...NOT IN THISDAY STYLE? THEN YOU’RE NOT IN STYLE
SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2022
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MICHAEL PREST BEHIND THE MYTH
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9796 Sunday, March 6, 2022
STYLE&DESIGN
Sunday, April 3, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9824
EDITOR’S TAKE Go Bold and Bright Take advantage of eye-catching colours and patterns as they draw attention to the clothes instead of your body. Florals can be fabulous, especially when you mix the size of florals between different scales. Go for a large printed dress and pair with bright colour essentials, this creates an interesting look.
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Stay away from Mid-Waist Belts Mid-waist belts will make you look slimmer than you are, so avoid them. When it comes to styling belts, wear them lower than the waist, and it’ll help balance your figure more.
CONTENT
...NOT IN THISDAY STYLE? THEN YOU’RE NOT IN STYLE
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SUNDAY, APRIL 2022 MARCH3,27, 2022
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PART 1
WOMEN IN POLITICS
MICHAEL PREST BEHIND THE MYTH
GUT DRIVEN!
A cat with nine political lives, Rotimi Amaechi, is one of the few Nigerian politicians who, against all odds, After considering becoming a priest, has managed toaway from his Michael J. Prest veered family’s roots and instead, studied have political an uninterrupted Law after which, he sought his own path political career for to find fortune. He opted for Finance, 23 years from hisan indelible business and Oil leaving impression the oil and gas trading by days asonSpeaker understanding and sanitizing of the Rivers State risk in SubSaharan Africa. House of Assembly, Paradoxical at times, Prest remains then Governor of person, one an enigma. A very private will think he’s quiet yet discover, Rivers with KONYE with boundless energy, he’ll party with close CHELSEA friends until day-light and then go back to NWABOGOR and his desk and work 14-16 hours to get the deal done. Today Prest is living his best FUNKE BABS life yet purely on his terms and within a KUFEJI, global footprint. FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI reports
Society Society
AMINA MOHAMMED, LERATO MOLEBATSI, TOYIN SARAKI, ZAIN ASHER, OTHERS
A cat with nine political lives, Rotimi Amaechi, is
COMMEMORATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY WITH ADEBOLA WILLIAMS
In commemoration of International Women’s Day, media entrepreneur, author, one of the few Nigerian politicians who, against all and CEO of RED | For Africa, AdebolaWiliams hosted notable personalities at odds, Page 3 an exclusive dinner event at the EbonyLife Place, Victoria Island, Lagos.
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5 Trends On Fashion All about the little Influencers And Stylist White RadarDress.
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Finding All Theabout Right the Fit little For Skinny Girls
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Fashion Fashion
Looks In March
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Vertical Stripes Are a No-Go This may be an obvious one, but if you wear trousers with vertical stripes, you’ll look thinner than you are. They act as an optical illusion and can also make you look taller too. Try playing with horizontal stripes to see if you can create the opposite effect. If not, printed jeans with abstract patterns can be a great way to compliment your figure too.
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Try Monochrome Looks Monochrome outfit with one colour or pattern all over is a good tip for those who are slimmer. These can create an illusion of bulk, making you look less thin and very chic at the same time. No to Heels in Skinny Outfits Though we all love heels, sometimes they’re not the best option for smaller frames. Wearing heels can make you look even thinner and taller, so if this isn’t the look you’re going for, try swapping heels out for some cute flats or pumps. They are easier to walk in and can balance out your more skinny frame. Try Some Scarves Sometimes skinny girls worry about their necks since being thin can make your neck appear longer. If you’re worried about this, try scarves, not to cover your neck up, but to create an illusion of a fuller chest, making you look less skinny.
