THISDAY STYLE MAGAZINE 8TH MAY 2022 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

...NOT IN THISDAY STYLE? THEN YOU’RE NOT IN STYLE

SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022

BAMIDELE ABIODUN

THE QUINTESSENTIAL FIRST LADY

Sunday, May 8, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9859

EDITOR’S LETTER

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SOCIETY

HIGH

COVER NOTE

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...NOT IN THISDAY STYLE? THEN YOU’RE NOT IN STYLE

HADI

IFEYI

ZA BA

LA US

MOR NWA

MAN FUNM

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U STEL

OTET LA OK

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2022

BETT

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EXECUTIVE EDITOR AH

AISH

A AU

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ERHI

E ATAK

IBOR

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UNU PRIN

CESS

IBIENE

OGAN

PART 1

WOMEN IN POLITICS GUT DRIVEN!

As First Lady of Ogun State, Bamidele Abiodun is currently leaving an indelible mark by initiating several programs that focus on social welfare, health, education, poverty reduction, and violence against women via the Ajose foundation platform. In this interview with KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR, she lets us have a peek into her life before politics and the journey so far.

Society

ADORA & OLISA GET HITCHED.

Recently, the city of Abuja was brought to a standstill as the families of Erike and Azinge came together to celebrate the union of their children Adora and Olisa

‘Be YOURSELF - everyone else is already TAKEN.’

S yle EXECUTIVE EDITOR KONYE NWABOGOR 08111847087 DEPUTY EXECUTIVE EDITOR OLUFUNKE BABS-KUFEJI 08111847086

Fashion

Five Fashionable Male Celebrities In Nigeria Planning A Trip Soon?

VISUAL/SENIOR DESIGNER MATHIAS ARCHIBONG 07054965500

STYLE CORRESPONDENT ISIOMA USIADE

10 9

Adedayo David Eweje

CONTRIBUTORS AZUKA OGUJIUBA DIDEE ETA AYO LAWAL

Ten Things This Week

PHOTOGRAPHER TY BELLO @TYBELLO

These Fashion Designers Are Currently On Our Radar

The Brazilian Butt Lift

DIRECTOR, PRINT PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO 08077092196

@thisdaystyle |

eading Ayo Lawal’s piece on the Brazillian Butt Lift, one line jumps out at me - “You spend enough time on TikTok and Instagram, and it can start to feel like you’re the only person in the world who hasn’t had their butt done.’’ The Brazillian Butt Lift has become the number one body trend not only in Nigeria but all over the world. These days, in a room filled with young ladies, it is easy to spot those who haven’t got ‘’work done’’, be it the ever-popular BBL, breast augmentation, liposuction, nose jobs or even just an eye lift. Rather than accepting sagging, stretch marks and fat deposits, more women are choosing to reclaim their confidence and feel beautiful inside and out with these procedures. But then the BIG question is at what cost? Where do we as women draw the line in our pursuit for perfection, and more importantly, is the perfect body really attainable? Many point to the popularity of social media influencers as one of the reasons behind the steady rise of plastic surgery. While it will be irresponsible to lay all the blame on social media, it’s hard to argue that the desire to want that perfect Barbie doll look isn’t tempting. We are constantly being fed visuals of what it means to have the perfect body and how being prettier, thinner and sexier places a higher value on our daily lives. Those who haven’t succumbed to the pressure of altering their appearance via beauty retouching apps that whiten your eyes, remove wrinkles, straighten teeth, and give you curves within a second leave themselves open to criticism. The bitter truth is that society’s standard of beauty has always been a matter of cruel chance; you are born that way. Even at that, nobody has it all. Take this as your weekly reminder that eradicating a perceived flaw isn’t the way to build self-confidence and higher worth.No matter how much work you get done, the body remains alive, organic and unpredictable. However hard we try, no one can inhibit nature entirely. Gravity and time will have their way with an ageing BBL as they do with everything else. Regardless of all this, the decision to go under the knife is yours. No matter what route you decide to take, make sure you do your research correctly and not just make a life-altering decision based on a desire to look like your favourite influencer. These days, the conversation does not have to end with the magazine. I have been a champion for digital and social media content even before my days as the previous online editor. So don’t forget to visit www.thisdaystyle.ng , for all the daily news, insightful interviews, and trend updates you need.

Konye

@thisdaystyleon | www.thisdaystyle.ng

SOCIETY

EVENTS

WWW.ARISEPLAY.COM @ariseplay

VISIT THE WEBSITE; DOWNLOAD THE APP &

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

JUMOKE ADEKEYE

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MR & MRS VICTOR NWOSA

Adora AND Olisa get hitched

PAMELA & JERRY AZINGE

By Isioma Usiade

to a ecently, the city of Abuja was brought ge Azin and e Erik of standstill as the families of n unio the e brat came together to cele their children Adora and Olisa. The holy y Queen of solemnization took place at Our Lad Abuja, while ki, Gar Nigeria Catholic Pro-Cathedral, r at Abuja afte tely the reception followed immedia Macaulay ert Heb International Conference Center Way, Abuja. d, as no It was a fun outing for all who attende guests were all g urin stones were left unturned in ens well catered for.

