Mrh magazine june edition

JUNE 2017 EDITION

CORESS FITNPES TI

KATE HENSHAW&

S M A I L L I W O J O K In this Issue

You will discover Fitness & Exercise Overview. Getting more fit, even a little bit, can improve your health.

Contents

JUNE 2017

18 34 06 46 20

SUNLIGHT LADIES EFETOMMY

48 50

FITNESS FOR LIFE

26 28 29 30

06

38 40 42

inspiring ideas on how to keep fit and actually stay fit.

For our fashion page, we explored the world of yellow dresses and particularly got the feeling that colors have a lot of roles to play in our moods. We delved into an array of colors and patterns with Puksies by Isoken's 'Bubus' for Asoebi Circuit. For men's fashion, Efetommie of Uber Style was our inspiration. We are sure his simple and classic style will catch your eyes.

Pictures from Bovi's 'Man On Fire' comedy show, 'Industreet' series premiere and 'Busted' movie premiere, events which held in May fill our events pages.

For our Beauty Punchline column, Senabrushover showed us ways to achieve a metallic lipstick without actually using the actual lipstick.

T

he world is gradually adhering to the rules that ensure a healthier lifestyle, what's with the different types of sicknesses and diseases that has begun to plague the world? More awareness is being made towards healthy feeding and exercising, which is why this edition is indeed one dedicated to wellness and every page health-oriented (pun intended). We got to work with Kate Henshaw; one of the most celebrated actresses in

Nollywood, and Kojo Williams; the former NFA chairman, both of whom are poster stars for the maxim, 'Fit as a Fiddle'. Well over 40 and 50 respectively, Kate and Kojo definitely do not look their age.

We also interviewed a couple of fitness experts namely, Kemen; Big Brother Naija 2017 contestant, Bunmi George; C.E.O Shredder Gang, Odera Nwafor; Tasha the Fitnessrat, Uwanma Odefa. They shared

We'd made this edition sufficiently relaxing and educative too by hinging it on lifestyle- all you need to mind in achieving total wellness.

We hope you have a good read.

Kao mesia!!

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Cover Story One of Africa's biggest showbiz exports and multiple award-winning actress, Kate Henshaw, let us into her very private life of fitness, speaks candidly about body and soul discipline, reminiscenes the old rugged days of joining the fledgling industry among sundry issues with MediaRoomHub. Her very fluid words address what ladies mostly need to be fit and remain so.

Enjoy.

Interview by Azuka Ogujiuba

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Sweetheart, your face looks quite young and youthful, there's a rumour out there that you did surgery, how true is it?

With the kind of industry you work in, there are always stories and like you said 'beefpies' that fly around, how have you been able to stay unscathed by this?

(laughs) Those are those 'beefpies', I call those people 'beefpies', anybody that has any doubt should come and work out with me in the gym, it's as simple as that. If I did surgery, would my face look like this? No, you would see a difference in the shape of my nose.

The older one gets, there are some things that one put on one's board. I'm not saying I've not gone through bad times but that a story would affect me now? That's not possible. It's not even in my purview, it's not even going to happen, I push it away.

Like Taraji P Henson says 'push away the dark clouds', so it's what you allows in your sphere, life, mind and vision that would affect you. If you keep hearing the negative things that people say about you, you are going to believe it one day and say truly 'maybe there's something wrong with me', but if you push it out and do you all the time, twenty-four/seven, it's not going to come across you. Put up a barricade and say 'it's not for me' push it out and say 'I'm a happy child'. You see I'm always laughing, laughter is good.

And your boobs?

A: No pls, my boobs are not big, I never had big boobs!

But they are standing.

A: Victoria has many secrets, Victoria has a lot of secrets and I can help those of us that needs help. All these things are there, so I've never had surgery, I work out like crazy for this body so nobody should beef me. Everybody should work out their salvation with fear and trembling.

So what advice do you have for women

Not many who joined Nollywood, the same time as you did are as accomplished as you are, what do you think is responsible for that?

See my problem with a lot of women is that they are lazy. A lot of people that I talk to, even close friends, see they don't have the motivation, and I know exactly how that feels because when I started working out 10 years ago, I wasn't serious about it. I would go on holiday, I wouldn't do anything, and when I come back, to enter the gym, it's like I want to die. Then I found out the secret, you need to make it a lifestyle, you need to do it as if you are going to work. It's like waking up and praying, you need to put it into your program for the day. I work out four to five times a week; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and I take a break on Thursday. I work out every Saturday but never on Sunday. I've found the secret to it, and it's like constantly taking it as a lifestyle, watching what to eat, once in a while yeah you eat the burger, the pizza and icecream, but once you have trained your body to be used to a certain kind of thing, it will be used to it. The body is very intelligent, if you don't train it enough, it will never get used to the workout you give it. That's why a lot of people complain that they lost weight and they've gone back up. The question is what are they doing? Are they consistent, or dedicated? That's it! Determination, dedication and discipline.

Alot of people complain of falling ill when they start out, is this possible?

You will fall ill, because your body is not used to whatever rigorous exercise you are starting.

I always advise people, I'm no expert, I'm only telling people out of experience. Do it at your pace, it's not a competition with anyone, it's for you, you are not running a hundred meters dash, it's until the day God calls you home. So if you are doing it three times a week, be consistent, I swear to you, three times a week for three months, watching what you eat, you will lose weight. By the way, it's not about always about weight loss, everybody wants to lose weight. What about your general fitness?

What about your breathing when you are walking up the stairs? What of when you are sitting down? What of when you have to just be alert in your mind and just feel that hormone. The endorphins, we always hear about the endorphins, you know me I'm always happy, it's from my exercise, and naturally I'm a happy child.

So, how do you psyche yourself to be faithful to this regimen?

it was held at the Glover Memorial hall on the island in 1996.

Your generation are mostly the A-list actresses and some of them have been tagged as super divas, you've remained the same without these superlatives over the years, how has that been?

Nothing dey this life, if you've gone through what I've gone through, you would know. If you pose, how would that add to your height, if you are a diva, how would that add to who you are? How will it change the essence of who you are? Would you rather be known as a diva or as someone who is normal and approachable? I'm a people person, I feel that you can't really elevate yourself higher than God, God is the highest. I've not met a human being, that can flap his/her wings, go up and stay up, it's not possible. If one's breath go now, that's the end, what then happens to your memory. We need to know how to relate to people as a fellow human being, that's what's wrong with the world. I'm a local girl, I can't be a diva, you can go to some certain places and arrange yourself, but I'm local at heart.

Do you still have political ambitions?

God, I'm sorry it's not me, some people might say it's a cliché but when I sit back and think about all I've been through, and I see that I'm still here, people respect, people want to do stuffs with me, it's absolutely God. When I look at myself, there's nothing special, if you look at me, do you see a diva? No, I'm local!

You have appreciated the late JT Tom West for introducing you to the industry, what fond memories do you hold of him?

I started going to the gym alone, first totally faced by all the equipments that I saw, I didn't know what I was doing, of course there were trainers there so they started showing me the ropes and then I joined classes. Dancing, skipping, spinning, swimming, football, these are all forms of exercise, not only in the gym.

So I started and then I joined this running group, we were like seven, we used to meet in the morning, we'd run from the gate down to Admiralty house in Lekki, then come back.

Now the good thing about that was that we went together as a group, if anybody finished first, they would all come back and meet up with the last person and encourage that person to finish. So it's not about who came, first, second, third, it's that we all finished the amount of kilometres we wanted to run. Then of course, people would travel, some would go out a night before and say 'oh I'm too tired, I can't make it today'. Then I'll find myself on my own and then one day I said if I have to wait for everybody to be complete then that means I'll not get to where I want to and for me sometimes I just get tunnel vision on some things I want to do, I'll just put my mind to it, I don't really care about what anybody says or what they are doing because it's all

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about me. So I started running on my own, I found it a bit difficult but then just constantly kept doing it and hey, I'm very happy.

So now, corporate bodies are beginning to hire your services, do you have plans to start a gym school or fitness center?

A: I'm thinking about it. One thing I keep saying is that I'm no expert, for me, I believe that there's a whole fantastic gym expertise, fitness experts are out there. We have people like Esther Morenike, Adura, Maje, so many people. We have dance, fitness clubs, we have spinning classes, so everyone should try and do one of each, because I feel that when you try everything it would make your whole lifestyle of fitness very wholesome. So it's not for me to say I'm an expert though as you go on in fitness you read a lot, you learn from people, you read courses, you learn about meal plan, portion control etc. I don't believe in dieting, I would never diet, I want to eat what I want to eat when I want to eat it, but in moderation. Everything in moderation, that's just what I advise, and then of course you need to workout a lot. If you can't control this body that you are carrying up and down, what

really are you in charge of in life? Nobody has control over your body. You own it, you dress it up, you take it to the doctor, you shower it and you feed it so what are you feeding your body, what are you feeding your mind?

Nigerians and Africans know you as one of the biggest actresses to have emerged from the continent, but lately with what you are doing now, people are beginning to see you in a different light. Does it mean that in the future when you have movie roles, you won't take them?