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have never been one to take ‘boil-water-in-theeveral times in the past, l was told right-temperature topics too seriously. First off, l a time will come when l would exbelieve theychange are notmy telling us anything sky-scrappers fornew. the For heaven’s sakescomfort everyone knows the right state of of wearing flats. I remember laughing to role theirinfaces that thatof mind plays a very significant our outlook will not happen in a very long time life. What are you telling us that we do not already to come! I could not, for the life of me, imagine know? Most ‘inspirational speakers’ rarely come up shelving my beloved high heels for something more with anything new. There’s nothing fresh they are practical. Till date, l have friends who stand by bringing to the has not been mentioned that. In my owntable case,that l got a rude awakening after several times before. Onewe might say cynicism the pandemic! Because became prisonersplays in our own homes, l threw caution to the winds and a major role in such jaded response but the truth is, became couch only did pile onyou, the until you aseek thepotato…not truth you search for lwithin pounds, l got into the ‘lazy zone’ and embraced most of these textbook responses are what they comfort! It became a top priority. simply are...tried and tested predictable answers. Now, fast-forward to when things got back to No one can your problem as well as you do. No normal andwear the usual social activities resumed. one cantotruly walk those steps you are literally walking.not You Much my horror - l realized l could walk in heels anymore. I even tried shorter heels have to dig deep and find a way to wangle through hoping toissues gradually my way up,Don’t but alas whatever are work plaguing you. get itme was not to be. I was aghast wondering what on wrong, professional help helps as do inspirational earth would now happen to my beloved collection talks...but you have to be able to assimilate and of heels. Now and again, l stare at them sitting play it praying out the way suits yousome best. day, You are there to bethat worn again but your the best soldier. Nothe one can want the best for you more longer l look, further the reality. I have now become an expert in dressing around whatever flats than you want it for yourself. You are your own best l am wearing. needless say, Sneakers have advocate. Your So state of mindto and thinking positively now become the most favourite fashion item in my regardless of obstacles and challenges boils down wardrobe. to you and only you at the end of the day. Nobody THE CLASSIC SNEAKERS TO OWN encompasswill carry that and mantle for you.for The question how es all grades categories those of us is who do youswear get toby that place of inner contentment? now them. I have to now grudgingly How admit that l am now a very strong advocate for ‘comdo you rise above and exhale? fortTHAT first’.GLOW Regardless…l refuse toTogive up Your and Best pray GET UP...The Journey Living that sometime soon, l would get my mojo back Life gives you several ways to achieve the peaceand of embrace what l have to admit is one of the most mind you yearn for. We carry a lot of baggage that sexy items a women can adorn - the high heel! This only can discard. can do to it your for us. The is sous because it givesNo anone extra edge cartasks in the areis not riage.mentioned But what this alsoarticle tells me that as youdifficult do not extraand inches to look just as good without. It’s toneed achieve if anything, rather simple actually! about your inner confidence which reflects by the It’s mind over matter. Decluttering doesn’t begin wayend you with carryour yourself whether wearing the and wardrobes. It you goesare way beyond most glamorous outfit or the simplest casual wear. that. The emotional, physical and spiritual areas are It’s about the attitude not just the clothes. So go also other places where figure… decluttering is sometimes required for us to get to ‘that place’ of inner peace.
FINDING THE RIGHT FIT FOR SKINNY GIRLS Due to the belief that almost everything looks good on skinny body types, it is sometimes hard to find useful fashion tips for skinny figures because some clothes can be difficult to style. If you have a very slim figure and you’re struggling to find the right clothes for your body type, here are some of the best ways to perfectly recreate your outfit ideas. By Usiade Isioma
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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9796 Sunday, March 6, 2022
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Amina Mohammed, Lerato Molebatsi, Toyin Saraki, Zain Asher, others commemorate IWD with Adebola Williams
KEMI AKINDOJU
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y, ernational Women’s Da n commemoration of Int r Fo | thor, and CEO of RED media entrepreneur, au lihosted notable persona Africa, AdebolaWiliams ife yL on Eb EBATSI r event at the OLA & KEHINDE WILLIAMS, LERATO MOL ties at an exclusive dinne CHARLOTTE OSEI, UYOYO UGBOMA, ADEB s. go Place, Victoria Island, La ican Power Girls’, the Afr th wi ing Themed ‘An even 100 of some of the most event was a gathering of how to connect and discuss powerful women in Africa . ion of African Power Girls to build the next generat y efored the need to intensif The event also undersc nder ge d ains of inequality an forts to eliminate the str bias in society. r d girls at the centre of ou “It is only with women an in d ee cc best chance to su efforts that we have the ngand pressing global challe addressing our current d vioergency to gender-base em ate clim the m fro ; es overy and to a sustainable rec lence, political divisions ed, mm ic,” said Amina Moha from this global pandem s l, United Nations. “On thi Deputy Secretary-Genera ies y let’s recommit our energ International Women’s Da y alit qu versible gender ine to achieving true and irre ren women have the oppo because we all benefit wh for all,” she concluded. tunity to lead and to rise ZAIN ASHER & JONATHAN HAWKINS ’ 3-volume compendium Just like Adebola Williams al on ati es, this year’s Intern of stories of African shero ms Mohammed stated – “ai Women’s Day – as Amina d rating the contribution an at recognising and celeb g din lea n and girls who are those sacrifices of wome d for a more sustainable an efforts for women’s right climate-resilient feature.” e book, African Power Adebola Williams’ 3-volum Afriries of past and present Girls, chronicles the sto cieties. rs who have shaped so rrio wa d an s ale fem n ca
UWA ADEREMI & CHERRY EROMOSELE TAYO GEORGE. TUTU AYOADE. MOJOLAOL BELLO & VIMBAI MUTINHIRI ADESUA ETOMI-WELLINGTON, SHAFFY
OMAWUMI
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DERIN AGBAJE
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JOKE SILVA, IFY IGHODALO, DAKORE EGBU
RUTH OSIME
FUNKE BUCKNOR-OBRUTHE
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GBEMI SHASHORE
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DESIGN
The drip lord himself, there is always something to catch your attention anytime Ebuka steps out. His styles are unique and worthy to steal. This look is everything gentleman.
No Swanky, no styling! There is nothing more classic than wide leg pants paired with a fitted blazer. Swanky knows how to turn heads in any event with his looks. This combo is beautiful from start to finish. He sure deserves to be on this list.
Adire couldn’t have been styled better than how Ronke has rocked hers. We love the mixed feeling in the look, it gives that boss vibe with a chic feel. There is nothing not to love about this look and it indeed, steals a spot in our favourite A-list looks in march.