SHARON IKEAZOR EKENE & LOLO LINDA EBUZEME

CHRIS & RITA GARUBA

BOSAH ERIKE (BRIDE’S PARENT)

MR & MRS VICTOR IJEH

MROLISA & ADORA AZINGE

PATRICK & MAY AGBAMUCHE-MBU

CHRIS & RITA GARUBA

NNIA NWODO

MARYAM UWAIS

GOV PETER OBI

PETER NWAOBOSHI

TONY & PATRICIA ANYAMELUHOR VIVIAN KOSOKO H E DAME EDITH OKOWA

EPIPHANY & VALERIE AZINGE (GROOM’S PARENTS

CHRIS & CHRIS UCHE

OGUGUA OSI-OGBU

AWA U. KALU

MR & MRS OSERHEMEN OSUNBOR TONY & UZO EMELIFE

ASIWAJU ADEGBOYEGA & VICTORIA AWOMOLO

CARDINAL JOHN ONAIYEKAN

DINO MELAYE

DENNIS EKUMKAMA

OBIOMA LIYEL IMOKE

AYOGU & NKECHI EZE

OSITA OKECHUKWU

MR & MRS OKWESILEZE NWODO

MARGARET CHUBA OKADIGBO

NNAMDI AWA-KALU

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Sunday, May 8, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9859

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Ebuka Obi-Uchendu Very deserving of being the first mentioned, Ebuka has been an absolute vibe since the wedding ceremony of Banky and Adesuwa tagged #BAAD2017. That unforgettable wine coloured agbada caused a standstill on social media, possibly causing more traction than the actual wedding itself, but that is up for debate. Since then, he has graced our screens repeatedly, anchoring one of Nigeria’s most popular shows, “Big Brother Nigeria,” where he has experimented, reinvented looks and broken the supposed boundary for all those who thought it wasn’t possible. Ebuka Obi-Uchendu should be your go-to guy when looking for fashion inspirations. You wouldn’t regret it, I promise you!

FIVE FASHIONABLE MALE CELEBRITIES IN NIGERIA Looking good is great business these days, especially with the countless opportunities that come with it, like- being an influencer, brand representative, stylist and working closely with designers for numerous project opportunities. Each celebrity on this list has grown right before us and transcended over time to the people they are today, with their fashionable insights staying intact. By Charles Didee Eta

Adebayo Oke-Lawal Known for styling some of the most influential names in the Nigerian entertainment scene, Adebayo Oke-Lawal has made his mark regarding his fashion and how he embodies it. His style is so chic! Bayo is redefining how men’s style is noted. Projecting androgyny in the classiest way has been one of his major contributions to the fashion scene of Nigeria. At the same time, his bravery teaches others to exude their truest energies when they present themselves using clothes as their instrument.

D’Banj If you have been catching up with Nigerian Idol, then you know that sensational singer D’Banj has been making fashion statements back-to-back on the show. Known for his eccentricity, he has been able to stand out from the crowd effortlessly with his sense of style. D’banj is definitely one to borrow popular looks from the 80’s and 90’s but you can trust his never afraid to try something new each time. A stunning performer and musical genius, he has been able to carve a niche for himself on a global scale and for that he deserves his flowers.

Wizkid Possibly Nigeria’s biggest entertainer at the moment, the Grammy award winning artist Wizkid who is popularly called “StarBoy” is definitely a fashionista. One of the best creatives to come out of Lagos, he is no stranger to runways shows, fashion magazine covers and red-carpet appearances. On any day you’ll catch him wearing casual outfits because we all know he likes no stress, but they are usually from top designer brands. He is a globally recognized force to reckon with according to popular option and clearly, he makes it a priority to present himself in style.

Timini Egbuson Nollywood’s very own heartthrob is none other than Timini Egbuson, who happens to be a splendid actor and influencer. For those who knew him way back in University, it is no surprise to see him excel in this sector because it’s always been part of his aesthetic. Whether formal or casual, he has a laid-back style that suits him.

Sunday, May 8, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9859

PLANNING A TRIP SOON?

DESIGN

STYLE

EXPLORE THESE TRAVEL TRENDS

BEHIND THE WORLD’S MOST DANGEROUS COSMETIC SURGERY

Stories by Usiade Isioma

Staycations are becoming popular. During the pandemic, everyone worked from home, and there was no room for self-vacation. This year more people understand why you need to spend quality time alone away from home and people. You don’t have to jump on a plane for this. How about checking into a hotel or spending the weekend at a beach house. It will surely leave you refreshed and ready to take on the new week.

First of all, make that dream trip a reality. This year isn’t the year to keep postponing that vacation. If the pandemic didn’t teach us anything, it made us understand that tomorrow is uncertain. Book that ticket now, make the hotel reservation, and head to the airport.

Wellness is a top priority If you have never considered going on a wellness retreat, now is the time to. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that getting your soul in check and taking care of your mind is equally as important as taking care of your body.

TRY THESE TIPS TO HELP ACHIEVE YOUR SELFIMPROVEMENT GOALS This must sound familiar to many of us - we make plans to do better, and yes, we start and go all the way in ……more greens/ drinking water/ hitting the gym/ etc...…) But before you know it, you are exhausted with the routine and slip back into those comfortable bad habits. Tragic. The truth is transformation isn’t about seeing improved daily results. It’s about taking two steps forward and one step back. There would always be those days when you feel you can’t continue. The trick lies in making a conscious effort to get back up and keep working towards creating a lifestyle transformation that sparks confidence, positivity, self-awareness and personal growth. Here are three tips to help you work towards achieving progress and stick with your goals:

THE BRAZILLIAN BUTT LIFT

A lot has changed in the travel industry since the outburst of the covid-19 pandemic. These days, travelling is more than just going on a luxury vacation. It is an escape and an opportunity to interact with people and enjoy every moment outdoor. Are you looking to start travelling again? Here are some tips to help you ensure your next trip is all that you have ever imagined and more.