Oh no! I have movies I'm doing this year, I'm still an actor, but I'm a complete human being. I do stage, I'm doing some films this year. I'm not a fitness expert, I just love exercise. I don't want people to come and meet me and say come and tell us the quadriceps (laughs). I love exercise, anywhere they are doing exercise, I feel that I can just go there and motivate them and say 'come on! You can do it and you can'. It's a lifestyle, I want ally friends, people that I know to be fit, I don't want them to be skinny, cause skinny don't mean fit! I repeat, Skinny don't mean fit.

You are always happy, no matter the situation.

My first memory of him was when we did a musical video, when I think back to how I started in this industry, it's very funny. Like I said we did a musical video for Tom Freckles in Jos. JT, Segun Arinze, I and a few other people were in an SUV somewhere in Surulere and we were screaming 'jokes apart, jokes apart'.

Ségun Arinze can confirm this story, that's my first encounter with JT. I also modelled, I shot my first TV commercial for Shield in 1990, casting and all that, you'll meet people. I will never stop thanking JT because, I had no idea what the movie industry was about, he came up to me during this period and says 'let's go for an audition, somewhere in Mile 2', around Festac. I followed him and there I saw old faces like Franca Brown, those people doing big series like 'Ripples', 'Behind the Clouds', 'Palace', and the rest. I was tired that day so I went to buy Crackers bisciust and Fanta and when JT came to meet me, I told him I was tired and I wanted to go home, but he convinced me to stay. After a while, I was called up, myself, Sandra Achums, Victoria Inyama, and we were told to do something. JT was the one who took me to that audition, he was in the movie, he played my boyfriend, he was quite helpful, himself, Bob Manuel, KOK, Sandra, the late Funmi Martins and Franca Brown. They were not nasty to me, they were very helpful. We used to sleep in Doctor Kachukwu's house in Ajao Estate if it was too late to go home after shooting, then in the morning, I would take bus and 'okada' home, change and come back to set. That was my first experience and from then it was film after film, I won my first award at The Movie Academy Award (TMAA) for best upcoming actress,

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No, I do not, I will continue to do my humanitarian service and all that.

How was the experience like when you tried it?

I lost weight and fell ill immediately after the primaries, I had a strong fever, malaria, cold, and headache. It was very stressful but I would say I'm proud of myself for going through the experience. There were times when I wanted to back out but I said to myself 'you are not someone who gives up'. I want to see it to the end, and it was a total experience. Once you go through certain things that others have not gone through, you've already taken yourself a notch higher in your wholesome experience in life.

Do you have plans to do your own production, to produce your own movie?

No, I'm never one to jump on the bandwagon, I like to create my own niche, not that I set out to, but somehow, I find myself doing something and it's different. I don't know maybe I can collaborate with somebody to have a production, but for now, it's not in front of my eyes to be a movie producer.

How have you been able to remain relevant even in the new Nollywood?

There's nothing like new or old Nollywood, we like to bring in division where there isn't any.

When there's Kannywood, Nollywood, that's where there division, Nollywood is the name of the whole film industry in Nigeria, having a different name in the north is what's wrong with this county. There no Hollywood north or south or east and west, it's only on Nigeria that we'll hear something like Kannywood.

This is because we as a people, are not learning to live together. We have only one Nollywood and we are all together, you can't do without the old and you can't do without the new. We can't do without anybody, be it the crew, the cast, the director or the scriptwriter, every part is important. Take a look at Aunty Sola Sobowale in Wedding Party, she has been there, she's still there and for me, she was the best character in that movie, she made me laugh so hard. She's old

children, they claim it's their fault, they find themselves changing, they start to doubt themselves. Men get violated also, but the incidence is more for the women, the statistics are there, the data is there. There's no consequence that's why they do it anyhow.

What about emotional abuse? Sometime the man doesn't touch the woman but he abuses her emotionally.

That one is worse, it can lead to madness.

The man is telling you that without him, you are nothing, it's psychological and it's even worse when the woman is jobless. I'm not saying it's bad to be a stay-at-home mum but as a woman, engage yourself. You need to protect yourself, and if a man loves you, he'll make sure you are protected even in death. So domestic violence is a no no for me, I have zero tolerance for it.

So at this stage, if you are with a partner that hits you, what will you do? (smiles) He can't hit me, he can't, you see how I'm saying it with laughter, because if he hits me, he's ready to be beaten. If he's thinking of doing it, I will freeze his hand down to the ground. No woman can tell me she didn't see the signs, no man can say he didn't notice that the woman is somehow, the signs are there. Either he shouts you down, embraces you in front of your friends, secludes you from your family and friends, those are the signs. He wants you all to himself so when he starts to deal with you, you can't run to anybody because you've cut them off even though you've been warned. I know one or two people who could get out of the house, their family member parked at the main roads and told them to run out to meet them. This is because they couldn't come and get her out of the house.

As an older person and an experienced woman, what advice do you have for these younger girls?

We have been talking since, we are still talking, and I'm tired of talking, everyday we see stories on facebook. I'm involved in project alert on violence against women and children and I hear different stories, today I heard a naval guy has beaten his wife to death and he claimed she took sniper poison. Look at Arowolo that killed the Skye bank lady, or the other lady that was macheted, there's are no consequences, abroad it's not possible. Ask Kojo Williams, he's stayed abroad.

You have been on the jury of some reality show, and you have some brand endorsements, would you say they are more rewarding to you than taking movie scripts?

Nollywood but she's in new Nollywood as they call it. She's been in the movie industry before me, she's still there, Joke Silva, Taiwo AjayiLycett are still there.

Do you think there's any rivalry between the Nigerian and Ghanian movie industry?

No, there shouldn't be, how many times have you seen Jackie Appiah in our movies? Majid and John Dumelo, are my friend, Juliet Ibrahim is always here in Nigeria, so I don't see any rivalry.

I don't like division, and I know it's people that sow these seeds, later you'll hear that Ghanian movies are bad, Nollywood is better, it shouldn't be, we are together.

What's your view on domestic violence? Lately, it's been so rampant, there's been stories of well read men that beat their wives.

Not lately, it's been going on since, social media just brought it out. It has been there under the rock, women have been dying, men have been dying.

Will you stay married to a man who hits you this minute and apologises the next minute?

A: No, I've already gone through that, I will never, I will kill the man. That's why I like self-defence, you need to learn to defend yourself, they didn't give birth to me for you to beat me. The signs are always there, the women sees it, but because they want to be members of a responsible society (MRS) by force, they stay. Then they give excuse of the

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Everything adds up, yes the money is bigger but I want to practise my craft as an actress. When I'm on set, on stage especially, I love it. I want to say I love the stage more than film, it gives you that freedom to embody whoever you are trying to play and you just have free rein to do as you like.

In which movie set have you felt relaxed the most?

There are so many, they are all good, also it depends on the people you are working with. We have people like Uncle Olu Jacobs, he's a darling. I remember being on set with him for a movie which was shot in a village in Warri, it was so hot during this period that we had to take breaks while shooting just so

we could shower. To find the things we want to eat was so hard, people had to travel far to get them. I will never forget cause I keep teasing aunty Joke, uncle Olu had this brown leather suitcase, and he asked me if I wanted coffee and I said 'uncle Olu, where will you get that' and he said 'come to my room'. In his suitcase, there was coffee, baked beans, butter, eventually all you need is bread and with that uncle Olu has set up a breakfast for you. So it's nice to be on set with people who are human and are like family. People who are normal, who don't have a chip on their shoulders if not, I can't be in that set too long.

You have blatantly avoided discussing love after your marriage, are you giving love a second chance?

It's nobody's business, I am happy.

Do you have plans to have more kids?

Maybe one, and I don't mind adopting. I've already given birth from my womb so I can take from outside. There are lots of lovely children out there who need a home. You can get a brand new baby as long as they check that you are okay and you won't eat or maltreat the child.

Lots of children are abandoned, they need help too.

When you are not busy, how do you relax?

I go to the spa, I will steam myself, scrub, have a relaxing massage, or I call my friends and go to the movies and sometimes I go dancing.

When your house got burnt, how did you feel and how did people react to you?

The saying that ' when the going is tough is when you'll know the people that are really there for you', that rang very true for me. I got the most love from strangers, people I wasn't Pant and bra on the red carpet. People have been close to, on a daily. There was so much love dressing like that and a day will come when people from people like aunty Nkiru Anumudu, Fola will no longer wear anything at all. I see some Adeola, aunty Joke, Rita, Chioma Udeh, pictures on social media and I wonder what they were thinking when they dressed the way they did. If Funke Akindele, Funke gave me a check and I was crying, cause I wasn't expecting it. Even I dress like that my mum will kill me, she's still alive. people from outside the industry, Theresa of (laughs) Middle Point, Joan of House of Marie, aunty Mariam of BFF shoes, Omoni brought toiletries, these are people I don't talk to daily, Do you have a favourite actor or actress? weekly or even monthly. I would never forget, I have a book which I wrote everybody's name I love Halle Berry, I think she’s beautiful and I love in so I can remember. People prayed for me as Viola Davies. well, it's not about giving things, it's about caring enough for the person. Long after the Who is a complete woman to you? fire is when you are lonely the most, when you realise that suddenly you don't have anything.