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She doesn’t just call herself king of fashion for nothing, she knows how to go extra and make everything look effortlessly beautiful. Who else can play with colourful feathers in styling if not Toyin. She has stolen the spotlight on the streets of fashion and she definitely has to be on our favourite A-list. This is colourful, dramatic and beautiful.
Sunday, April 3, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9824
JEREMIAH OGBODO
TOYIN LAWANI
Angel knows how to deliver any outfit, be it a simple pyjama set or any outfit. She is indeed a style chameleon as she pulls off vibrant and funky looks.
EBUKA OBI-UCHENDU
ADERONKE ENOABAS
FAVOURITE A-LIST LOOKS IN MARCH CYNTHIA NWADIORA
It’s safe to say Ceecee’s wardrobe has a personality as big as her own. She has been known to turn a capital-L in any outfit she wears. She is extra and dramatic.
As we approach the arrival of April, we’re looking forward to another month of style inspiration from the A-list - and so far, we’ve seen an uplifting influx of joyful colours and styles from our fashionistas. Whether you are out and about around town or getting all dolled up for big event, it never hurts to look to the stars of fashion for healthy dose of style inspiration. These are our favourite A-list looks from the month so far. By Usiade Isioma
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Nengi is no stranger to stealing a scene. And recently she has kept us riveted with her dress made with pearls to celebrate her birthday. In particular, we give this beautiful pearl fitted outfit a standing ovation.
ANGEL OBASI
OSAS IGHODARO
Kiekie is a true African black woman who embraces and styles Africa prints in ways that make you want to steal every look of hers. The prints are so vibrant and strong. The style and fabric combination are also a perfect to start of your day. BUKUNMI ADEAGA
Saskay delivered a level of Zoom composure in this look, the outfit offers just the right balance between fashion glamour and style chic. The look is a bold statement on its own and we love it.
This look is everything amazing, from her hairdo to her complete head to toe design, Osas look so ravishing. She displays a true fashion icon.
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Sunday, April 3, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9824
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GETTING READY FASTER Tired of always being stressed out in the morning, being late, and still feeling completely exhausted even when ready? You can learn these six tips and tricks from power women who are excellent at it. After all, busy and successful women somehow manage to get everything under one roof and still look great. By Usiade Isioma
Know The Weather Being prepared for anything also means knowing the weather. Just take a look at your weather app before choosing an outfit. This way, you avoid regretting wearing a white outfit in the pouring rain or an all-black outfit in bright sunshine and thus prevent a bad mood.
Prepare Your Outfit the Night Before Putting out the outfit for the next morning the evening before, is an enormous time saver and ensures that you are less stressed in the morning. If you know your schedule and the weather, you can choose all the pieces you want to wear and try them on so you are happy with the final look. Then hang everything up ready to wear and save yourself the morning fashion crisis we all hate so much.
OLAR FOLAMI
Pack Your Bag the Evening Before Just as it pays to pick out your outfit the night before, busy women have often got used to packing their bags the night before. Laptop, charging cable, water, snacks, wallet – even if something is still missing, it is usually just one quick move in the morning instead of many small ones. Having everything properly packed saves you a lot of stress in the morning giving you a little more energy to start your day.
Organize Your Accessories Untying chains, finding a pair of earrings that actually go together, looking for sunglasses that have been lost in some bag can all be avoided if you put them in order in your drawer inserts. Organizing them properly the night before, will calm your nerves in the morning.
Move Your Skin Routine to The Evening You don’t have that much time in the morning to do your skin routine and because your skin shouldn’t be neglected, move all extensive skin care routines to the evening. So, in the morning you only have to use a moisturizer, some eye care and sunscreen, and your skin is ready for the day looking great.
A Simple Make-Up A woman with busy schedule especially in the morning, should understand what makes your daily routine work optimal. You should know how to get your make-up done quickly, and most times, it is usually very simple. In the morning everything revolves around a natural base, structured brows, mascara and some colour on the lips – and you’re ready to go.