Family/friend trips are everything and more. Everyone wants to catch up on the missed moments after the unexpected demise of loved ones, missed weddings, graduations, vacations, and special occasions. For this reason, there has been a rise in family/group friends trips this year. The search for vacation homes; and apartments are on the rise also as families are spending time with their loved ones far away from home. You could take advantage of this and plan a proper getaway with friends and family.

Focus on your big picture. It’s never really easy to achieve success when you don’t have a goal. What exactly do you want? Do you know your WHY? This is what is going to push you. Start by clarifying why you’re making the changes and working towards your goal. Many people find it helpful to create a vision board, write down SMART goals or put a 10-year plan together. This helps you focus on the big picture and keeps you working towards it till you achieve it. Stick to weekly self-reflection. It’s always a good idea to track your progress weekly. It helps you take stock of what you missed in the past week and also guides you on how to plan for the new week. By listing all the things that have gone well during the week, you’ll see that even when some days ‘do not go as planned, you will have made some progress towards your goal.

TANIA OMOTAYO

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Adopt a beginner’s mindset. Right now, whatever you are doing isn’t working, so why don’t you go at it like a beginner. Do what you would do if you were a beginner, and in no time, it would be a lifestyle. Embody the qualities of a newbie. Be curious, relearn and learn again. Ask questions, keep trying, and keep moving forward.

icture this: You wake up from surgery and find yourself alone in a clinic recovery room, slumped over in a wheelchair. You feel a sharp pain around the face and swollen eyes, but you’re not sure why. This is the story of Nkechi (*not real name ), a 22-year-old who has had a BBL surgery. “It’s like they threw me in the wheelchair, and then I must have hit my head,” she says. The operation she just had involved fat taken from her abdomen and transplanted into her bottom, an increasingly common procedure called the Brazilian Butt Lift. Although she can’t say for sure what happened between the time the surgery was over and the time she woke up, she has a guess. Even crazier? In the waiting room was “a herd of girls,” she says, all waiting for their procedures with a single surgeon. “I couldn’t see how a doctor can do that many patients a day without overworking themselves, you know?” BBLs have become one of the biggest surgery trends in recent years. Between 2015 to 2019, BBLs increased by 90%. According to a survey by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, it is now the fastest-growing cosmetic procedure in the world. The procedure involves fat being transferred from one part of the body to the butt. The fat is processed, prepped, and then re-injected into the bottom – approximately three to five incisions are required. These incisions are then closed by sutures – meaning it’s not for the faint-hearted. It’s official: the hourglass-enhancing surgery has firmly taken the reins from the noughties boob job boom. In Lagos and most urban cities in Nigeria, it is common to see girls flaunting perfect hourglass shapes and having conversations that centre on the best plastic surgeons in town. In the past, “your butt looks fat” was an insult. Now? It’s high praise. But how did this happen? And why are women so desperate to get an unattainable figure that they’re even willing to risk death? A BBL is considered one of the riskiest cosmetic procedures, with a 1 in 3,000 patients mortality rate. Compared to boob jobs or nose jobs, where the greatest worry is administering the anaesthesia, a BBL is especially dangerous because there are a lot of blood vessels in the bum. When fat is transferred into the buttocks, doctors can find it hard to inject it in the correct place. If it ends up in the wrong place, fat can enter the bloodstream and cause serious illness – or in extreme cases, death! BBL deaths have – for the most part – occurred because of improper techniques. Most reputable surgeons have a limit to the amount of fat they’ll insert. In those cases, there is less likelihood of dead fat, which creates lumps and lopsidedness. BBLs are quite expensive. The low cost keeps luring people to seek procedures in substandard clinics and theatres, where regulations are lenient. The death of Leah Cambridge – a 29-year-old woman who passed away during her BBL surgery in Turkey – hasn’t been enough to put people off, either. Why then are thousands of women risking death to get a bigger butt? Watching the Kardashian-Jenner clan turn their bodies into billion-dollar brands, tight tummies

By Ayo Lawal

and exaggerated hourglass figures have become the blueprint. Even then, the Kardashians are not the sole reason. Outside of reality TV, the hourglass shape has become a staple on social media, with large numbers of influential people and Instagram models seemingly following the status quo. You spend enough time on TikTok and Instagram, and it can start to feel like you’re the only person in the world who hasn’t had their butt done. The BBL silhouette is omnipresent and almost unmissable. On TikTok, the hashtag #BBL has more than 3.7 billion views. Videos are filled with countless BBL before and afters. While TikTok makes it seem like a BBL is a quick fix to getting a small waist and a full butt, there are so many things that can’t be shown in a short video clip. This is extremely dangerous as the transformations plaguing the platform drown out the real issues people face. It is even worse when you can’t escape it in fashion, either. Take one scroll through some of the major fashion retailers’ websites, and you’ll see the same designs cropping up repeatedly. Cut-outs, plunging necklines, thigh-high slits. All styles are designed and geared towards a specific type of body. Now, clothes are made for small waists and thick thighs. Simply put, BBLs fit in with the current beauty standard. In a beauty-obsessed society, the line is often blurred between what we want our body to look like and what we think we need to be beautiful. While plastic surgery can undoubtedly provide positive results for patients, there is a lot to be said for the ever-evolving beauty standard. What was trendy a decade ago isn’t trendy now, and the same will likely ring true for the BBL look in years to come. But bodies aren’t trends. The ideal body is completely unattainable – not because you need more money for surgery or because of your genes, but because body trends are constantly changing. It’s like trying to catch an insect that will always escape you –While you may come close, you’ll find your hand empty and squeezing the air. One aspect that many clinics don’t always fully explain is what happens after you