For me, a complete woman is someone is confident It was a very trying time for me and I in herself, she doesn't necessarily feel the need to questioned God, I did, I would ask him why. dress up for other people.

He's my father and I was able to. It's not about religion, religion does things methodically, I'm Who do you think is a complete woman in Nigerian a very spiritual person so I believe everyone and the world at large! has relationship with God. He's not going to hit I'll take aunty Joke, she's an amazing and lovely lady you with a hammer in the head so we should be able to talk to him and he will reveal the and I know a lot of people can attest to that.? answer to you, maybe not now but He will and What outfit do you feel the most relaxed in? that's what I've learnt.

Jeans, jeans and Tshirt, I'm a jeans girl. I'm more of a Tom-boy.

What will you not be caught wearing?

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Please give a brief background of your education My nursery school was in Our Lady of Apostles in Yaba, then I went to Omolewa nursery and primary Institution in Ibadan for my primary education. After that I went to St Peters College, Abeokuta, and into my fifth form, I went to school in England. I went to Davidson in Oxford, then to Caxland college and from there I moved to Germany, then went to an institute. When I graduated I went into sports management then later I went to the military college in England. I was there for two years and when I finished I did my Industrial Training in Germany and England, then finally moved back to Nigeria. I worked with Westland helicopters.

Kojo Williams is an astute sportsman and style connoiseur whose resume startles many. In this interview with MediaRoomHub, he hints of the panacea to current sport administration glitches in Nigeria, speaks of his ideals whilst saluting the height the Nigerian fashion industry has attained through the discernment and poise of women.

I'm sure you heard about The Falcons, the issue with their allowances, how they were treated and how they protested against the government. You've been in the system, you are a sports lover and a sports administrator.

What's your view about it?

It's a gross abuse to women and to the female national players. It shows absolute and total disrespect and also shows the type of characters that are around in the administration of football in the country. I remember quite honestly when I was the FA chairman, we visited The Falcons at the Obasanjo hotel farm, Ota, years ago, that was 1999 and they were also protesting.

When I got there I had to ask what the problem truly was and I was told they were being paid a about a thousand naira for allowance per week. I asked the coaches in charge how they felt comfortable paying woman a thousand naira a week for upkeep.

Women are very important, they have their needs, and these are athletes, whatever a normal lady needs to keep her hygiene together, an athlete, female footballer, would need three times as much of those things. So I gave orders that they had to change this immediately and it was done. Now, hearing about this is very disheartening, I do not agree with it and it shows total disrespect. I totally support the ladies for what they did, they had all right to protest. You can't be using people as tools for siphoning money, and not giving them their rights, you have to give them their rights. The Falcons are patriotic girls, they've worked very hard, they represent the nation, they are Nigerian ambassadors so they should be given equal rights with what you give other people of that ambassadorial level. So this just shows total disrespect for them and also how backward we are.

You also heard about the Super Eagles, how they were neglected in Atlanta during the Olympic games and how they had to find their way to Brazil themselves, what do you think because this never used to happen?

It shows the level we are today, we are not progressing rather we are retrogressing and we lack respect and we don't honor our male and female artists. Whatever is done for the male should be done for the female as well, yes the men will earn more because they are professionals on the higher level, but the women should be given equal rights as well.

What happened to the gentlemen was very bad for the image of the country. We cannot allow the footballers, representing our country, go anywhere in the world and beg for money to attend the Olympics or begging airlines to allow them fly all the way to Brazil.

That's a total dishonor to us and I'm not surprised because when you look at the type of characters that are there, you'll ask

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yourself if they truly understand what football or sports administration is or generally treating human in a proper manner. When you look at the man in charge of sports himself, his utterances, his character, you will know why they have to be treated that way.

There was a video about him that went viral recently when he was called to defend the budget allocated to him for the Olympics and other sports activities that Nigeria represented.

Yes! What a shame! May God have mercy on us in this country. If thats what we like and what suits us let's continue. But you listened to the man himself, if you look into his uttererance and his approach to things, you will understand that he's not right for that position and I'm not running him down. We've got to get more civilised and cultured people that understand what it takes to manage athletes and footballers generally. All over the world, athletes are treated with a lot of regards and honour and respect. It doesn't mean that you'll not discipline them, when they are not doing the right thing, you discipline them. And they know as well, if they are not doing the right thing, they have to be put in the right place. But not to pay them their allowances, and also come up and say you expected them to perform, that's a disgrace to this country.

After winning the 2013 AFCON, we have missed the next two editions, what do you think is responsible?

It purely has to do with football development and the foundation that has been laid in the past. When we won the AFCON, I said we weren't going to qualify for the next nation's cup. I said it and I knew what I was saying because it was all fluke. It was a fluke, we were able to patch it up and we won. But you could see that we didn't have the depth, and when you say that, it means we didn't have the continuity. Number one, our league is very faulty, the standard is very poor, we don't have proper youth development policies, and a nations that hasn't got that cannot keep cheating and thriving. At a point in time there will be a flashpoint where those things will fizzle away. The bottom line is we don't have proper developmental program for sport and until we put those things together I don't see us progressing, we'll keep declining. It's the same thing in athletics, 30 years ago, 22, 25 years ago, we had the best sprinters in Africa.

No nation could come near us when it came to sprints, 100metres, 200metres. Today, we are gone, we don't have them anymore, and the better ones go to other countries. We see countries like Cote d' ivoire thriving at the international level. It's all about commitment, wanting to do the right thing, putting the right thing together, and having a long term plan. If we don't do that and we keep cheating, using over-aged players for junior competitions, and celebrating mediocrity, at the end of the day, it'll come back to hunt us and that's exactly what is happening.

How would you rate the present board of the NFA led by Amaju Pinnick?

In all fairness, I've had one or two discussions with Pinnick in the past, I know he's well aware of what's going on. The problem with him is that, he's in the middle of monsters, and if you decide you want to play with those monsters, they are going to drown you. He's made one or two moves which are good, he changed the national coach, but there are still a lot of problems he needs to address. For me, averagely he's good, but not good

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enough, he needs to do more.

Were you also disappointed in Sunday Oliseh during his time as Super Eagles' coach?

I was not disappointed because I never rated him good enough for the national side, so when he fumbled I was not expecting anything better.

Basically he hasn't got the experience, yes he was a good player but there's one thing, it's totally different to analyse and it's another thing to have gone through a process of training a team and winning laurels before you come into the national side. Some people are lucky and they excel but he didn't have what it takes to do that as a national coach.

Did you prefer the late Stephen Keshi?

Stephen, may his soul rest in peace, had always been a leader, he was a great leader. He had the aura to be able to carry players on to a certain extent, and yes he could go as far as the nations cup, but if it was the world cup, he too equally had some question marks, but we was good. He had more leadership qualities than Sunday.

So how did you feel when he was dropped for Sunday Oliseh?

A: Well there's nothing I could say, I was disappointed but then I thought both of them were not good enough to take us to where we wanted to be at that time. We needed to move on and step over internal wrangling. There's one thing I always say, why don't you go for coaches that have been there, that have won laurels and have the technical abilities?

Q: Which Nigerian coach has these ablities?

A: Unfortunately, we don't have them here, because we have not invested in them. We are not investing and we are not encouraging them so we don't have them. If you look at our league, the standard of our league is very poor. Sunday Oliseh is the only one that has the profile well coaching UEFA ADP licence, but still he hasn't got that experience, he has not gotten the exposure.

What of Samson Siasia?

No, Siasia didn't have it, I'm sorry. You can't even compare Siasia to Stephen Keshi. He was good in the U_23 championship with over-aged players but it's okay, and when you look at those over-aged players that played against Messi, four years down the line, they couldn't play at a higher level so that goes to show you, you can't cheat. You can only fool with people for a while, you can't fool them all the time, so that's basically it.

The issue of match bonuses has raised its ugly head, what should be the lasting solution to it?

The issue of match bonuses has always been there years down, even I remember when I was part of the management of the national team.

The most successful national side we have which was the '94 team, whenever it came to match bonuses, we made sure they were paid the money at the right time. You cannot but make sure, at every given time, that players whether male or female, are paid their money at the right time. You cannot deny them what is due to them. I remember when I was the FA president, the period the national team was to play for the African Nations cup, that was after the World Cup, when we got to Malaga, the players said they weren't going to play until they got their bonuses and what was due to them from the world cup proceeds. I remember that I called FIFA and was told the total amount was like a million dollars. FIFA said they were going to transfer the money to our accounts but we didn't have a foreign account, it was only the

them, putting funds where funds are meant to be used appropriately for development. That's it, it's as simple as that.

What do you think Nigeria can do, to get to where we were during Clement era? Do you think we can get to that stage again?

