleep over it and not talk to her? No! Never! I have a very big house, my wife has a very big room and so do I, but she has never spent the night in her room for one day. Sometimes when I tease her and say ‘go to your room’, she tells me ‘this is our room not your room’ and so most times we are always together. I have never experienced anything like this, my marriage to her is so sweet and I’m enjoying it to the fullest. Like I said, I won’t give the kudos to man but to God Almighty who has kept us in happiness, in peace and in harmony. What kind of work do you do and how long does it take you? I am a business man and I’ve been in business since 2006 since I got into Nigeria. I do oil and gas, I work with the federal government on contract basis, I’m into transportation and I’m into real estate. I’m a workaholic; I do any kind of business provided it’s legal. Any legitimate business that will fetch me money, I do it. What is the longest time, you have spent away from your wife? I think about two to three weeks. I travel a lot and when I do, I’m usually in a hurry to get home. The most time I’ve stayed abroad is three weeks, no matter what part of the world I’m in, in three weeks, I must be back home. Kids take so much attention when they start coming, and now that you have three, do they threaten how much time you should enjoy with your wife? Not at all, my kids are lovely. They are also reasons why I hurry to get back home when I travel because they are always saying ‘where’s my daddy, call my daddy, I need to speak to him’. There’s no divided attention at all, love is where it is. I play Ludo, Chess and Scrabble with my wife and my kids know that mum is fun to daddy and dad is fun to mummy. Do you have people or marriages that you try to pattern your marriage after? Not at all, God sent my wife to me. A lot of people want to emulate me, they look up to us and say they want to be like us. I do not give glory to man but to God because of this and what I think has kept us strong is because I’ve been able to love her. What has being the longest holiday you’ve spent together and where did you both go? We travel together a lot, we’ve been on all the continents together. The last time we went to the US, we had a very quiet time, we were in the US for three weeks and from there we also went to other parts of the world. We do everything possible to enjoy ourselves whenever we travel.
Hair by It’s Hair We Are for Wigs Outfit by Ethynst Fashion Klinik
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God sent my wife to me, a lot of people want to
emulate us, they look up to us
and say they want to be like us.
I do not give
glory to man but to
God
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Cover How are you able to deal when you watch your wife on screen? I do not watch her movies. I’ve not done a lot of interviews but the few I’ve done, I usually tell them this. My best TV channels are news channels like CNN and Channels TV. I have multiple decoders in my house and so when the others are watching movies, I’m in the other parlour watching news or football. How then have you been able to critique her? Well I know my wife is good in her job because a lot of people give her compliments. Sometimes when I’m travelling, people walk up to me and tell me that my wife is their best actress and when I get home, I tell her and I’m sure that encourages her. Apart from acting, in what other field do you encourage your wife? I encourage her in every field, whenever she comes up with an idea, I always try to look into it with her, and if it’s something that will help her positively, I encourage her to do it. What other thing does she do outside acting? She has a TV show that she just launched titled ‘Mercy, Marriage and Cooking’. A lot of my friends have told me they would like to see more of her, so I’ve been encouraging her in that field. On a typical day that the both of you do not go out, how do you spend the day? We play Scrabble, we play Ludo, we eat, we swim together, and before we know it, it’s 4:30 and the kids are back from school and then she starts chasing them about in the house. There’s this popular saying; ‘a couple that stays together, pray together’. When it’s time for prayer, who prays more? We are born again Christians and we are proud to be, my wife is a very prayerful woman. A lot of times she won’t even pray for herself, she’s always praying for me all the time. Now my daughter has imbibed this habit, and so anytime I’m going out, she places her hand on my head and says ‘God bless my daddy’ and this makes me feel happy and fulfilled. Are you beginning to see traits of either you or your wife in the kids? Which of them takes after you or her? Well, you know my wife looks like me in a way and a lot of people tell me this, and like I said, God predestined us to be together. I’m a very quiet and reserved person, and I think my son took this from me. He’s private, quiet and reserved. My daughter is very active and she’s more like mummy. To you, what is style? What do you think being stylish is about? Well, I think it depends on what fits you, for me, I do a lot of natives and that’s my style. I feel comfortable in them, and I’m able to wear them to wherever I’m going, even when I attend meetings, which I attend a lot. Who makes your clothes for you? My stylist is in Ikeja, I won’t mention his name. He sews good natives for me; he’s the one that makes all the natives I wear. Your wristwatch is very fine, do you always wear designers? Well I do not usually crave for designers, even though most of my things are designers. Most times when I see anything that I like, I go for it, as long as it fits me. What’s your costliest fashion accessory? I have a Rolex GMT-Master and I bought it for twenty six thousand dollars in Dubai. That was during our second or third year wedding anniversary. Apart from your kids, what’s the biggest gift your wife has ever given you? I’ve received a lot of gifts from my wife, and I do not know the one that’s the most expensive. Whenever she travels, she always gets things for me.