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get a new butt. Many aren’t upfront about the fact that there are limits to how much fat surgeons can remove and implant and, therefore, what a single BBL procedure can accomplish. To achieve their desired look, many women must come back for two or three procedures. What’s interesting? Not all of the fat inserted into the butt will stay alive. It’s a common complaint among BBL patients to fall in love with their post-surgery butt, only to watch it shrink over the next few months. Aftercare guidance also depends on the patient’s existing body type. However, they must wear a faja – a corset-like garment that keeps the body shape in place. For about three months, this must be worn as the new fat learns to connect with the existing fat. Sleeping must be done face-down for at least six weeks, and sitting requires a special pillow. To help with circulation, patients must schedule regular post-op massages, which are often painful. Peeing, by the way, is its own hurdle. These aftereffects are rarely present in the many Instagram and TikTok content posts. Some are run by doctors advertising their prowess in creating sculpted hourglass figures. Some have even built huge audiences with cheeky taglines on how a BBL means “freedom from the gym” or how “their patients are having hot girl summers”. They field dozens of DMs a day from women hoping to recreate the bodies they’ve seen online. So as we wait for the body trend to change, one sad truth remains: young women have been killing themselves to meet the beauty standard for centuries. And the BBL epidemic has become one of the most deadly standards of all. The BBL journey isn’t the same for everyone, but one thing that should apply to all is the importance of making an informed decision based on thorough research and an internal desire – not a need for external validation or an unachievable ambition to look like your favourite influencer. Undeniably, they do look great – when done and managed properly – but what are we telling young girls?

It’s official: the hourglass-enhancing surgery has firmly taken the reins from the noughties boob job boom. In Lagos and most urban cities in Nigeria, it is common to see girls flaunting perfect hourglass shapes and having conversations that centre on the best plastic surgeons in town.

BIG BROTHER’S ABIRI OLUWABUSAYOMI KHLOE HAS ADMITTED TO UNDEGOING PLASTIC SURGERY

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P H O T O C R E D I T: Ty B e l l o @ t y b e l l o

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The responsibilities of being the wife of a Nigerian Governor are enormous. It is a sensitive yet powerful role. As First Lady, she is seen as an extension of the Governor and automatically expected to shoulder some of the responsibilities that come with the office, especially in the areas of charity and social activities. All these she does while also managing the home front as a wife and a mother. For Bamidele Abiodun, growing up in a regimented environment seems to have prepared her for this role, as she is one of those who embody the position with grace and carries out her responsibilities with zest. “My formative years were within the University community in Ibadan. I think that gave me a strong sense of routine since, one year after the other, you know exactly what to expect.” As First Lady of Ogun State, she is currently leaving an indelible mark by initiating several programs that focus on social welfare, health, education, poverty reduction, and violence against women via the Ajose foundation platform. She has also been linked with ongoing work at the School for Special Needs in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Her recent project, The Adire Market Week, shines a light on her many efforts toward women’s economic empowerment, a topic which she’s indeed very passionate about. All these she does while also maintaining her business and home front. One thing that strikes you when you meet her for the first time is her calm mien, which totally conceals the power she wields as First Lady. In this interview with KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR, she lets us have a peek into her life before politics and the journe For those of us meeting you for the first time, can you tell us a bit about yourself? Let’s see, where do I start? I was born in the mid-1960s in Ibadan. My father is a retired professor and deputy vice chancellor at the University of Ibadan, where I grew up. My mother – she is late now – was a university administrator. Both of them are originally from Ilisan-Remo here in Ogun State. I grew up in Ibadan because of my father’s job. There I attended International School and later the University of Ibadan. So, my formative years were within the university community in Ibadan. I think that gave me strong sense of routine since, one year after the other, you know exactly what to expect. You once told a story about how your father wanted you to be a Doctor. Why didn’t that happen? Oh yes, I think I said that at a recent event where we were talking about the very high standard of education in Nigeria in the 70s and 80s when scoring 260 in JAMB did not guarantee that you would get the course you wanted. I was really good in the sciences and had confidently put in the University of Ibadan as my first and second choice for Medicine. However, the JAMB cut off that year must have been really high because even people more brilliant than I was didn’t get into Medicine. I also remember that I was squeamish at the sight of blood, so it was just as well that I didn’t study Medicine. I quickly opted for Zoology because I didn’t plan on staying home for a year to try again. My dad didn’t mind, though. He always encouraged us to do what we were comfortable with and didn’t use his position at the university to intervene. After graduation, you chose business instead of getting a job. Was there a particular reason? Not exactly. I had already met my husband while in U.I.; so, after graduation, the logical, or should I say, the traditional thing to do at the time was to get married. So, for the next few years, I focused on being a homemaker. It was a quiet and fulfilling time for me and my family as I was raising young children in the 90s. It was also during this period that I was gradually exposed to the world of business. Many of my friends were either in their careers or running their own businesses and encouraged me to start something. So, I went into procurement and supplies. It was very small at the time. Once I got the hang of it, the business began to grow steadily.