I didn't talk after I stopped being the NFA chairman, and like I said earlier, a million dollars was due to the Nigerian footballers and I released it to them. I was the only one that could sign it off so I told Bonfrey to go and collect the money. So Bonfrey collected the money and shared it amongst the players that played at the World Cup and this infuriated the minister and the so called director general or the director of sports. There were many things like that, once you didn't let them get those things, of course, they'll fight you. It's all about proper execution, giving the athletes what's due to

PG | 14 | JUNE 2017

It has to do with the lifestyle, what you eat, what you eat is very important. But then if you drink beer and whiskey, every now and then, of course, you are going to bloat up. If you eat pounded yam late in the night, you are going to spread, or if you eat ten pieces of beef because you think you've arrived, you are finished. One has to discipline oneself, it starts with the stomach and the stomach is full of deceits, it tells you it wants more, but you should be able to tell your tummy it's not having anymore again.

Once you do that with your tummy, after a while it gets used to it, it will adjust.

Yes, I always liked ladies, there's nothing wrong with ladies, it's good to have ladies around you.

As a younger person, my testosterone was running high of course, I had a lot of ladies around. I didn't abuse women, but I've always been a ladies man and I love being around them. But I'm not going to start telling you all the naughty things I did (laughs).

So all we need right now are leaders that are really interested in football?

You have a good body that most men want. How would you feel if a gay man approaches you?

Of course, look at China for example. The reason why there's a lot of interest in their league is because the Chinese leader is interested in football and he said football must go to the top and he's pushing it forward. We need someone that has a passion for it and that's pushing, not a leader that's just sending messages to the team when they are about to play or when they win a game. It goes beyond that, football, athletics, sports generally needs a lot of funding and commitment. Look at the English team in the Olympics for example, they were able to excel because the government gave them an enabling environment. It's all about that willpower, we need the people right at the top to make sure those things are done, otherwise the people at the middle of administration of sports in Nigeria can never get it done. Like we say, we need orders from above.

I can't stand gays anyway, if he does, he'll get a slap or a punch.

It's all about discipline, and commitment. I thank God for everything, I've got good health, good health comes from God. But then, when you get it, you have to maintain it, you don't abuse it. So basically what I eat is very important, the exercises, I make sure I train regularly, I cut off alcohol, I don't drink anymore, I quit drinking about 10 years ago. Contentment is very important.

When you were the NFA chairman, your reign was short but very impactful, what do you think was the reason they had to let you go?

How is it possible that a man with a flat tummy suddenly develops a pot-belly within two to three years?

In Clement's era, we had a government that was very interested, we had a vice president, Augustus Aikhomu, that was pumping all the money and making sure the team could go on tours, paying them their allowances at the right time, paying the coaches what is due to them. For a long time, they were able to excel because the government then had interest and made sure those things worked. But immediately they left and the successive government came in, we never had anybody else that had interest. So the bottom line is, we don't have a system and structure that protect and also give the national side that developmental opportunity. The '94 team had somebody at the top that was making sure that the teams excelled and that was why they did. So if they needed money, they could give orders, the CBN would release the money to them, if they needed to travel, there was a chartered plane to move them around. Everything was available for them and that was why they excelled. This was the work of Late Augustus Aikhomu, he was the one pushing everything forward and that was why they succeeded.

After all these years, you still look very fit when some of your contemporaries are out of shape and are with pot-bellies and you haven't had surgery. What are you doing to keep your body fit and in shape?

Nigerian football federation that didn't have a foreign account as at that time. I had to get Bonfrey to go and get the cash from Zurich, and the minister was very angry with me. He said I didn't have the right to give the money to the boys but there was an agreement that the monies were due to them so I ensured they were paid the money.

It's all about proper execution, making sure these things are done at the right time. You don't deny these athletes what is due to them, That's it. It's all greed, finding ways to put those girls and those boys money in their pockets. You use them for competitions and to collect money from different areas, but you are not giving them what is due to them. At the end of the day, it's all about making sure they get what is due to them at any given time.

discipline is key.

Did you ever smoke?

Oh yes I did, when I was much younger. I was a very naughty boy, when I was in school in England I smoked then, but now I can't even stand people smoking around me. You see it's always nice when you do all those things when you are much younger so when you are of a certain age, nothing ever means anything to you. If you don't do it at the early age and you start doing it at the latter stage of your life, you are doomed, you are messed up. So it's basically a lifestyle, a lifestyle of wealth, well-being, making sure you eat well, you do things moderately, and you do the right thing at the right time to put your health together. And most importantly, contentment, not chasing shadows or chasing what you believe other people have and because of that you think you have to have those things. When you start doing those things, you are going to wreck yourself,

You are a ladies' man, women like you, how has that been for you?

Have you heard about a guy called Bobrisky?

I've heard about him, my kids or somebody said something about him. You know I'm not on this media thing, but I've been told, someone showed me the guy. One dirty looking guy, the guy is an idiot. Why would they allow that kind of jammed up guy be, I don't understand this society anymore. Well, he should be picked up and locked up. I have zero tolerance for gays, they should just stay wherever they are, I do not support all that rubbish. This is not America, America is suffering for what they've done, it's ungodly. You can't go against procreation, you can't fight God, if you do, God will deal with you.

That's why I like Putton, he says if you are gay he's going to lock you up or probably execute you. We know a lot of people practise the nonsense in this society but they do it corners so they shouldn't bring it out here. We do not need all that rubbish for the next generation of children coming up.

You dress very well and you are very fashionable, what do you think of the Nigerian fashion industry?

Fantastic! Especially the ladies, the women have done exceptionally well. I'm very impressed with what I see everyday, the evolvement and the evolution are very interesting. I give them kudos, I must praise them for what they've done, their works are very innovative and creative, same goes for the men also. The women have done fantastically well.

For you, who is a perfect woman? Who is a sexy and complete woman?

What a question! A sexy complete woman is someone who is natural, clean, well groomed, she doesn't have to be an exceptionally beautiful woman, for me it's her carriage, demeanour.

She must be very natural, not fake, I can't stand fake women.

Most people are having foreign accents nowadays...

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That's what I said earlier about being fake, I can't stand a fake accent either. You just have to be yourself, be natural and clean. I like ladies with long legs (laughs). A lady being sexy depends on her carriage and not necessarily her beauty. Not with a fake accent, the Dubai pidgin English that people speak or whatever. I don't like too much makeup, I like things natural.

Do you have plans to start a fitness program for some executives?

Yes I do, it's going to be for executives and people of different age group, most especially those that believe they don't have the strength and wherewithal to carry their fitness level to where it should be. That is in the program and I intend to start that this year, I will work individual executives, put them together and work out together and also government officials, state and federal level.

The program for the executives, who are your targets?

We'll be looking at executives in different organisations, multinationals, banks, also at the government level. Basically it'll be from the senior level, chairman to general manager, to the medium level, where they all come together, work out together, do things together and then share their experiences. It would be done at their pace, not too hard but we'll build them up systematically to get to their fitness level. I have a program already written out for them, so it's something that we'll achieve.

What will it be called? Kojo Williams Fitness School?

No, I've not given it a name but it won't be called Kojo Williams.

There's this allegation that you are an arrogant person.

No I'm not, I'm a very confident person. I'm not arrogant. In our society, people sometimes term confidence as arrogance. If one is confident, private, and doesn't say much in gatherings, one might come off as a bit arrogant.

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Look Book

Cynthia and Angel Studios Debut SS17 Collection -by Pelumi Sharayi

Cynthia and Angel Studio's debut SS17 collection was inspired by everyday women.

Women like all of us: The weak and the strong; The dependent and the independent; The powerful and the powerless, because just like clothes, there's no one type of a woman, and it's these dierent women that inspired this collection.

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PG | 19 | JUNE 2017

Sunlight Ladies Story by Oluwaseyi Akindunbi

This Sunlight gleaming dresses are wholly decorous and striking.

Maybe it's because yellow as a color evokes happiness, joy and a positive aura, whatever the case may be, we love how these beautiful ladies rocked awlessly the array of sunlight yellow gowns with a bright smile to complement their radiant looks. Pick up a yellow dress to brighten up your day.

Ini Dima Okojie Crystal Kasper

Maria Okanrede

Veronica Odeka

Terra

Dolapo Oni Sijuade Uriel Oputa Nkechi Harry Ngonadi

Millen Magese

Joanne Omolara Chinyere Adogu

Jadore Fashion

Ife X

Chic Ama

Toju Foyeh Tara Durotoye

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Fit for Life -Oluwatobi Ogidiolu These men and women are some of the foremost fitness experts in Nigeria.

They live their lives inspiring people to live an healthy lifestyle and to push for the best.

TONY EKIADEM He is popularly known as Nigeria’s #1 Fitness Expert. A martial artist certified by the World Instructor Training Schools (W.I.T.S) with a black belt in four different styles, Tony Ekaidem also has a degree in Human Anatomy and is known on Twitter as the body alchemist. He talks to Connect Nigeria about The Body Alchemist brand.