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Sunday, April 3, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9824
COVER
Michael J. Prest’s father was Alhaji Mikael Godwin Edward Prest, President Shagari’s Chief of Staff while his grandfather, apart from being an Ambassador, Minister, and a Judge, in 1950, founded the Mid-West party with Anthony Enaharo. Being the first Son and first Grandson, in a prominent family steeped both in politics and the history for the independence of Nigeria. Politics, one thinks, would have been the road taken by Michael. Instead, after considering becoming a Priest and then studying Law and being called to the bar, Michael sought his own path to find fortune. He opted for Finance, business and yes, Oil. He carved a name for himself in the hardest of arenas as a number one trader at global trading behemoths, Phibro Energy, Vitol and then as Chief Executive at Marc Rich Investments. Prest has left an indelible impression on the oil and gas trading by understanding and sanitizing risk in Sub-Saharan Africa and also executing legendary deals in Nigeria, Ghana, DRC, Tanzania, Sudan and Zambia. With the Petrodel brand, he established trading templates still used today across Africa. It is said that Sahara, Ocean & Oil and MRS did their first major deals with him. Those who work for him say he’s a hard task master with a most incredible attention to detail. The late Marc Rich, renowned as the King of Oil trading, recognized Michael to be a consummate negotiator, always on top of his brief that when and if needed, would wear his counterpart down until such time as the deal fitted its objective and his needs. Paradoxical at times, Prest remains an enigma. A very private person, one will think he’s quiet yet discover, with boundless energy, he’ll party with close friends until day-light and then go back to his desk and work 14-16 hours to get the deal done. Yes, there’s always a deal, the size didn’t matter. Today Prest is living his best life yet purely on his terms and within a global footprint. Very few really know who MJP is and what really makes him tick. We are not certain we ever will. FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI reports… You have been described variously as a reclusive billionaire, a reclusive Nigerian billionaire, a reclusive oil baron. Each time the word Reclusive keeps cropping up in descriptions about you. How do you feel about such descriptions and does the word capture the real Michael Prest? That’s an interesting question. Is Reclusive used to suggest something sinister? For many years I worked, I worked very hard, tending to my responsibilities; looking after my family both nuclear and extended and (thankfully) was given an opportunity in which to excel and which allowed me to take care of my responsibilities in a way I wanted to but always very quietly. If you weren’t involved in the sectors I was in, you wouldn’t have known me nor even been bothered to know me. Then suddenly and for now well-known reasons all that changed in 2010 and (against my will) I found myself thrust into the spotlight and that’s something that didn’t sit comfortably with me. So, am I reclusive? To the extent that I do keep to myself, yes. I keep and prefer to keep to myself. My children know the real me, my family know the real me and a small group of friends that I’ve had for decades know parts of the real me. Does that make somebody reclusive? What did the COVID pandemic teach you and what life lessons do you think should be passed onto to the younger generation or a younger Michael Prest? Well firstly, my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who lost someone during this period and to those, and there are many, who’ve suffered and are still battling with mental health scars highlighted by that period. Covid highlighted just how vulnerable we human beings really are. It highlighted the systemic inequalities that we’ve tried to paper-over for so many years of so-called societal development. It underpinned for me, just how similar we all are, irrespective of colour, creed, sexuality, wealth, or any other distinction social commentators would like to add. It hammered home too that there is an urgency in life and that time waits for no one, it is not inelastic. Did it meaningfully bring us closer as people, as families, as friends? Covid seemingly paid no respect to anything or anyone, and like the grim reaper it is, it cut through all with its long and very sharp scythe. Cold and dispassionate. My prayer particularly for young people is that this punctuation in their lives does not spawn five or ten years down the track an explosion of mental health issues and that is where I think a lot of attention as a society, needs to be paid. The life lesson I would give to a younger me, is pace yourself, focus on staying physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually healthy.
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You suffered some losses of loved ones recently. Your brother-inlaw two years ago and your aunt, Audrey Edu, this year. How did these two events effect you? What I will say is this, my brother-in-law was a truly wonderful, warm, and wise human being who loved his family and made sure he did everything to keep them secure. I admired him. May his soul rest in perfect peace. With his passing, I’ve moved to make sure my sister and her children are and will, remain safe. My sister and I have been close from childhood. My Aunty, simply put, was my favourite aunt. She was my late father’s sister. She was warm and always welcoming. May her soul rest in perfect peace. I prefer to keep the rest to myself. As much as death is the natural consequence of life, losing someone never fails to hurt and that hurt, I find is something best dealt with privately. What would you consider to be your greatest achievements in life to date and what are your plans and goals going forward? That’s a difficult question to answer. If by achievement you mean
success, then the narrative of success is an ever-changing landscape that means different things at different stages of life. Is materiality success? Is having money, success? Is overcoming personal fears and challenges, success? Is being well-known, success? What I know is that I have been blessed on several fronts and I am humbled and remain always truly grateful for that blessing. The boxes that you would perhaps ordinarily tick as evidence of success I have been able to tick. Yet for me personally, if I must pick an achievement and to be honest, every day it evolves and teaches me something about myself, and I pick it for many reasons personal to me, is that of being a father. The cornucopia of strands that weave themselves into that answer are rich in their texture and their impact on my life has been huge and to that extent, it has dwarfed everything else. Looking from the outside at what is often written about you, it appears that despite this gilded life, you have been unsuccessful when it comes to love and the affairs of the heart. You had a celebrated marriage and then a celebrated divorce that still seems to fascinate people to this day, not to mention the Supreme Court of United Kingdom ruling that was the final chapter of the divorce, is the subject in the curriculum of every law student in the world today. There are various ironies in that divorce chapter which, incidentally, was a long time ago. The first of which is that I had always admired and to some extent, followed the career of Jonathan Sumption QC. He’s a truly powerful intellect. Yet I think that Lord Sumption (as he became) if pressed privately, may conclude that he didn’t have his finest day on June 13th, 2013. He’d been thrown something of a hospital pass because the High Court had made such a hash of things, as later highlighted by the Court of Appeal. So, in having to give some semblance of a ruling, Lord Sumption had to gift the appellant a fifth way, something the Appellant had never even applied for in her four grounds of appeal. I think Lady Hale, gave it away in her dicta supporting Lord Sumption. Yet everyone must admire Lord Sumption’s bravery and as a lawyer myself, I accept what the Supreme Court said as final. Ultimately, legal history will determine whether this should be considered a celebrated ruling. The fact that it is the subject of every law school curriculum around the world is also the second irony. As a friend of mine said, it took an African from Warri to cause the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom to look in on itself and what had been settled law since 1897. That is a story in itself. If Law students around the world can gain something or it can help their legal studies, then surely that must be a good thing. Better still, I could earn a royalty for each time the case is mentioned or (yet another) accountant and or lawyer makes it the subject of a keynote after dinner speech! (Laughter). The third irony is Life requires humility this, Lord Sumption, Jonathan Sumption QC as it does hard work. as he was at the time, earned £7.8 million Talent is nothing without for his defence of Roman Abramovich in discipline. Dreams are the case Berezovsky v Abramovich. This is believed to be the highest fee ever earned nothing without that in British legal history. The case was the last ability to pick yourself up, where Jonathan Sumption QC acted as a if knocked down and to go barrister. He delayed his appointment to the the distance. So, I tell my UK Supreme Court so that he could finish his work on the case. Judgment was given children to have a dream (of on 31st August 2012, ten months before their own) that anchors and June 13th 2013. If you are one of those who drives each of them, each believe a BBC Panorama program: Roman Abramovich’s Dirty Money, then, do you and every day.