BAMIDELE ABIODUN THE QUINTESSENTIAL FIRST LADY

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Was this also how your philanthropic work began? In a way, yes. I had been a part of several philanthropic endeavours, mostly with friends and organisations. It was never formalised. Sometimes, a group of us would come together and do something for an orphanage or renovate a school. We were also involved with children with special needs, the less privileged and others. But I don’t think I referred to myself then as a philanthropist. I was doing what I felt I should do as a Christian, to show love and help others, so when the opportunity arose, I would do something, no matter how small. So, now the children are growing, your husband has a fastgrowing private company and you’re also in business, when did the politics begin? I cannot exactly say politics was something that was planned. But I remember that he has been involved as far back as the early 90s and things began to really pick-up steam in the late 1990s. I can’t remember the details exactly, but I know he said something about wanting to be a part of shaping a new Nigeria. So, in a way, it’s something that grew with us gradually through the years.

Did you need convincing to support him on this journey? Having seen my mother support my dad in his career while building hers, it felt natural to support my husband in his endeavours, including politics. I may not have been a part of the whole process of building his political alliances and actual politicking, but he has always had the support and prayers of his whole family. At what point did it dawn on you that this might actually happen, and he might be elected Governor? I’m not sure exactly, but it must have been 2018 that I sensed that he was getting a lot of momentum and support across the State. When he won the primaries on the APC platform, I was compelled to pray even more because it suddenly became a strong possibility that my husband would be elected governor of Ogun State. This was something we had never been into at this level and certainly not one I was prepared for. I knew we needed God’s help and protection. The Governor has been in office for almost 4 years. How have you been able to maintain balance in your roles? It has been quite a journey these past three and a half years. But God has been good to me and my family. In terms of balance, I think because I am well-structured and have a routine, it helps that I can run programs for the Office of the First Lady, handle my business and still maintain my home. I also have a strong support system of family, friends and staff. Let’s talk about your work as First Lady of Ogun state. What areas have been most fulfilling for you? Any activity that enables me to interface with women and children is very fulfilling. Since 2019 when my philanthropic activities became formalised, I have worked with widows, special needs children and youth, secondary school girls and other age groups. After we launched Ajose Foundation, it’s been easier for us to track and report our work, even for global organisations. It’s always a joy to relate with people from different communities. I have to say being the wife of a Governor gives you a unique opportunity to engage with people and listen to their problems. I am also uniquely positioned to influence government on issues affecting women and mobilise private sector support. Remember, it is only for a specified time, so it is a privilege I don’t take for granted. I I believe that the economic would like to use this opportunity as First empowerment of women Lady of Ogun State to touch as many lives can be directly linked as possible. Your women’s programs emphasise economic empowerment. Why is this important? This is an important question. I believe that the economic empowerment of women can be directly linked to development in our communities. For widows and single mothers, it means that they can provide for and educate their children. For women with husbands, a two-income home reduces financial pressures on one person and may afford better, more nutritious meals and a better standard of living. Women’s economic empowerment has also been linked with the reduction of do-

to development in our communities. For widows and single mothers, it means that they can provide for and educate their children. For women with husbands, a twoincome home reduces financial pressures on one person and may afford better, more nutritious meals and a better standard of living. 15

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The purpose was to build a global investable, and equitable fashion brand

ADEDAYO DAVID EWEJE

on why he opened the David Wej London Flagship store.

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With the expansion of the David Wej brand to the secondlargest fashion capital of the world, London, the creative director Adedayo David Eweje speaks to FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI about going global in the middle of a pandemic, why good tailoring is essential, and the future of men’s fashion. Why was it important for you to expand your brand and get a flagship store in London right in the middle of the pandemic? I had been planning the move since 2018 to open the store in 2020, but then Covid showed up. I wanted to suspend it, but then I thought it was also better to get in quietly during the pandemic to familiarise the brand with the terrain. And so, we started preparations in September 2020. The purpose was to build a global investable, and equitable fashion brand. Before this, I had foreign investors approach me, and most of the difficulty they faced was because I was local. Now that we have gone international, it’s easier to invest in the David Wej brand. Most especially by understanding the global supply chain.

mestic violence since women can make decisions about their lives and their future when they have their income. Most of our programs have economic empowerment at the core, as it addresses several of the U.N. SDGs at once. Your recent Adire market week program was well-spoken about. Is this something that will continue? Adire Market Week was an outstanding success because of the involvement of so many people, organisations and the Ogun State Government. It has also opened up a lot of opportunities for Adire makers in Ogun State, which was one of our main aims. We are definitely going to continue to support the local textile industry, and I am looking forward to the next edition, which should even be bigger. At the moment, we are working with the two largest associations in Ogun State, made up of nearly 3,000 manufacturers, most of them women. We also extended this program to the entire value chain, including those who make finished products and clothes with Adire.