OBI OBADIKE

ANOWA ADJAH

Obi Obadike is the current TV co-host of an award winning national syndicated health TV show called Lifestyle Magazine which airs every week on TBN, Hope Channel, Family Channel, NRB and other channels. The health TV show airs in many different countries around the world.

CEO of Powerhouse Physiques,LLC., Master Trainer, Motivational Speaker, Creator of the Powerhouse Physiques DVD series, Zeta, and mother of twin boys, Anowa is setting the bar high for overachievers! Known to many as “The Nigerian Powerhouse” or “The First Full-Figured-Fitness Phenomenon.

MAJE AYIDA

Maje Ayida is a Nigerian Wellness Coach and CEO of the award winning Health and Fitness Brand, Eden Lifestyle. The brand's Corporate Wellness program services various industries in Nigeria, from Banking to Oil and Gas.

ORJIUGO OGUGUO is a wellness coach and fitness trainer. She is the founder of Live in wellness - an online food, fitness, lifestyle choices resource site aimed at food lovers and wellness seekers to help them do just that – Live in wellness. Orjiugo is also the NAW's resident fitness and wellbeing writer.

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ADA-ARI AGBIM Ada-Ari uploads weekly workouts set to African music. She is a certified, Elite Group Fitness instructor based in Washington, D.C. Ada-Ari teaches, step, aerobics, HIIT, and weight training classes multiple times a week. She is also a soccer player.

EKEMINI EKERETTE -by Oluwaseyi Akindunbi

We get to see Big Brother Naija 2017 contestant Ekemini Everett, known by all as Kemen in another light. In this inspiring interview, he shares fitness ideas and tips on how to stay healthy.

- A brief introduction of yourself and what you do?

A: My name is Ekemini Ekerette, popularly known as Kemen. I am a fitness trainer and an entrepreneur.I run a fitness lifestyle company called 6packs. 6Packs Nigeria is a company that employs different platforms to promote and propagate awareness on good health, fitness, fashion, right nutrition, friendship across board and a strong family orientation.

- Tell us about your daily exercise routine?

My Daily workout routine includes a 30mins cardio session followed by 2hrs weight training, then ends with stretches.

- As a fitness expert, how do you motivate your clients?

I motivate my clients in different ways, first they need to understand that their fitness goal is achievable, set short and long term goals for them, appreciate them when they work hard and encourage them when they are finding it hard. I constantly remind them why they started and how well they are doing, I also surround them with positive people and motivating transformations, just to mention a few ways.

- As a fitness expert, what are the necessary exercise you would recommend for people older than 50 Recommended exercises for 50 plus are; dancing, aerobics, swimming, walking, jogging, stretches

fitness should not be a momentary indulgence but a lifestyle.

and for an active 50-plus we can add strength training because it improves stability and posture and reduces back ache.

- What's your take on steroids, do you subscribe to it?

I don't do steroids and i don't recommend because of it's side effects.

- Do you think that too much exercise can lead to health issues or a heart attack probably?

All things should be done in moderation and exercising is not excluded from the list. Yes, too much exercise can lead to complication not just to the heart but also muscle tear and other related injuries.

- People say most fitness experts eat more because of their exercise routines, how true is?

That's not true, healthy living requires a controlled eating habit, from portion control to eating the right kind of food. however, there are people that are natural heavy eaters, that also workout overtime to maintain a fit outlook.

- What's your golden fitness advice?

My golden fitness advice is; being slim is not synonymous to being fit, neither is being fat synonymous to being healthy, fitness should not be a momentary indulgence but a lifestyle.

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UWANMA ODEFA

By Oluwaseyi Akindunbi

- Alot of people want to be fit, but are challenged with consistency, how do you stay consistent with your exercise routines - Truth be told, I don’t think it’s possible to be forever consistent. It’s natural to have off periods where you’re not motivated to exercise. The trick is to be extra careful what you eat and to ensure the off period does not last longer than two weeks. The longer it takes to snap out of it and back into your routine, the harder it gets.

- How has keeping fitness changed your life?

-A brief introduction about yourself and what you do - I am a HR Practitioner, radio talkshow host, youtube relationship channel vlogger, social entrepreneur, media content creator, actor and fitness enthusiast. Oh! Recently I was dubbed Sexpert! I’m loved for my goofiness and sunny disposition. I love food (and wine) but my favourite food is pizza and I’m addicted to bread. This means I have a tendency to get overweight which is why I work extra hard to ensure I don’t.

- Keeping fit and my general health choices has drastically improved my life in so many ways. I find that I am more energetic, upbeat, optimistic about life and generally happier. When one exercises, the body releases hormones called endorphins, also called happy hormones . And when I'm happy, energetic, optimistic; this has a positive impacting ripple effect on every area of my life. From work to personal relationships.

- What's your take on dieting and food portion control?

- I’ve found that dieting, especially most of these crazy fad diets, are not sustainable. How long will you diet for? How long will you avoid certain foods? In any case, every food brings certain nutrients from its own class of foods that is required by the body to function at maximum capacity. Your body needs carbohydrates, fibre, protein, oils, sugars and so on. The key is to find healthy and natural alternatives. So instead of canned and bottled juices and fizzy sodas, make your own juices and smoothies at home. And avoid processed foods. Beyond the chemicals used to process and preserve them, the processing pretty much kills whatever natural health benefits in them. portion control is not a bad idea. But when you eat smaller quantities of food, understand that you will (and should) eat more frequently. So, instead of 3 regular sized meals in a day, you eat five small meals instead.

- You are physically fit and in shape, what advice would you give someone who wants to burn stomach fat?

- I’ve found that when I eat carbs at night, my tummy grows. I’ve also found that when I drink warm lemon or lime infused water in the morning and include citrus in my breakfast, my tummy shrinks. This might work for others. I know a number of people it’s worked for.

But we should all bear in mind that our body’s mechanisms are all different and what worked for me might not work for you. Or if it worked in two weeks for me, it might take five for you. The key is to try each strategy for an extended period to see what works.

Then adopt and adapt to suit your needs and lifestyle.

- What do you find the most difficult doing, in terms of keeping in shape?

- Eating healthy consistently. I love food so much but, sadly, it’s the junk that I love. This is my weakness. I can jog from Lagos to Ibadan but will not have the will to resist small chops! So, i try to give myself off days when I can eat whatever I like. But I make up for it by making my exercise more rigorous.

- What is your advice for people who wants to keep fit but don't know how to start?

- Read a lot. Talk to people who live the kind of fitness and health lifestyle you’d want to emulate. Join a support group. Find a friend who also wants to keep fit and become fitness buddies. Keeping fit is more fun when you do it with someone rather than by yourself.

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ODERA NWAFOR

Tasha the fitness rat

-OLUWASEYI AKINDUNBI

Odera Nwafor, popularly known on Instagram as 'Tasha Fitnessrat' is a fitness coach and weightloss expert.

She started her weight loss journey in 2015 and since then she's hasn't looked back, having lost over 40kg. She shares her inspiring story with MediaRoomHub. My major challenge has always been food related, I have certain foods that I crave for. From time to time and in other to balance out this cravings I have my cheat days once in a while, but the next day means triple of my workout routines.

4. What's your take on detox teas and drugs for weight loss?

Detox tea goes a long way in every Weightloss journey once you take it the right way. As for slimming pills, they are not always advisable when it comes to loosing weight because they all have side effects. So please and please if you really want to loose weight hit the gym, dance, and eat healthy.

5. For you, is there a difference between dieting and eating healthy?

Before

After

1. What motivated you to embark on your fitness journey?

I wouldn't say I was motivated by anyone, rather I was inspired after I saw a picture of a very close friend of mine who was big and had lost a lot of weight. As for the motivation, I motivate myself daily and still motivate myself till date. I started with 115kg, the last time I checked I was 74kg. For me I do not really rely on a weight scale, because it doesn't show me the reflection I see in the mirror, it doesn't give me my right measurement, it doesn't show me the calories burnt, it is just for keeping tracks. It has been over six months since I last checked my weight on a scale because I really do not bother about 'Weightloss but Fatloss', so I will not say my weight is still on 74kg because I actually look 65kg and I loose inches everyday.

2. When you were plus sized were you bullied?

If you were, how did you handle it?

Of course I got a lot of comments from alot of people talking about my weight. I was called all sort of names, my dad also used to tease me about my weight, calling me Johnny Bravo. Oh well most of the comments got me but I was positive because I knew I was going to embark on my fitness journey someday and I will look back to those comments and laugh.

3. Since you started your fitness journey what are the challenges you ve' faced and how have you been able to over come them?

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As for me dieting is short term while healthy eating is long term. This is in the sense that dieting is something that can be done on weightloss or medical grounds. This means that when you reach your goal weight, you could stop while healthy eating goes a long way because it becomes a lifestyle and a part of you.

6. What is your weakness meal wise, what food do you find it difficult to avoid knowing fully well that it's not healthy?

My biggest challenge meal wise is ice cream and sharwama. However I do not worry because I always have a way of substituting ice cream with smoothie and sharwama with cabbage wrap because they taste almost the same and are very healthy.