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place a question mark on that £7.8 Million paid to and accepted by Jonathan Sumption QC? If the source of that money, using the definition of the BBC program, dirty, does it mean, post tempo, we question the moral compass of Lord Sumption? Should we question the integrity of his judgment and, by definition, his Judgment? History is a strange thing. Whether I am unsuccessful when it comes to love and affairs of the heart? I am not sure what that means. You were once being mentioned as a possible Minister of Petroleum. Looking at the oil sector of Nigeria today, what, if any are your views or do you have any advise to give to those charged with the responsibility of managing that sector for the benefit of Nigerians. The late (may his soul rest in perfect peace) Chief of Staff Abba Kyari spoke with me at some length over two months in 2015 about the Petroleum portfolio and I would prefer not to say any more about that. As to the second part, the Minister of State Petroleum Resources is Timipre Marlin Sylva and a former Governor of Bayelsa State. I think I am allowed to say he is a friend and someone I have known for over 20years. I have a lot of respect for him. He has a deep-seated holistic knowledge of the sector, so I am not sure if it is for me to give him or the sector advice. I am also not involved in the down-stream oil sector in Nigeria on a day-to-day basis. That said, I (obviously) understand the dynamics of the sector and there are two comments I could make. The first is that oil sector is in a parlous and difficult place, made worse, given the global energy transition to renewables. It’s near-on impossible to finance the hydrocarbon sector now and sector participants from Nigeria, once the darling of banks and private equity, are now shunned and seen as pariahs. The current raging geo-politics may give the sector a few years respite, but I think that it must be the underlying point of concern as both a Nation State and a hydrocarbon producer. Simply put, come 2050, what’s next? The second comment I would add and this has been a constant for me, is never do away with the fuel subsidy. If you do, you unleash untold hardship on hapless millions. Subsidy has been given a bad name yet intrinsically, the thinking behind a subsidy in a nation where we don’t have a social safety net is laudable. So, to my mind, better manage the subsidy and as I’ve been saying for years also, better align the value derived from your hydrocarbon sales to what is spent on any imports. Managed well, they should cancel each other out and if understood properly, could even result in a net gain on the export sale side.
As an investor and businessman, what are you doing now. What are you looking at today? A question on more familiar ground. Well, I’ve been deliberately looking at several things. I’ve always been curious and it’s fair to say, I have been a disruptor in nearly every business or investment I’ve been involved in. That arbitrage that underpins disruption is where meaningful opportunity and value exists. I am fascinated by technology and the possibility of the possibilities that technology allows. Both tangibly, yet also in terms of attitude and the way we approach things. Today we’re all doing things differently and seeing near seismic changes across life’s spectra. So, as an example I’m seeing how best to apply technology to an interest in financial services and real-estate in the Caribs and Africa, as a means of substantially increasing footprint both global and in terms of revenue. I’m heavily vested in renewables on what will be a large-scale African investment and I see that almost as an obligation in a quest to add my small voice to efforts to save this planet. I’m involved in a European media venture and looking to increase that involvement and investment in ways soon to be apparent; again, looking at how best one can apply technology in what is a digitally nomadic world. On that same theme, I’m vested in migration investment and I’m acting as an advisor to a start-up one of my children invested in, which is for me is, really exciting. Though l remain meaningfully involved in legacy oil and gas assets, the recent spike in prices has created the much needed segue to exit that investment for value. So, I’m busy. Maybe busier than ever, and I think that is because I remain constantly fasciPlace yourself where nated and still see tremendous opportunities to create value now more so than ever, in you think you should be. areas that interest me or my children, at my Prejudice is borne out of own pace.
fear and ignorance. Don’t covet someone else’s thing or someone else’s success but strive to have your own. Don’t die before they kill you. Be happy and actively seek happiness. Get married or focus on the raising of your children. Finally, Read The Room. 16
Shagari appointed your father, Chief Michael Godwin Edward Prest as his Chief of Staff. Your grandfather apart from being an Ambassador, Minister, and a Judge, in 1950 founded with Anthony Enaharo, the Mid-West Party. The party became part of the Action Group in 1951 and is part and parcel of the struggle for independence of Nigeria from the British. Have you thought about entering Politics if simply as an extension of giving back?