I support all the women who take that bold step to run for office. In fact, I encourage women to run and cheer them on. However, it is not something I have considered. 16

Speaking of fashion, let us talk about your style. What’s the first thing you would go for in terms of clothing? I wouldn’t call myself a fashion buff or anything like that. I like to keep my style simple and comfortable. I would wear something trendy but not edgy. I am not trying to break the internet. Also, many of those who make clothes for me are not well-known designers. Most of them are even regular but talented tailors who pay attention to detail. A lot of my clothes are made with Adire, and I probably have more than ten suppliers; every few months, a young new designer is introduced to me. I always like to support new talent.

Do you see yourself running for office someday? (Laughs) No, no, I don’t. Why not? Even though I am a politician’s wife, I don’t know much about politicking. However, during campaigns, it’s always a joy to meet with people in the communities and listen to them. Many offer prayers and gifts; we dance and take pictures with the women and children. I support all the women who take that bold step to run for office. In fact, I encourage women to run and cheer them on. However, it is not something I have considered. Your Foundation is still quite young, yet you have achieved a lot. Could you share on some of this and what the future holds? Indeed, Ajose Foundation has not been around for a long time, but I am happy with the progress that we are making. In terms of a legacy, this is certainly what I would be looking at doing. Apart from the Adire program we just talked about, I am particularly proud of the Ajose Tech Rooms we started building last year in different communities through private sector partners and individuals. We are also working to support projects against domestic violence, menstrual health and hygiene for girls and teacher training in special needs education. It is a lot, but God is helping us. As a mentor and role model for many girls and young women. Do you have words of advice or counsel? No matter what path you choose to take, it’s not going to be easy. Therefore, it is important to be dedicated and be confident that you will make it. Treat everyone you meet with dignity and respect. Be diligent in your job or business and always show up with excellence. Excuses won’t take you very far, so try and minimise this. The world is challenging, but with God and a lot of resolve, but can go anywhere and do anything.

What would you say are the pros and cons of this huge step? Well, the positive aspect is that we are getting to understand firsthand what the entire global design structure is. We are also getting a better understanding of how manufacturing, supply chain, and distribution work to all parts of the world. The negative, however, is that we exceeded our budget while setting up due to the instability of the Naira to the forex. You have been in the fashion industry for a while and have vast experience in tailoring. What is your favourite part of the process? The finishing. It is always a joy to see the finished work, especially when it is worn well by a client. It’s an indescribable feeling. What is the one common mistake you notice when it comes to tailoring? The common mistake I see people making is choosing the wrong fabric for a design. When choosing a suit and its design, the fabric plays a major role in the finished product. So it is important to get the fabric right from the go. Are there particular fabrics you prefer to work with? For me, comfort and durability are

key when it comes to fashion. So, I work primarily with wool, polyester, viscose, cotton and linen. I prefer if some come with a touch of spandex for extra comfort. How will you best describe a well-fitted suit? A well-fitted suit is mostly dependent on the customer’s body type. Men with pot bellies don’t like to wear fitted suits because it reveals what they don’t want people to see. So a suit should be well-tailored than fitted. There is a huge difference between a made to measure suit and one gotten off the rack. When should you get a made to

measure suit versus one off the rack? Of course, there’s a huge difference. I’m an advocate of ready to wear, so I don’t like to discuss this because 95% of our products are ready to wear. What makes a David Wej suit different from all the others out there? The impeccable tailoring our ready to wear provides. It’s the perfect tailoring and fit. Where do you see the future of menswear, especially in Nigeria? The future of menswear is neverending. It will continue to grow with our population.

S yle Sunday, May 8, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9859

Sunday, May 8, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9859

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Ten Things This Week

DESIGN

IBRAHIM KAMARA GETS APPOINTED AS THE ART AND IMAGE DIRECTOR FOR OFFWHITE

BURNA BOY MAKES HISTORY AT THE ICONIC MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, NEW YORK

rammy award-winning superstar Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, aka Burna Boy, made history on April 28, 2022, as the first Nigerian music star to headline at the iconic Madison Square Garden, New York. Burna is also the first Nigerian to sell out the arena for his “One Night In Space” show. Concert tickets were sold for as low as $80 with an average of $350 and as high as $2,125. The Afro-fusion pioneer recorded a mindblowing performance as thrilling fans cheered him on at the venue. It was indeed a night of musical wonders as the legendary singer created magic on stage with the support of special guests such as Busta Rhymes and Youssou N’Dour.

MO ABUDU’S BLOOD SISTER DEBUTS ON NETFLIX

brahim Kamara has been announced as Off-White’s new Art & Image Director, effective immediately. Kamara’s new role follows the Milanbased fashion label’s intentions to gather a group of creative professionals to oversee the artistic direction and serve as a collective predecessor to Abloh. According to the brand’s official announcement, as Art & Image Director, Kamara will further “develop his influence and insight on the brand’s collections, image, and content,” according to the brand’s official announcement. The Sierra Leone-born, London-based fashion journalist and stylist, has built quite the resumé. Kamara currently serves as the editor-in-chief of Dazed after taking on the role in 2021 and is the former editorat-large for i-D. He’s also collaborated with

RELE ART GALLERY MOVES TO IKOYI

MADONA AND FIRE BOY

various luxury brands, including Burberry and Louis Vuitton, to name a few. Kamara’s relationship with Abloh and Off-White started as a DM on Instagram, blossoming personally and professionally within the last three years.