7. Which fitness expert inspires you?

She's no other than Adedamola Ladejobi popularly known as Askdamz.

My Body Goals Pelumi Sharayi

On the 27th of December 2015, I stumbled on a post by Yvonne Jegede where she was talking about taking your body goals in ur hands and shaping up. I read the post so passionately, it seemed so impossible at first so I just ignored and continued my bad eating habits. A day after that, my crush for years boldly said to me, "my girlfriend is way sexier than you". I ignored this and said to myself, "I know somebody loves me like this" ( just to console myself).

January 4th 2016 was the eye opener for me when Femi, a friend of mine opened my eyes to see how big I was lool. I cried my eyes out when I got home the next day which was the 5th of January.

Remembering all the remarks l've been getting about my weight, after crying a bucket full, I thought of that Instagram post I saw on December 27th 2015 and then I got up,got naked on the scale, saw my weight (110kg) and almost collapsed (how can a 24 year old weight soo much ). That very day was the beginning of my journey, I am not saying it was easy or stressless, all I'm saying is, it's been worth every pain, tear and sweat. I am not where I used to be (110kg-size 18/20), I am not also where I want to be (60kg - size8/10) but hey, I am getting closer (current weight 76kg-size12). Total weight lost so far 34kg, and for that I am immensely grateful.

Before

8. What is your foolproof fitness advice?

It won't be easy but I assure you that you will love the end result because giving up is never an option.

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After

BUNMI GEORGE CEO SHREDDER GANG -by Oluwaseyi Akindunbi

A

Oh yes! I totally did. When you are oversized people treat you differently, they look at your weight first, My Name is Bunmi George, a wife and a forgetting that you're a person who is brilliant, beautiful, resourceful etc they mom of 2. I’m graduate of Clinical just see one thing- the fact that you're Psychology from the University of overweight. So that affected me, and Toronto and I run Shredder my perception of myself.

Gang, a company that provides inspiration and support for individuals looking to make healthier life choices. - When and how did your passion for fitness translate into a business?

- What triggered your weight loss I like to say that entrepreneurship journey? happened to me. It wasn’t something I My love for all things fitness was borne had set out to do. I struggled with my out of my own history of obesity, I was weight for many years, after losing so much weight the able to win the battle against obesity so I decided to help individuals do the healthy way, friends and family with weight issues just wouldn’t stop same. calling, then a light bulb went on in my head. I started to charge a fee for - While you were plus-sized, did you consulting and out of ever deal with self-esteem issues at that was the metamorphosis of any point?

Shredder Gang. bout yourself and what you do?

PG | 30 | JUNE 2017

"Wife, proud mother of two beautiful boys and amazing fitness and weight loss expert; Bunmi George, is the quintessential woman.

Congratulations are in order as she just recently gave birth to a beautiful baby boy.

She shares the story behind her weight loss journey and how she birthed the fitness brand 'Shredder Gang!"

- Shredder Gang is one of the biggest fitness brands in Nigeria, how have you been able to maintain its standard?

I think it helps that I was the first to approach weight loss and fitness the way that I did, but clients also gravitate towards Shredder Gang because we are certified experts, not just me but I have a team of experts in nutrition, pharmacy and fitness.

- You've launched the Shredder Gang belt, Skipping rope and Yoga outfit into the Nigerian market, how has the response from your customers been like?

One of our goals is to provide modern fitness accessories at affordable prices. We want Nigerians to have access to a wide range of products that they would usually only find abroad. The response to our

products have been mind blowing, We knew it was a great idea but we did not anticipate this sort of demand. Our products are doing exceptionally well.

- A lot of new mothers complain about weight gained during pregnancy, what advice do you have for such mothers since you just had your baby?

I tell mothers all the time, you need to gain weight to house a healthy baby. Eating well will help you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Don't believe the old wives tale of eating for two rather eat foods full of fiber, choose healthy snacks, be sure to take prenatal vitamins, drink lots of water and remain active.

- How do you juggle the responsibilities that comes with being the C.E.O of Shredder Gang, being a wife and a mother Combining the roles of being a wife and mother while running the business is a daunting task. I had to put proper structure in place so that no one suffers.

- Fitness advice Don't give into quick fixes or fads.

Learn the discipline of moderation and work hard for the body you want -Take on teas and drugs for weightless There is no pill or tea that will magically make you skinny. Pills and teas don't promote long term fat loss and they aren't a replacement for exercise and a healthy portion controlled diet.

PG | 31 | JUNE 2017

SHORT & CANDID

Makeup! I think this is a problem

-OLUWASEYI AKINDUNBI

Necessary Extravagance This would be Internet bundles for data. Necessary evil. The advantages of social media cannot be overstated.

Fear Factor I'm not sure of what it's termed, but I get really uncomfortable around people I'm not familiar with

Speed Dialing My mum

If I weren't an actress If I wasn't an actress, I'm pretty sure I'd still be in the entertainment industry somehow

Dreaming of Being able to go anywhere in the world without considering my account balance and talented Yewande Lawal, known as Wendy by all is on Pourretty mind this month. The rising star shares what she's loving at the moment with us.

Best spot

Itching to work with Omotola Jalade Ekeinde I love that woman!

Home with my family, they are my happy place.

17

09 JUNE 20

Signature scent

Latest Splurge

At the moment, that would be euphoria by Calvin Klein

Latest splurge of recent... I'm not a big spender but the last time I splurged on anything, I think it was on spa treatment for myself.

Fave song at the moment

AY D H T R I B Y P P HA Champagne..!

Pop irthday It’s Tonto’s B

My fave song at the moment is Rise Up by Andra Day

Driving I drive a Kia Rio 2012

Shopping Fix

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Asoebi Circuit Story by Oluwaseyi Akindunbi

PUKSIES

BY ISOKEN

K

aftans are the perfect wear for a leisure day out, we know this and so does Isoken. However, her kaftans, popularly called ‘Bubus’ on this side of the continent, are what we can totally rock to any occasion.

The lustrousness of the fabric, the patterns, the fact that it's easy breezy just sits well with us, and we are sure same goes for any fashion lover.

These kaftans are also suitable for pregnant ladies that totally want to slay with the bump. Who says your fashion sense has to take the back seat because your bump won't fit into any dress of your choice. Well these ‘bubus’ got you bumps or no bumps, all day, everyday.

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EFETOMMY Story by Oluwatobi Ogidiolu

C

onsider this your sneak-peek, Efetommy is a TV presenter, entertainment reporter and a fashion blogger who has the ability to set fashion trends. From behind the scene photos to appearances in New York Fashion Show, Efe knows how to style himself in a simple and perfect way. Considering his sharp features and stylish look, he walks with confidence in his clothes, is very comfortable and most importantly appreciates all aspects of his fashion style. In this peek, you will find him in different dapper looks, dark, well-fitted blue jeans, the always-acceptable casual staple, brightly-colored pieces, anything from T-shirts to trousers and jackets, and belts. A couple pairs of funky shoes, colored canvas sneakers, decorated leather brogues and saddle shoes. From this, we can boldly say a simple life also deserves a complex look. Want to be the best-dressed guy in the room? follow this column for a fresh and smart way to impress with your new style of fashion.

PG | 36 | JUNE 2017

PG | 37 | JUNE 2017

Interview Concierge

PEACE HYDE -by Oluwaseyi Akindunbi

With beautiful Peace Hyde, it's all about setting goals and achieving it. In an almost patriarchal society, it's refreshing to see leading women that excel exceptionally in their fields. This June, we decided to have a chit chat with Peace Hyde, Forbes Africa Correspondent, she shares with us wonderful tidbits that we won't be forgetting soon.

Give a brief introduction of yourself.

I am a media entrepreneur, the West Africa Correspondent for Forbes Africa and the founder of an education and entrepreneurship NGO Aim Higher Africa. but most importantly, before all the titles, I am a woman who is strongly driven by her faith. Faith in God, faith in my purpose and faith in encouraging and motivating each other to achieve our fullest potential. I call anyone who is part of this journey a faith builder because it takes a community of like minded individuals driven by the same goal to make the world a better place.

In terms of career choices, did you set out to be a journalist or a media personality from the get-go?

I have always had a passion for the creative arts.

When I was younger I acted in a number of school plays but somehow never really pursued that passion.

After years of teaching, I decided to take the leap of faith and follow that passion. I had already relocated and was now living in a completely new world, so I said to myself, it is now or never. I followed that childhood passion I had and here I am today. It has not been an easy journey and in life just because you have a dream it does not mean you will not have challenges. Quite the opposite. Anything that is worth having is worth working hard for and there is no one that is going to make your dream a reality apart from you. The things I do today in terms of my media personality and my

Launching a career in the media space has been both rewarding and challenging. Rewarding in the sense that the entertainment industry offers a lot of opportunities to realize your goals and ambitions.

The developing infrastructure means that a lot of aspects within the entertainment sector in Africa is still in its infant stage and thus not over saturated.

Challenging however because there is a lack of proper infrastructure underpinning the industry.

There were definitely times where I stopped and said to myself Peace are you sure this is the right thing to do?