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What I would say is this. If I did enter politics then I’d throw myself into it full time and with it, apply the same discipline and energy and fascination I apply to everything I do. I’d be 100% committed yet I suspect people would find me somewhat contrarian and be surprised that I have very strong views on certain issues that centre around meaningful gender equality, tolerance, equal opportunity for everyone, excellence, sustainability, and technology. Politics is unforgiving in many respects and at times, the pernicious rivalry between political opponents in Nigeria is both unhinged as it is visceral. I have friends for which politics is their life, is their metier. With one of them, I’ve seen it first-hand literally rip open his life to unwelcome, vicious and biased scrutiny that made me constantly wonder, has it been worth it for him? For his family? He carried it well but because I know him well, deep down it must hurt. So, to answer your question, I don’t know is my answer. Being a Minister is being a technocrat bringing his or her acumen almost under a contract for a fixed term. Being a politician is something very different. The next elections in Nigeria, I think are as important as those that ushered in the halcyon days of 1999 – 2007. If the next Government feel I have a skillset that can bring value, then I would answer that call as a means of giving back but right now I’m really consumed and involved in what I am doing and remain ever grateful that I can approach my life in this way. You have four very well-educated children. What advise do you give them? Do you want them to follow in your footsteps? Again, that is a private matter, Whilst the apple never falls too far from the tree, what I can say, is I want my children to lead their own lives and most importantly, be happy and passionate about whatever it is they choose to do. Life requires humility as it does hard work. Talent is nothing without discipline. Dreams are nothing without that ability to pick yourself up, if knocked down and to go the distance. So, I tell my children to have a dream (of their own) that anchors and drives each of them, each and every day. A dream, that gets them out of bed daily with spring in their feet, so whatever they are doing is not a chore or simply a desire for a pay cheque but sees them working to achieve their dream. They’re venturing out into a very different yet global world, in which the constraints that bear down on human beings are better understood and maybe better appreciated. So, I tell them that happiness must be a similar key-driver and cornerstone in everything they do. They don’t need to follow my footsteps they need to make their own indelible footsteps. What did you learn from your parents and how has that impacted on your life One word immediately springs to mind and that is ‘freedom’. I was given an incredible amount of freedom growing up. Freedom to be myself, freedom to ask questions, freedom to make mistakes of which I made many, freedom that always found me at the centre of some trouble in school and University and ultimately, freedom which (I think allowed me) not to be scared to think out-of-the-box and some would say, dream big. It was also a freedom that didn’t allow me to be intimidated even at times, when (logically) you should feel intimidated. I don’t think that freedom was organic. I think it was deliberate decision made by my parents. So, I don’t recall ever being told that I couldn’t do something. Obviously, I was told that from time to time, but when I look back generally, those times were very few and certainly not as a teenager. My late Father (may his soul rest in perfect peace) was very much a polymath, who always had his head in a scholarly book. He wasn’t a Father who’d necessarily tell his children no, but he would be pretty clear on what the upside and downside were on what you would want to do, and I’d near often figure it out for myself and when I didn’t, I’d almost certainly learn for myself that that was a wrong choice to make. He wasn’t judgmental either which is something I definitely inherited. My Mother smothered/drowned me in love and wouldn’t hear anyone criticize or say a bad word about her Son. She just would not hear it. Yet she would quietly admonish and counsel me (away from others) as her way of protecting me. So, I knew my parents always had my back. There are no words that can ever capture the gratitude I have for them. The sacrifices they made and the foresight they had. Absolutely, no words. Priceless! What would you tell a younger you today, coming out of university and venturing out to similarly make his fortune. I would say pretty much what I told myself and what my parents told me. Be bold. Know that everything can be your possibility. Nobody owns possibility and it’s there to be grabbed only by those who seek it. Be prepared to work (incredibly) hard. Be prepared to fail as that is the path to success. Never allow others write your narrative or dictate to you what you are or to place you where they want you to be. Place yourself where you think you should be. Prejudice is borne out of fear and ignorance. Don’t covet someone else’s thing or someone else’s success but strive to have your own. Don’t die before they kill you. Be happy and actively seek happiness. Get married or focus on the raising of your children. Finally, Read The Room.