GUCCI TO ACCEPT CRYPTOCURRENCY

talian high-end fashion label Gucci has announced it will begin accepting cryptocurrency payments by the end of the month in five of its United States stores, with plans to extend the service to all of its 111 stores in North America. Gucci will accept 12 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ether, Wrapped Bitcoin, Litecoin, Shiba Inu, Dogecoin and five U.S. dollar stable coins. Customers paying with crypto in-store at the pilot locations in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Atlanta and Las Vegas will be sent an email with a QR code to pay via their digital asset wallet.

the gallery’s growth and is a stronger commitment to our community here in Nigeria, as we continue to fulfill our mission to trigger more audiences into appreciating, engaging and collecting art from Africa”. By relocating to Ikoyi, the Gallery is leaving its foundational space in Onikan, an address which tied it to Lagos city’s quaint, historic culture precinct.

ALIKO DANGOTE IS NOW THE 67TH RICHEST PERSON IN THE WORLD, WITH A NET WORTH OF 20.7 BILLION DOLLARS

eality TV star Kim Kardashian evoked American history at the recent annual Met Gala, donning the sparkling gold gown that Marilyn Monroe wore six decades ago when she serenaded President John F. Kennedy with “Happy birthday, Mr President.” Her blonde hair in a tight bun walked gingerly in the close-fitting dress as boyfriend and comedian Pete Davidson held her hand on the red carpet. Davidson chose a black suit and sunglasses. The star of “The Kardashians” said she lost 16 pounds in three weeks to wear the iconic dress that Monroe sported in 1962. “It was such a challenge,” Kardashian said. “It was like a role. I was determined to fit this.

elated Gallery has opened its new space in Thompson Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos, with an inaugural exhibition titled Subtle Textures, featuring works by Osi Audu, Annick Kamgang, Sedireng Mothibatsela, Kelani Abass, Papa Omotayo and Temitayo Ogunbiyi. The new space is bigger, says founder Aderenle Sonariwo. “It is reflective of

KIM K WEARS MARILYN MONROE’S DRESS TO THE MET GALA

MET GALA IS BACK TO ITS TRADITIONAL SPOT

nown for celebrities in over-the-top outfits, the Met Gala returned to its traditional date of the first Monday in May, just eight months after 2021’s pandemic-delayed event in September. The event, a fundraiser for New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, has been dubbed the Oscars of the East Coast. This year’s A-list guests were told to dress in “gilded glamour.” The invitation-only Met Gala marks the opening of the annual fashion exhibition at the museum’s Costume Institute. This year’s exhibit, “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,” caps a two-part exhibition and focuses on the history of American dress.

NIGERIAN TECH FIRM, NOREBASE SECURES $1 MILLION IN A PRE-SEED FUNDING ROUND

orebase, a Nigeria-based trade technology firm, has secured $1 million in a pre-seed funding round. Based in Lagos, Nigeria, Norebase describes its goal as a platform that lets businesses “start, scale and operate in any African country. “Norebase is building a future where starting a business or expanding a business in any African country is as simple as clicking a single button, and we are deliberately building the single digital infrastructure and technology tools that will power trade across the continent,” Tola Onayemi, CEO of Norebase, said in a release. The company said the funding will boost its plans to create “a plug-and-play company incorporation technology,” widen its trademark registration technology stack, strengthen its existing team and develop more research-led solutions. Founded in 2021, Norebase says its goal is to encourage prosperity across Africa at a time when the continent’s GDP is projected to reach $29 trillion over the next three decades.

ccording to Bloomberg’s billionaires’ index, Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote has emerged as the 67th richest person in the world with an estimated net worth of $20.7 billion, as against his previous ranking of 72nd in the world last month, The 64-year-old Nigerian businessman’s wealth has surged by over $1.5 billion this year to $20.7 billion as of May 4 2022. This is thanks to an increase in the market value of his cement company. According to Bloomberg, most of Dangote’s fortune is derived from his 86% stake in publicly-traded Dangote Cement. Since the beginning of the year, the company’s performance has been on an upward note after investors on the Nigerian stock exchange renewed their interest in stocks over the group’s impressive financial performance reported in its 2021 results.

lood Sisters, a four-part crime thriller produced by leading Nigerian production company EbonyLife Studios, founded by Mo Abudu, and directed by Biyi Bandele and Kenneth Gyang, has launched globally on Netflix. The show is Abudu’s latest project for Netflix as a part of her multi-title deal with the platform. Set in Lagos, “Blood Sisters” follows a Nigerian wedding where the bride, fed up with being beaten up by her partner, accidentally kills the groom the night before their big day. The show tackles themes of intra-family relationships, physical and substance abuse, love, commitment and relationships.

STYLE

DESIGN

STYLE

COUNTDOWN TO AMVCA 2022 BEGINS

s voting for the eighth edition of the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) wrapped up at the weekend, the official countdown to the main ceremony has begun. Unlike previous editions, this year’s ceremony is preceded by a week of different activities that celebrate every part of the creative sector. The organisers have set out a day to celebrate the storytellers using different platforms to push the right African narrative from fashion to technology. The one-week celebration starting on May 8 reiterates Africa Magic’s commitment to recognise and celebrate authentic storytelling on the continent. The event organisers have also designated May 12 as Digital Content Creators’ Day to engage with the growing number of online content creators in Africa. The main ceremony is slated for May 14.