Suit by Uche Nnaji Ceo Ouch
What more do you want in your wife? I don’t want anything, I just want her to keep loving me, and that’s all.
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My wife is a very prayerful woman, a lot of times she won’t even pray
for herself, she’s always praying for me all the time
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Are there any misconceptions about your marriage that you would like to address to the world? One thing I’ll like to address is this; people tend to criticize even when they do not know you. Until you get close to someone, do not criticize or judge that person, because the person you are judging might just be a lovable and caring person. I have a unique character and I don’t need anyone to tell me that, I try as much as possible not to offend anybody. I always try to keep my head up and do my thing. Do you have future political ambitions? Yes, I vied for the deputy governor position in Edo state during the last election. This position is not by election but by selection, but my party chose someone else, and in all humility, I worked for the person that was selected but we didn’t win the election. I think I’m a kind person, and because of this nature, I need a platform whereby, I’ll be able to assist a lot of people and politics affords me this because my business funds won’t be enough. A lot of people depend on me to eat, pay their school fees, and sometimes help with medical bills and for me to be able to do more of these things, I need a platform and that’s why I’m going into politics Your wife is not a red carpet person, in fact she’s one of the most shy faces on the red carpet, but even the few times she has had to come on the red carpet, you are not always with her, why? My wife has a lot on her hands, she’s got three kids to take care of and it’s not easy. My wife cooks my meals; she never let anyone prepare my meals ever. We have two house helps but they never cook my meals. So now, the issue of the red carpets is all about priorities, which is more important; the home, or the red carpet? As regards why I’m not usually on the red carpet with her, my wife is a celebrity, I’m not. She’s busy with her celebrity thing and I’m also busy with my business. I’m a very busy person, if you know what it took to bring me here for this interview, you’ll understand. I’m busy every day, so I don’t have time for red carpets. If it’s so important that she wants us to go together or when I’m free, of course, I would go with her. There was a time that there was so much negative things about you on the media, and when you spoke, everything died a natural death, what has been the worst thing that was said about you? I’m a private person and like I said, it’s until you get close to someone that you can tell who the person is. A lot of people do not know me, neither do they know Mercy so, off course, they believe what they want to believe. For me the only judgment I will believe is God’s judgment. Whatever anybody says about me, I’m not hurt in anyway, I’ve learnt how to move on. How did you feel when you were being called an irresponsible father, and that you abandoned a lady abroad with your kids? People will always talk, but the thing is, the people that know me know the truth. I am very responsible and I’m living up to it so I was not hurt.
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My wife is a celebrity, I’m not… I’m a busy man, so I don’t have time for
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My wife cooks my meals; she never let anyone prepare my meals ever.
We have
two house helps but they never cook my meals
red
carpets
What do you miss about Mercy when she’s on set and not at home? Well, I’m also very busy so most times when she’s on set, I’m most probably not around too. However, my wife is a very lovable person; we play a lot of games together, so when she’s not around I miss those times. What is the best Valentine gift she has ever given to you, or the best Valentine you guys have spent together? The best for me was in 2014. She was in Asaba and I was in Edo, so I drove all the way to Asaba on the 13th because I wanted to be with her. We spent the whole day together before I left. A short while later, she told me she was pregnant for Henry (laughs) so I guess Henry was a Valentine conception. Does she sing to you sometimes when your mood is down? You can’t be down when you are with my wife, we are always happy together. A lot of things take our time so we try to be happy most of the time. How do you guys make up and move on when you quarrel? She lives in my room, she’s there every time, and even when she’s not, l miss her and call her to come, so we settle things there.