Style News
Extra extra read all about it! It’s been one roller coaster ride this month of March here are some of the major news making the rounds. By Babafunke Babs-Kufeji
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MADONA TEAMS UP WITH CANADIAN PRODUCERS ICKICK AND NIGERIAN ARTISTE FIREBOY AFRICA MAGIC UNVEILS EIGHT-DAY EVENT LINEUP FOR 8TH AMVCAS
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frica Magic, in association with MultiChoice, has announced an eight-day series of events to herald the 8th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) set to hold on May 14, 2022. The series of events will reinvent and bring exciting changes to the awards which had it’s first edition in 2013. It will commence with an Opening Night on Saturday, 7 May, followed by a first-ever AMVCA runway show in partnership with Bella Naija Style on Sunday, 8 May. On Monday, 9 May will be MultiChoice Talent Factory Day with movie screenings and panel discussions by students of the MTF academy. Africa Magic will then host industry stakeholders to a special Content Market Day on Tuesday, 10 May. This will be followed by a pan-African food festival and cultural day on Wednesday, 11 May. A Digital Content Creators’ Day to spotlight the growing popularity of online content creators will hold on Thursday, 12 May. Then there will be a special gala for nominees on Friday, 13 May whilst the awards night, which will hold on Saturday, 14 May will crown the series of events.
R-L: AMVCA VICTOR OKHAI, DR. BUSOLA TEJUMOLA, AMINA JAGUN & SEGUN OGUNLEYE
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adonna took us back to 1998 with the remix of her hit song “Frozen.” where she features Nigerian rising super star, crooner of the world famous song “Peru”, Fireboy DML who added a welcome verse to the remixed trap track. Jumping on the remix, Fireboy in his verse sings “I thought you loved me/I thought you trust me, I tried to take care of your heart, but it’s frozen/Why can’t you show me, don’t leave me open.” Giving the song the added vibe to bring the remix to life. The new version of “Frozen” is Madonna’s first song since dropping the live album of Madame X last year. Way to go Fireboy for this major milestone in your music career. The video shows the Queen of Pop
MADONA AND FIRE BOY
rocking a leather outfit and her signature Madame X cross jewelry as she’s seen smoking and dancing alongside the Nigerian singer. Ahead of its release, DML thanked Madonna for bringing him onto the song, writing “Love to the queen for having me on this classic” on Instagram.
THE HOUSE WIVES ARE BACK!
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e know the house Real Housewives show is an explosive one. The parties, fights, fashion and more keep us wanting more of the reality TV show. Now they are back bringing their drama to our screens from the city of Lagos. Yes, you heard it right, the Real Housewives are shooting the Lagos version giving us a front seat to glance into the opulent and OOT lifestyle of some of the most popular women in social media…living their best Eko-Miami lives with the added drama and gbas gbos you can expect from The Real Housewives franchise. The show features six glamourous women Iyabo Ojo, Chioma Ikokwu, Carolyna Hutchings, Mariam Timmer, Toyin Lawani-Adebayo and Laura Ikeji-Kanu.The show debuts exclusively on DSTV Showmax on April 8, 2022, with new episodes dropping weekly. It is distributed internationally by NBC Universal Formats, a division of Universal Studio Group. RHOLagis will be the first Nigerian instalment of the award-winning franchise that is nationally distributed by NBCUniversal Formats.The latter is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group. This also marks the 16th international version of The Real Housewives format and the third African adaptation, following the success of The Real Housewives of Johannesburg and Durban, both now streaming on Showmax.
TUFACE AND ANNIE IDIBIA
TUFACE AND ANNIE IDIBIA A LOVE STORY THAT KEEPS GETTING BETTER
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nnie and Tuface Idibia have been in the news quite a lot lately but this time we can tell you it’s for all the right reasons. The Afro pop star and his actress wife have renewed their marital vows. The news was made public when Annie took to her Instagram page to share the photos of the intimate ceremony which was held to mark their 10th year wedding anniversary.
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5 TRENDS ON FASHION INFLUENCERS AND STYLIST RADAR
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Trends come and go but some stay constantly reviving themselves and if you are unsure of what to wear this coming fashion month ahead, take a cue from some of our favourite fashion influencers. METALLICS Metallics in the coming fashion months will be the new black, so don’t be afraid to embrace them.
FOLAKE KUYE-HUNTOON
COLOUR BLOCKING Jet set brights paired together is a sight to behold. Refresh your wardrobe by colour blocking.
Alero Adollo
ERICA NLEWEDIM
BOLD COLORS PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: Bold sharp colours are back and the rainbow is your oyster. Choose from orange, bright magenta, neon green and the likes to add a good pop of colour into your fashion wardrobe this coming fashion months ahead. STELLA ADEWUNMI
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aleroadollo@yahoo.com
SADE AKINOSHO
MICRO MINI The Y2k era is showing up this coming month with the comeback of the Micro mini skirt but this time they come in high rise skirts. If you dare to take your style way back to the Y2k era then pair your micro mini with a crop top and blazer to balance out your look if not so daring, then a crisp white shirt will do the trick.
CHINYERE ADOGU
FEATHERED UP Feathers in Fashion are nothing new, it has been a fashion favourite for decades over and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Feathers are taking over everything from heels to tops to skirts to PJsto accessories and so much more.