S yle Sunday, May 8, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9859

Bookmark their names (and clothes) for your next shopping spree

These days, social media makes it easy to recognise fashion designers who are not only current favourites but are trying to push their brands with unique and eye-catching designs. You can see their craft shine through from their choice of fabrics, embellishments and complete masterpieces. We have our eyes on a few of them, and we think you should too. Below are the ones currently on our radar. By Usiade Isioma Sandrah Tubo Bereni Brand - TUBO

S yle

Victoria James

Brand – Veekee James Some may call her a cloth maker, but whatever the case, you cannot deny her presence on the fashion scene. Victoria James is a relatively new name and face known by her brand name ‘Veekee-James’. Lately, she has become the go-to for celebrity fashion and stand out red carpet pieces. Her signature corset look, and bling embellishment never fail to leave outfits taking centre stage at any event. She also runs a ready to wear line and, yes, a line for men.

STYLE

DESIGN

THESE FASHION DESIGNERS ARE CURRENTLY ON OUR RADAR

STYLE

DESIGN

Sunday, May 8, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9859

Growing up with a seamstress’s mum meant that Tubo Bereni, the creative director of TUBO, developed her love for fashion at a very early age. She went into the business of cloth making and officially launched her brand in 2014. Since then, she has slowly but consistently worked on her brand, earning the visibility it enjoys today. The brand has three mainlines – Tubo Brides, Tubo RTW and Tubo Woman. Her latest piece, “The impact dress”, clearly reminds you why you should have her in your wardrobe.

SOPHIA MOMODU

SUNSHINE ROSMAN

NWANNEKA NKUMAH

MODEL

TIWA SAVAGE

Banke Kuku Lawson Brand - Banke Kuku

When Banke Kuku first appeared on the scene, it was for creating bespoke textiles that were rich in patterns and colour. In 2011, she founded her eponymous fashion brand, and since then, she hasn’t looked back. Her signature slip dresses, flowing agbada kaftan, and pyjama styled blouse can be found in the wardrobe of almost every IT girl in the country.

MERCYIGHODARO EKE OSAS

OSAS IGHODARO

CHRISTIANA KAYODE

MODEL

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S yle Sunday, May 8, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 9859 Wisdom Adaba

One word for a typical Weiz Dhurm Franklyn piece? – DRAMA!!! Weiz Dhurm Franklyn is a womenswear brand owned by a man - Wisdom Adaba. Want to make an appearance? Then he is your go-to guy. Wisdom is one of the fastestgrowing fashion designers in the industry and is known for incorporating bold patterns into artistic designs. His collections are usually a blend of African heritage with a twist of modern elegance. He carefully crafts his designs, making a detailed statement in each piece.

DESIGN

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Brand - Weiz Dhurm Franklyn

MILLEN HAPPINESS MAGESE

STEPHAINE COKER ADERINOKUN

CHIOMA IKOKWU

M VIE REVIEW

PENTECOSTAL PROSPERITY TAKES CENTRE STAGE IN THE MAN OF GOD

By Yomi Owope

he jury is still out as to what kind of a movie “The Man of God” is. The online sentiment is slightly positive, with critics praising its cinematography, Bolanle Austen-Peters’ directing, and its primary cast’s acting, including Akah Anani, Osas Ighodaro, Dorcas Shola Fapson and Atlanta Bridget Johnson. The reviews have been mixed, with one saying that its attempt at a multi-level plot was not doable within a short time. An online newspaper writes that it is hurriedly shot and misses the mark, while the Gen Z site Zikoko had a problem with plot holes. But all that is for the critics. Nigerians on Twitter love it and hate it equally, as it should be, for a film of any consequence. While not a social The Man of God speaks to many issues, opening with commentary, heavy-handed parenting it draws your bordering on abuse, proattention to the ceeding with issues of peer pressure, organized crime downsides of and finally, corruption in the the prosperity Church. Based loosely on the gospel, the love of “prodigal son”, the film follows Sam (Akah Nnani), who runs money and the away from God and daddy proliferation of to embrace the love of music 21st Century false and three women. He marries one of them, Tega (Osas prophets.

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Ighodaro), but continues his pursuit of the other two throughout the story while building a career as a choirmaster and later a fake pastor. In the end, everything comes crashing down, and he is forced to rise and return to his father. Director Bolanle Austen Peters draws on her extensive experience in stage production and delivers brilliant presence, choreography and music with the young, malleable actors. Outstanding performances belong to the main character, Akah and his love interest Atlanta, who radiates onscreen allure and an innocence that evokes empathy. Dorcas Shola Fapson delivers her stand-out performance with her down-to-earth, easy deportment. Osas Ighodaro does her job in this film, but we are never

really able to see the full range of her power as an actress. Nollywood directors continue to cast her in hackneyed roles as someone’s sister, secretary, best friend, daughter or wife, and never a standalone character in her own right. Her next director will need to take a chance on her so that she can fully come into her own. Overall, MOG is a pretty decent film, which will make a good weekend watch. While not a social commentary, it draws your attention to the downsides of the prosperity gospel, the love of money and the proliferation of 21st Century false prophets. You will get great acting and cinematography and a few laughs. That’s not too shabby for an hour and 51 minutes.

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