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Hair by It’s Hair We Are for Wigs
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Couples’ Hills
Story by Oluwaseyi Akindunbi
To get married is quite easy, to stay married is the big task. Over the years, there have been several stories of couples that were not able to stand ‘the test’ in their marriages and as a result of this, they had to get separated. The question that comes to mind then is; Is Love not Enough? ‘For better; for worse’, ‘for richer; for poorer’, ‘in sickness; in health’ are phrases that are exchanged between husbands and wives on their wedding day. Some might consider these phrases a cliché, but time has shown couples who said these phrases from their hearts. Marriage is not a child’s play, there is bound to be challenges, ups and downs, mountains and valleys, however, no one promised it would be a joy ride either. These couples that inspire us might have had challenges that has threatened to tear them apart. Some have said that, when kids gets in the equation, things might get tough a bit. However, these couples have kids and have stayed together for years; ranging from ten to thirty three years in marriage. Keeping a steady career and keeping a marriage, these couples have become role models to the younger generation. We celebrate these couples and a host of others whose pictures we couldn’t put up because of space and time this Valentine. These couples have been able to weather the storms together. They have stayed with each other through thick and thin, and showed the world that Love is indeed enough if you let it.
Oluwaseun and Eyobasi
AY Makun and Wife, Mabel
The Obama of Rivers State Story by Oluwaseyi Akindunbi
Governor Wike Nyesom is the incumbent governor of Rivers States. He and his beautiful wife Eberechi are known for their PDAs (public display of affection). They are our very own Barack and Michelle Obama in the area of showing their affection for each other publicly and not being shy about it. They’ve been photographed several times locked in warm and passionate embraces and truth be told we are loving every bit of it. This Valentine, we bring to you this wonderful couple that shows that PDAs and romance is not dead.
Chico and Joy Ejiro
Tony Elumelu with wife 14
Basket-mouth and Wife 15
Aso ebi Circuit
Aso ebi Circuit Story by Oluwaseyi Akindunbi
The nhn way Nkechi Harry Ngonadi, the CEO of nhn couture is a fashion designer and fabric merchant. The beautiful mother of two is stunner anytime. She has made beautiful and jaw-dropping outfits for celebrities and dignitaries. Nkechi strongly believes in modesty, and advocates this in the way she dresses. In this special edition of asoebi circuit, enjoy different and exorbitant red asoebi outfits from Nkechi Harry Ngonadi
Lami Tumaka
Kiki Okewale
Aisha Gombe
Mabel Makun Helen Inegbenikin
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Oyin Adenuga
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THE
“LRD”
“Red Glow” If you want to make a bold statement and make heads turn when you walk into a room, putting on a red gown is your sure bet. Aside from the fact that red gowns are attractive, they can also be elegant even if the dress is sewn in a simple style. You are almost good to go in red as long as you don’t match it up with bold colors.
Everyone knows about the Little Black Dress (LBD) but today we introduce to you the ‘LRD’ (Little Red Dress). Just like LBDs, LRDs are easy to wear and chic at the same time. The best way to pull off LRDs would be to dress it down with darker colors since red is quite loud in itself. Uche Ibezue Kite
Ene Lawani
Tania Egbo-Adelana
Ïrene Kayoma Nike Oshinowo
Adesuwa Etomi Mercy Aigbe - Gentry Nike Oshinowo
Ndidi Obioha
Latasha Ngwube
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Rita Dominic
Red Shades Of
Davidson Petit-Frere
Julius Agwu
Story by Oluwaseyi Akindunbi
Menswear designer, Davidson Petit-Frere is known for his dapper style and good looks. He has an eye for details, and he looks extremely good in almost everything he wears, infact, we think he slays all his outfit; there has been no exceptions. Petit-Frere is mostly seen pulling off unexpected hues for his blazers and pants, colours that the average man will shy away from putting on. When asked how he’s been able to slay in red, orange, purple and burgundy coloured suits, he’s says ‘ my family is from Haiti, and Haitian men are known for being very colorful’. For this Valentine season, we chose to display his red outfits as our style inspiration. We hope you can become as daring as he is when you dress up this season.
Efemena Tommy Adabamu
Abovi Ugboma
Swanky Jerry
Men Valentine’s Day Look
Men who saw a photo of a woman against a red background perceived her as more attractive and sexier. But what about women’s perception of men? Does red enhance the desirability of men to women? Not really but Red is the colour of love, but turn up in crimson tailoring and expect your date to turn on heel the minute you’re spotted propping up the bar. A scarlet lining, however, offers a mood-setting flash without overdoing the Rod Stewart thing. Your Valentine’s may tend more towards impromptu road trips than dinner and movie, but that doesn’t mean you can’t suit up.