Of fiend/ship and frenemies…..2 Na real wah for our people oooo, bad belle full ground spillover, your “homie” is doing well and you’re belly aching, something dey do you, look in the mirror your soul is an ogre walahi. Something occurred to me the other day through my pondering, why do we choose to hang out with people who do not wish us well though….and please don’t lie to yourself, your spirit usually informs you that the company you’re keeping is inimical to your well being but you usually choose to ignore. Why are we hungry for wounding….and we sure love peeling the scabs. People are mean sha, if you don’t like someone, why tie yourself to their apron calling them bestie, you are a sellout biko and you will get your just dessert, it will be served to you at the appropriate time because karma does not pussyfoot. There are too many demons on life’s boulevard parading themselves as friends and then the claws sink into your flesh and their knives twist releas-
ing blood into the realm…. This fiend/ ship thing no be by force so why spend your lifetime running roughshod around the innocent. Na friend go give all your life information to outsiders that is why the Yoruba proverb says in translation that the enemy lives outside the house but the betrayer lives in the home. This our lasgiddy friendships no get soul at all, pray tell, how do you dance azonto whilst your friend is drinking tears, how is your laughter the loudest when your supposed “ride or die” is writhing in agony with yesterday’s garri. The foundation of friendships is supposed to be love, why then do we light fires beneath our friends to burn them to hades. Why is genuine love missing from relationships. They dig a pit for you and push you in with a “rest in pieces” sign after eating with you and drinking with you. We need to wise up as there are very few genuine friendships out there. They will unseat you from your matrimo-
nial bed and enjoy your husband’s warmth, they will poison your reputation and sell you for less than N20, it is the way of man. There are those who thump their chest and claim real camaraderie but when push comes to shove, they watch their so call friend languishing in poverty and they do nothing, these are the frenemies a fiend/ ship based on bile. Trepidation often grabs the heart when one watches friend A malign friend B in a place where friend B is supposed to rise up, and then immediately feign care and affection when the friend is present. The hypocrisy riles I tell you. We need to run away from the fiends in our lives, it’s better to walk alone than to walk with spirit assassins. We need the spirit of discernment so that we’ll know those who should not come into our “holy of hollies”. Befriend God, seek a personal relationship with him and he will guide you on the pilgrims to allow into your tent.
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THE CLASSIC & SNEAKERS TO OWN
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We all know for sure that there are a handful of fashion pieces that will never go out of style and these include the almighty comfy sneakers. Dressed up or down, these foot wear always rise to the occasion. So, if you are looking to invest in footwear this year 2022, look no further than the sneakers and if you are unsure of what to purchase, read on to know the classic ones to have in your wardrobe to get a life time out of your investment. From your morning commute to late-night out on the town, these are six months sneakers to put your money on.
CONVERSE CHUCK TAYLOR ALL STAR: If you don’t already own a pair of All Star’s, don’t walk, but run to grab a pair of one of the most iconic sneakers ever produced. Infinitely versatile, we gave our eye on the Comme Des Garçons Play ‘Chuck Taylor 70s All-Star’ sneakers for an alltime linvestment piece.
KAYLA ONIWO
By Funke Babs-Kufeji
VANS OLD SKOOL
VANS OLD SKOOL: Vans Old Skool, aka Vans #36, dropped back in 1977. But to this day, it remains a staple in a lot of people’s wardrobes. With its epic “jazz side stripe”, the kicks remain timeless and are pretty awesome to rock with any outfit!
ADIDAS STAN SMITH
ADIDAS STAN SMITH: Named after the great American tennis player Stan Smith, Adidas’ classic sneakers has become one of the world’s most recognizable shoes in the past 50 years. Comfortable and sleek. Day or night, this world recognized footwear have all you need to look super cool and cute all day long.
CONVERSE CHUCK TAYLOR
NIKE AIR JORDANS: Air Jordan is undoubtedly one of the most popular sneaker brands in the world. Created by Nike and Michael Jordan, the shoe first launched in the ‘80s, exclusively for Michael Jordan to wear on the basketball court, was released for sale to the general public in 1985. Like Michael Jordan himself, the Air Jordan was an instant hit among sneakers collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike. Today the Air Jordans in particular, continue to enjoy wild levels of popularity and have become a symbol of pop culture, with everyone from music stars to supermodels donning the famous shoes. If you must cop a pair, make sure you are getting the Air Jordan’s in a colour that shows off your pop culture side.
ASAP ROCKY
GUCCI ACE: The Gucci Ace is to Gucci what the Air Jordan 1 is to Jordan Brand. Now considered a timeless classic in the fashion sneaker world, the Ace will always be in style, especially with it signature details like the iconic golden bee and stripes down the sides. They are true classics.
GUCCI ACE
KANYE WEST
ADIDAS SUPERSTAR SHOES: The Adidas Superstar is the brand’s master piece - universally appreciated and transcends culture and time. The sneakers is suitable for people from all demographics and we see no reason why one shouldn’t consider copping a pair of these foolproof trainers, especially since they’re available in every colour imaginable. LOLA OJ
AIR JORDANS
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ALEXANDRIAH SHO-SILVA
KIKA OSUNDE
ADIDAS SUPERSTAR
RIHANNA FENTY
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