Everyone has doubts and trust me they will creep in at moments when everything seems to be falling apart. I found the best way to succeed in everything is to remain focused and determined. I think I have made it this far because I was determined to make the move back to Africa a success and never gave up. I am far from where I want to be but so far, with God I think things are slowly taking shape.

journalism is a reflection of me taking that leap of faith and trusting God to take care of the rest.

You are the West Africa correspondent for Forbes Africa, how did you come about this opportunity?

Forbes Africa is all about capturing the true essence of what it means to be an entrepreneur. It celebrates the success stories from Africa by providing an unbiased insight into the lives of the movers and shakers of our continent. The role is both challenging and rewarding. It is an honor to be given access into the world of some of the most illustrious entrepreneurs of our time. It is a huge responsibility because each individual story has to be told in such a way that reflects the true essence of the person.

Each day is different and each story has a life of its own and watching your words come alive in print or online, is simply amazing. I was actually contributing for the magazine for a couple of months whiles studying for my Masters in Journalism and when I finished, an opportunity came to join as the West African Correspondent after they read my article about surviving the Accra floods. It just goes to show you that God can turn a negative situation into a blessing.

Since the beginning of your career, what are the challenges you've faced? If there has been, how have you been able to tackle these challenges?

What inspires you?

The number one lesson I've learnt from my journey as a Forbes Africa correspondent is that failure teaches you a lot and if you are going to be successful, you need to learn how to deal with failure. Every entrepreneur I meet had to overcome set backs in order to breakthrough. You owe it to your dream never to give up on it. No matter how hard it gets and even at times when it seems like it is all over, there is always something you can learn from that experience which will enrich your next move. Trust in the process and never quit.

Individuals who embody this mentality in everything they do inspire me. They are the greats we all read about and learn so much from everyday and they motivate me to push harder.

What it was like interviewing some of the most powerful moguls on the continent and what's the idea behind 'My Worst Day with Peace Hyde'?

The original Idea of My Worst Day came from Chris Bishop, the editor of the Forbes Africa magazine and in my opinion one of the most gifted journalists in the world. The idea was simple, we all hear about the glitz and glamour of successful entrepreneurs but no one really knows about the dark side of business.

Chris Bishop wanted to show that there is always two sides to every story and instead of just looking at the highlights, what pearls of wisdom could we get from the most challenging day in business. Chris Bishop's vision for the My Worst Day concept has been well received and the column in the magazine is one of the favorite amongst the Forbes Africa readership. When we began the program, he was key in ensuring that vision was maintained and since its launch the show has been tremendously successful thanks to him and that vision.

You are scheduled to launch your new show 'Against The Odds', what are you looking to achieve with it?

Against the odds is an exciting initiative by the

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Ghana. It is estimated that there are about 25 000 street children in the greater Accra area alone.

These children due to their living conditions are exposed to all sorts of dangerous conditions like abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, stealing for food and survival etc. we need to do more as a nation to ensure we create opportunities that remove every street child from our streets.

Formal education has its place and it is just as important as having entrepreneurial skills. It simply Share with us you r passion for social cause and making an impact with education with your non-profit depends on the background of the individual. For these kids that we reach out to, we need to educate organisation, 'Aim Higher Africa'? them first before giving them the tools necessary to embark on their entrepreneurial journey. Even the At Aim Higher Africa we believe strongly in pushing most business savvy entrepreneurs need basic various campaigns that help empower women and educational skills as building blocks. In this regard youths to transform their lives for the better. For we create campaigns and through our advocacy example, financial Inclusion for women on the continent is something that is tremendously lacking. programs reach out to government and state There is a particular gender gap for men and women. institutions to partner with them and come up with solutions that help the wider community Women do not have the same access to banking service that men do. In Sub Saharan Africa the problem is greater and I was surprised that the place When you are not busy with work, what do you do to relax and have fun? where the gap is biggest is Nigeria where the financial gap is 34 compared to 54 of men. This is one of the issues our More Than A Woman initiative I am a big food lover. I love cooking different dishes and experimenting in my downtime. I also love to aims to solve. So far we have provided about read mainly autobiographies and the stories of $350,000 worth of financial support for women owned business and empowered women to become successful people across different fields. successful entrepreneurs. The program provides a woman empowerment avenue to both develop female Who is your style icon? owned businesses and celebrate the success stories I don't think I have a style Icon as I love a combination of different things and I am yet to find coming out of the continent.

In another one of our initiatives, we decided to take a someone who embodies them all. I would say I love anyone with an effortlessly classy and chic style. hard look at streetism in Ghana and it's long-term effects on the moral fabric of the nation as well as What kind woman would you term a 'complete and the socio-economic implications mostly from the self-assured woman? macro economic point of view. The results we got were astonishing. It is a hard battle to fight and win One of the biggest stumbling blocks for women is simply due to the sheer volume of street children in Forbes Woman Africa brand with a focus on celebrating the exceptional women of this generation that have managed to achieve remarkable life changing feats against all odds. It is an inspirational look at the women who are shaping the African continent today and changing the narrative of what it means to be an empowered and successful African woman.

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the power of negative perception. You will have to overcome the negativity and stereotypes from both family members and the wider audience.

People will always like to define something they do not understand and reduce it to something trivial. It is up to you to prove them right or wrong. At the end of the day, the pen is in your hands. All you need to do is write a masterpiece.

A complete and self-assured woman is one who does not let these negative perceptions hinder her from who God has destined her to be.

What do you hope to achieve five years from now?

I believe the greatest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams. I have now embarked on a new dream and the new challenge feels remarkable. I want the Peace Hyde brand to be an advocate for change across Africa. I want to change the stereotype of what it means to be an African woman in this male dominated industry. I am a woman in process. I just try like everybody else. I try to take every conflict and every experience and learn from it. I want my experiences to shape minds and have a positive impact to the world. I want the Peace Hyde brand to motivate young women to think like the queens they are. A queen is not afraid to fail; failure is another stepping-stone to greatness. For everyone of us that succeeds it's because there is someone there to show you the way out. I would love the Peace Hyde brand to show the way out for those who want to give up on their dreams. If I can impact just a single individual to do something positive in years from now, then I would have achieved a lot.

KEEPING FIT FOR YOUR HEALTH

Health Tips by Deborah Ogundolapo (Nutritionist grandmaspot108@gmail.com)

H

ealth is wealth the old and wise saying. Our health is a result of two main activities; primarily, what goes into your body system and secondarily, your fitness level. What goes into your body makes up 80% of your health, while the remaining 20% comes from exercising and engaging in physical activities. Exercising our physical structure is the way to keep our body and mind fit, but make sure you see your Physician before you begin any exercise if you have any health condition.

The health benefits of regular physical activity and exercise include but not limited to: Weight control: whatever your goal is; either to loose weight or maintain right body weight, exercise is the way to go. Exercise helps the body breakdown the fat and convert them to energy that are released from the body instead of been stored up in the adipose tissues resulting in excess weight gain.Boost mood: Happy-feeling chemicals are released from the brain during exercise.

This improves mood, relationships and makes you more confident about yourself.Boost Energy level: Exercise makes oxygen and nutrient easily accessible to the tissues, the respiratory and cardiovascular system. This way you have more energy to perform efficiently at work.Help maintain good heart rate and circulation thereby reducing the risk of heart diseases and other terminal diseases naturally Increases strength and stability making everyday tasks become easier and less feeling of fatigue. Makes you less susceptible to infections and diseases: Toxins, bacteria, germs and stress related hormones that causes illness, flu and infections get flushed out of the body when you sweat. Cancerous cells find it difficult to survive in well aerated and well-hydrated body system. There are three basic categories of exercise:· Stamina building exercises: gives you full body toning, strength to your muscles, improves endurance capacity and help build strong bones.

Stamina building exercise includes weight

Photo credit: Google Images

lifting, High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), body weight exercises like plank, squatting, push ups, exercise with kettle bell and dumb bells.· Flexibility exercise stretches the muscles, nerves, ligaments and tendons thereby preventing stiffness, joint pains, nerves degeneration and other illnesses. During this activities, you will experience some level of relief from muscle tightness, however ensure you limit your stretch to the point of discomfort while performing flexibility routines. Try to breath out while you stretch; and hold stretches for between 10-20 seconds. Engage in both static and dynamic stretching.

Aerobics works on the heart rate, blood circulation and breathing rate. Aerobic exercises include running, jogging, walking, swimming, dancing, soccer etc. Most of the time we only succeed in releasing 40-60 of the carbon dioxide (including other gases that are not good for our body) out of our body system during exhalation. It's only during exercise or when one consciously take deep breath that we send out 90-98 of the stale air in our lungs. These stale gases are the main causes of tiredness and fatigue, so make sure you send them out as often as you can. Exercise often where you can get fresh air, this is very important as it helps you send out stale air in exchange for fresh air. For the very busy type, you can mitigate the negative effects of not getting regular exercise by simply keeping yourself in motion throughout the day. Do not stay still or sit for long periods of time in a

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particular position; make any type of movement.