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Efemena Tommy Adabamu Creative Head at BespokePR and www.Uberstyle.org
Siji Ogundele (Siji Motors)
Yomi Casual
Red pants and Jumpsuits Nothing can be more sultry than these beautiful ladies in red pants and jumpsuits accentuating their figures. The makeup and hair gives more life to this look and we are thrilled by them.
Red Hot!
BEAUTY PUNCHLINE
By Pelumi Sharayi
RED LipSticks Nothing screams hot and sexy louder than a red lippie! It can transform a subtle make up to a fierce one in an instant. If you ever want to look fierce, bold and sexy, try a red lipstick.
Linda Ikeji Betty Irabor
Ndidi Obioha
Biola Alabi
Irene Kayoma
Adunni Ade
Ono Bello
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fifi Dilly
Millen Magsse
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YOU CAN BE A VALENTINE BRIDE
MRH
We are not saying the lady in this picture got married on valentine day, we love her dress and think it can be appropriate too for a valentine wedding. Isn’t she beautiful and sumptouly appealing to the eyes? And it is Davesucre again on the face beat!!
Editor’s Choice
Giacomorelli Skate Shoes at fusion Oud Perfume From Oud Majestic
Vonne Fluffy Slippons Statement Neck piece From RUBY & PINK
Story by Oluwseyi Akindunbi
KOREDE ROBERTS
Nkem
Red Bumper Jacket at Fusion
Midas interior throw Pillow
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Crocodile Wood Meat Leather Bag From Nicole Byhaguanna
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TIWA SAVAGE
Interior Concierge Midas Interiors
Mrs. Kele Kele
TIWA SAVAGE
Mabel Makun is the wife of popular comedian AY and also the CEO of Midas Interiors. Over the years, she has built a great career for herself with her beautiful and detailed designs. When asked about the colors that inspire her especially this valentine season, she said ‘Generally, white signifies purity, cleanliness, good hygiene, simplicity and all but in the world of interior designs. White is actually the most commonly used, the reason been that it’s not necessarily a color, it is actually a neutral. It is very useful when starting out the decoration or design of a space, once I start with white walls, l can gradually build up colors around it. It is a very safe way to boost your confidence while using other colors. White helps make smaller spaces appear larger, it is an excellent backdrop for displaying artworks as well. The color red for me is a stimulant. I love to use red as a highlight for most of my designs. It signifies courage and fearlessness. Enjoy the creativity in Midas Interiors splash.
February Birthday Princess
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TOLA SPEAKS So what’s wrong with corporate Cupid?
ERIC ARUBAYI
And the sunset at noon
but you don’t need to be a killjoy to realise that workplace relationships can get us into trouble. Even if things go smoothly, undisclosed relationships can give rise to conflicts of interest, office gossip and there is always the risk of blurring boundaries, which could lead to allegations of poor performance or misconduct. Here are a few tips to managing workplace relationships. · Keep communications and behaviour in the workplace professional. · Avoid a relationship with someone who reports to you, or to whom you report. If you think there may be a conflict of interest, consider disclosing the relationship · Remember confidentiality. You may be party to work-related information that you must not share, even with your partner · Consider how your workplace dealings with your partner may be construed by other colleagues · Have a plan for how to deal with what happens if the relationship breaks down.
Its February , and love is likely to be in the air - seeing that we spend the most part of our day with colleagues within our organisation, chances are that falling in love in or around the office environment is highly likely and is happening now more frequently than ever.
While employees are entitled to a private life, employers should only interfere in personal relationships only when there is a direct impact on the workplace.
The best predictor of attraction is propinquity; it’s really no wonder they happen considering we spend over 8 hours a day in the near presence of others, it is no surprise that you get to like and feel attracted to them. You are people with similar levels of education, interests and values being recruited to organisations so the process of assortative mating begins at corporate selection itself.
Setting Cupid aside for a moment, Good working relationships give us several other benefits: our work is more enjoyable when we have good relationships with those around us. Also, colleagues are more likely to go along with changes that we want to implement, and we’re more innovative and creative. It also gives us freedom, enabling us to focus on opportunities. Maintaining good relationships will not only make you more engaged and committed to your organization; it can also open doors to key projects, career advancement, and raises.