For every one-hour of static positioning, make a movement of about 5-10 minutes like climbing staircase, walking from one desk to the other, static stretching. You do not have to go to the Gym everyday of the week to keep fit; you can do a lot in your house, your compound or in your neighbourhood. For instance, short HIIT sessions of about 2-5 minutes, dynamic stretching of about 2-3 minutes, you can play soccer with your friend or your children, bounce basketball in your compound; run or jog with your spouse or friends in the evening after close of work, play table tennis etc. This will keep your metabolic rate very active. Give your body enough rest, the body also needs time to rest and recuperate from the rigours of exercise. Good sleep can help you stay refreshed, energized and focused, while a bad sleeping habit can lead to ill health like weight gain, high blood pressure etc. Hydrate well and take light snacks like fruits before going on a long exercise session.

It is written in the Holy book that bodily exercise profits little, so go get that profit that comes from exercising and engaging in physical activities.

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RECORD UNBROKEN

Story by Lekan Adeola

I

watched Bisola as she scanned the room. Her eyes swayed from wall to wall, and from object to object. She had this shape that we popularly called 'figure 8', with her upstanding boobs and wide hips well pronounced in the body-fit short gown. If I was asked, I would say that she's a little too mature for a 20-year old. I was tempted to go around to behold what's left behind her.

"Please sit down...oh, I'm sorry we don't have a chair in here so you have to manage the bed." I teased.

"No problem." She smiled sheepishly as she chose the edge of the bed.

My bed was a king size, two feet high mattress, so one could sit comfortably as if it were a chair.

No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't refrain my eyes from occasional glances at her cleavage. Her spotless laps glowed in the bright lights cast by the down lights in the room.

"What shall I offer you now?" I asked, trying to end the awkward silence.

"Nothing, I'm okay." Said Bisola.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course." She said with a smile that sent electric currents to my heart,

increasing its pumping rate. I quickly sat down to conceal the bulge in my trousers.

She picked up my phone which was lying on the bed not far from her and began to slide through my saved pictures.

"So, you're missing Felix, right?"

"No, not at all." Said Bisola.

Then why are you here? I though. Could she be up to something? But I quickly dismissed the thought.

I knew I was not to make any move. I told myself I couldn't betray my friend. Of course I knew Bisola was meant to be a side chick because Felix had a stable relationship with a girl in his school. He only had it difficult to overlook a beauty and he ended up sleeping with a majority of the girls he went after. That was the opposite of me - although not completely opposite. I loved to behold beauties and usually fantasized on some intimate times with them but I had never cheated on my girl in reality - a record yet unbroken. I heard her phone beep. I could tell from her conversation that it was her mom.

"I'll be back soon, my mom wants something." She said.

"Okay, I'll be here waiting." I

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responded, with a smile.

I spent the rest of the night occasionally peeping through the window, pacing around the room, thinking of how it would feel like to have Bisola in my arms. I waited and waited, but she never came back.

I should have collected her number. I thought. I suddenly started to feel less guilty about betraying my friend. After all he not likely to come back to Lagos in a very long time. After all his family moved to Abuja five years ago, so he's now based in Abuja.

Why allow this beauty to waste away around me.

Soon tiredness set in and my eyelids began to close. Just then I heard a message alert on my phone. It was from an unknown number.

Sorry I didn't come back as promised. I'll see you tomorrow.

Do have a wonderful night. The message read.

She must have taken my number when she was checking the pictures on my phone.

I shut my eyes with a smile on my face, hoping to see Bisola in my dreams. ~ To be continued.

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Moviedom

Beauty Punchline

DIY METALLIC LIPS

BY SENABRUSHOVER

what to do Method 1: Apply your lipstick like you would normally do.

And then, apply some eyeshadow pigments over the lipstick Method 2: Take on some lipstick on to a mixing palette (if you don’t have one, you can use the back of your hand), add some eyeshadow pigments and mix together.

Apply on your lips.

There you have it! I hope you try it.

I

’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who loves the metallic lip trend that has been making waves. There are metallic lipsticks and lipstains that can be used to achieve this look, however, most of them are REALLY PRICEY. Yup! with the current economic situation of the country, I decided to find an alternative by doing some research on my own. This led me to discover a cost-effective DIY method for achieving the metallic lips.

WHAT YOU NEED: Lipstick (dould be in liquid form too) Loose metallic/shimmery eyeshadow pigments PG | 44 | JUNE 2017

-by Pelumi Sharayi

JADESOLA OSIBERU TAKING OVER

E

x Banker turned writer, producer and director Jadesola Osiberu, is out to blow our minds this June with the movie "Isoken" which features A-list Actors from Nollywood, Hollywood and Ghollywood. From the trailers and teasers on social media, one can tell that the movie centres around Nigerian ladies and the quest to get married at a certain age. We are excited about this movie, not only because of the reviews we have been getting from those who have seen it in London but also because of her previous outstanding productions in "Gidi up" - Season 1, 'The Juice' and others. We earnestly look forward to the Nigeria premiere which comes up the 11th of June.

Isoken would be out in the cinemas nationwide from 16th of June.

Well done JADESOLA.

AYO MAKUN THE RECORD BREAKER

M

any of us still wonder how comedian Ayo Makun stylishly tilted from the comedy industry in which he was outstanding to the movie industry with his movies "30days in Atlanta" and "A trip to Jamaica". He automatically became the record breaker with these movies. We can only say Ayo makun is a force to reckon with and he puts his all into making the best. Well he hasn't stopped or even gone on a break because he is about to get us off our chairs and comfort zones with his new romantic thrilling comedy "10days in Suncity" which features A-list Actors from the movie industry. The movie is set to premiere this June and would be out in the cinemas nationwide from 23rd of June 2017. We anticipate another record breaking performance from this movie because we know that "Na the work weh AY dey do be dat".

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BOVI MAN ON FIRE

-by Oluwaseyi Akindunbi

Ace comedian, Bovi, held the third edition of his stand-up comedy special, 'Man On Fire' at the Eko Convention Centre on Friday, May 5, 2017.

It was a great show as fans, friends and family came all out to celebrate the man of the night.

There were performances from a few musicians and comedians before the main man, Bovi mounted the stage.

Thereafter, it was laughter galore till the wee hours of Saturday morning.

The event was put together by Flytime Entertainment which is owned by Cecil Hammond. After the event, stories made the rounds that Bovi was paid a whooping 20 million naira by Flytime Entertainment. We wish the 'Man On Fire' more blessings.

Kelechi Amadi

Powede Lawrence

Bovi

Ben Bruce

Omowunmi Akinifesi

Idia Aisien

Mini Omolaja

Inidima Okojie

Richard mofe-damijo

Julius Agwu Seyi Law

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Ty Mix

PG | 47 | JUNE 2017

Kate Henshaw

INDUSTREET MOVIE PREMIERE

Story by Oluwaseyi Akindunbi

I

ndustreet, a music-oriented TV drama directed and produced

by Abdul Rasheed Bello and Funke Akindele-Bello respectively, premiered on the 19th of May at the IMAX Cinemas in Lekki.

The premiere was attended by ace nollywood actors and media personalities like Joke Silva, Rita Dominic, Kate Henshaw, Lilian Ejiofor, Lilian Afegbai, Toke Makinwa, Ariyike Akinbobola, Bolanle Olukanni, Annie Idibia, Adunni Ade, Lolo 1, Akpororo and so many others.

It is one of the most anticipated TV dramas in Nigeria and it stars great actors like Funke Akindele-Bello, Linda Ejiofor, Lydia Forson, Tina Mba, Kunle Coker, K-Switch, Tomike Alayande and more.

Industreet airs exclusively on Funke Akindele-Bello's streaming platform: Sceneone TV.

Funke Akindele & Jjc Skillz

Moet Abebe

Toke Makinwa

Gemstones

Bolanle Olukanni

PG | 48 | JUNE 2017

Linda Ejiofor

Annie Idibia

Ariyike Akinbobola

VJ Adams

Kemen

Kemen

Joke Silva

Dede Mabiaku, Funke Akindele & Jjc Skillz

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Lillian Afe

BUSTED MOVIE PREMIERE Story by Oluwaseyi Akindunbi

'Busted the Movie' premiered on the 21st of May at Oriental Hotel. It's grand premiere was attended by several actors and media personalities such as Kate Henshaw, Zach and Ngozi Orji, Emeka Ossai, Helen Paul, Uti Nwanchukwu, Kenny SaintBrown, John Fashanu, and Eunice Omole among others.

The movie stars Liz Benson, Kate Henshaw, IK Ogbonna, Paul Obazele and more.

Zach and Ngozi Orji

Lisa Onu Face Onu

Uti

Kenny Saint Brown

Face Onu

Helen Paul

John Fashanu

Uti

Lisa Onu

Kate Henshaw

Eunice Omole Akpororo PG | 50 | JUNE 2017

Dele Sharayi & John Fashanu

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Nkiru Nwosu

CORE S FITNES TIPS

KATE HENSHAW&

KOJO WILLIAMS