So why should the office not be a good place to find a partner? Can, or indeed should, anyone try to legislate matters of the heart or hormones? Workplace relationships happen; full stop. Being open, grown-up and sensible is best. Quite a few of us meet our partners at work,
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Just remember – not all relationships will be great; but you can make sure that they are, at least, workable!
Story by Azuka Ogujiuba
extremely handsome as he ages, so l wonder what the story on him was all about, l read the piece and melted with pain thickened by sadness.When l got back from church, a bad habit l am trying to shed is the freedom of strolling in and out of social media randomly but what would change the nature of an acutely restless journalist like me? I was flabbergasted to see that Eric’s pictures of people mourning him had flooded every nook and cranny of the social media space. I jerked back to ponder. When he was struggling, how many celebrated him? How close do they know him? When he released his gospel singles how many of these people celebrating or fake mourning him posted it on Instagram? How many of them celebrated his birthday on In 2007, l was one of the keenly anxious trying to be tough to access, but I was runentertainment journalists who watched and ning an incredibly tight schedule and traveled the social media when he was alive? Or reported the West African Idol. And immeout and about in the process. I saw him again do they just want to splash his handdiately l noticed Eric Arubayi and his stylish at a function and wanted to dodge him, but it some face on their IG pages? dress sense, his handsome face,his ever was apparently tad late, so l quickly apoloAnd I know if the dead sees life behind enchanting smile that obviously welled up gised for not living up to my words. them, Eric will just be wondering why from his very soul, I rooted for him to win- he was my choice candidate and there was no What shocked me was that he was not angry, didn’t this army of sympathisers notice and support him or his gospel music so hiding it. His dress sense stood him out and instead he flashed a smile at me and said it that he would ‘blow’ or ‘hammer’ as they you could seamlessly tell he was in love with was okay and that he understood the nature say it? He was one of the coolest and fashion, but sadly, he lost out to Timi Daof my job. What a humbling reaction from kolo and my birthdaymate and a lady l later someone whom my absence could have hurt. l one of the most stylish entertainers who didn’t really need anybody to style him. knew to be a sweetheart and very respectful felt I owe him so much. Everything including colours sat well Omawumi Magbele. After the competition, on him, I like this lovely picture of him they all struggled to grow their career, the That was how he effortless earned my wearing a near red maroon color suit.He three winners were so talented and were respect. His maturity beat me and left me able to carve a name for themselves in the wondering if he ever gets angry. I would have was a romantic guy and loved his pretty Nigerian entertainment industry against all met him again before his demise, if my friend wife Chinonso and his son, Jayden. He died in the month of February, the odds. Then Eric opted to be a full time gospel Chika Acholonu CEO of Oud Majestic and month love is celebrated all over the artiste and l heard he led the House on The her friend Mercedez Richards (who was Rock choir. After the competition, l ran into supposed to style the shoot) were able to get globe and we at the Media Room Hub could not resist paying such a stylish him at different places and events. We talked a suitable location for her campaign shoot. man and a great lover of the gospel a briefly and exchanged pleasantries, a lot of After a rigorous search for a cute model tribute. times at Korede Roberts Fusion store on who will fit the role of an Arabian prince, Awolowo road, Ikoyi or Uche Nnaji’s Ouch we settled for Eric and his wife would be Rest well and be not afraid Eric, safe be outlet, during this occasions he told me about the makeup artist for the campaign.But that the trip to your maker. an opening he was going to do and wanted never came to pass with the rude shock of me to assist him in inviting the media. I never his sudden death. When l saw his picture showed up for any of the meetings and didn’t on Instablog9ja, l thought Eric was looking even attend the opening eventually. I was not
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And Davidson leads the runway Davidson Obennebo, Elite Model Look Nigeria (EMLN) 2016 winner, is the first black model to win the Elite Model Look World (EMLW) in the past 33 years. The 20 years old model sure captured the judges at the EMLW which held in Lisbon, Portugal and was awarded 50,000 Euros. After his success in the EMLW 2016, he has been seen on some major runways abroad. He opened and closed the runway for Versace in Milan Fashion Week 2017, he was also on the runway for Givenchy at the Paris Fashion Week 2017. We strongly believe that this is the beginning of greater things for him and we wish him good luck in his career. Story by Oluwaseyi Akindunbi
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