O J I M DA
E F O M D R A H ! RIC 0 6 @
AS V N GC! A N I NS DO A T T SI N L R L P I S TO T FO
SUNDAY, JULY 11, 2021
...NOT IN THISDAY STYLE? THEN YOU’RE NOT IN STYLE
It no longer news that Richard Eyimofe Evans Mofe-Damijo, the actor popularly known as RMD, recently celebrated his 60th birthday. Hollywood has Denzel, Nollywood has RMD! Till date, no male actor holds the same appeal or is as captivating on screen! RMD remains one of the most respected and celebrated actors in Africa. He speaks to AZUKA OGUJIUBA about his new book “The Portrait Of A Warri Boy”, the launched perfume called Timeless made in his honour by his wife Jumobi and also his journey so far to the 6th floor.
CONTENT Society
Society
THE WARRI BOY RICHARD MOFE DAMIJO @ 60 PG 6-7
STYLE STARS PG 10
INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF WOMEN LAWYERS LAGOS BRANCH HOLDS A GRAND FINALE DINNER PG 8
SHOES TO WEAR WITH MAXI DRESS PG 11
THISDAY STYLE FASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR RUTH OSIME
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EDITOR PRINT OLUFUNKE BABS-KUFEJI EDITOR DIGITAL KONYE NWABOGOR
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SENIOR ART DESIGNER MATHIAS ARCHIBONG 07054965500 CONTRIBUTORS ISIOMA USIADE GUEST CORRESPONDENTS AZUKA OGUJIUBA ZINA ANUMUDU JOANNA MACGREGOR SEYI ALAWODE PHOTOGRAPHER TY BELLO DIRECTOR, PRINT PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO 08077092196
CAPSULES COLOURS OF LIFE
THE SURVIVORS
PG 19
PG 18
HOW TO ROCK YELLOW THIS SUMMER PG 20
4 TRENDS TO ROCK THIS SUMMER PG 21 STYLE CRUSH: MUDIAGA ENAJEMO PG 22
FUN FACTS ABOUT LIPSTICK PG 20
This week we celebrate a lead player in the entertainment industry. Having dominated our screens for the past 37 years, RICHARD MOFE-DAMIJO remains a heartthrob till this day. One thing that separates people like RMD from others is staying power...a trait that is really a gift because this power transcends everything else. Nothing is more disheartening than seeing people once highly respected and admired for their craft being referred to as past glory. Nurturing your craft while still moving with the sign of the times is a skill that must be mastered if you are to survive the test of time. Many front runners of their various sectors will do well to keep this in mind so that10, 15 or even 20 years down the line, they remain on top of their game by constantly reinventing themselves to stay relevant. They also can be used as a learning curve for those who come after them. Where certain careers are not necessarily age restrictive, the seasoned hands are still doing what they do best and this applies to every other aspect of life. But know when to bow out gracefully too. When your ovation is highest. Ability to move onto other things is another strong motivation. The aging process should not and cannot be shied away from. Instead it should be embraced and nurtured. Every decade you enter the next floor, should be seen as a new beginning or the continuation of a journey well lived. At each floor, you should be able to look back and say ‘I lived’ because nothing can bring those years back, not even all the plastic surgery or body enhancements. Instagram: @thisdaystyle | Twitter: @thisdaystyleon | Instagram: @thisdaystyle | Website: www.thisdaystyle.ng
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FELICIA & PAT OBOZUWA, BOMA ODUNUGA, VIOLA GRAHAM DOUGLAS & ADESUA LADOJA DEMEJI EDWARDS
NEVO ATORI TIMI DAKOLO DAVID EDEVBIE
KELECHI AMADI OBI ADESUWA GIWA-OSAGIE
BIYI & SOLA
JOHN OKENE JULIANA & GEORGIE EDEWOR
RAMSEH NOAH
OLU AKPATA
SONNY & BETTY IRABOR
SHOLAYE JEREMI
JULIE PINNICK
AKAN UDOFIA
TEGA, MENA & ONOME MOFE DAMIJO
EBUKA OBI UCHENDU
OSITA IHEME
BANKY WELLINGTON
SEGUN ARINZE
TARA DUROTOYE
NAJITE DEDE
IYA ADURA, ESTHER AJAYI
SHAFFI BELLO
YOMI BADEJO
TAIWO AJAI LYCETT
MERCY JOHNSON OKOJIE
ONYEKA ONWENU
NSE IKPE-ETIM
OMOTOLA JALADE EKEINDE
FUNKE AKINDELE BELLO
FUNKE KUTI
INI EDO
MAI ATAFO
MUDIAGA ENEJEMO
DARE ART ALADE
UFUOMA MCDERMOTT
ADESOLA BALOGUN
ADEBOLA WILLIAMS
AYOBAMI EKO
PHOTO: KUNLE OGUNFUYI
THE WARRI BOY RICHARD MOFE DAMIJO @ 60!
Recently, Richard Mofe-Damijo, one of Nigeria biggest stars turned 60. Having reigned supreme in the acting industry, Richard has shown no signs of slowing down, instead like fine wine, he is getting better with age. But regardless of all the fan fare, RMD as he is fondly called, remains grounded to his roots and is a thorough family man. Of the Warri heritage, he paid some homage with his second look of the evening with his traditional wear. His better half, Jumobi also launched a perfume, Timeless, in her husband’s honour. RMD also launched his book The Portrait Of A Warri Boy which was richly endorsed by some of the guests invited on stage to support the launch. The event took place at Federal Palace and as expected, a huge turnout of family and friends and business associates were on ground to mark this special day with the celebrant.
RICHARD & JUMOBI MOFE DAMIJO
OBA SAHEED ADEMOLA ELEGUSI
JAMES IBORI
FLORENCE ITA GIWA & DELE MOMODU
CHIKE OGEAH
KATE HENSHAW
MO ABUDU
CHRIS & IJEOMA UBOSI
SHOLA SHOBOWALE
MARY AKPOBOME
BOVI
ABIMBOLA JACK OLADUGBA
ABIODUN OBEMBE
LAWAL PEDRO
CHINWE EFOBI
FOWOKE AYO- PONLE
ROMA WAYO
LAYI BABATUNDE
CHIGOZIE EZEONYEJIAKWU
TRACY AMADIGWE-DIKE
CHIKAODI ONYEAWUNA
FOLUKE & OLUSHOLA AKINMOLADUN
ABAYOMI TIJANI
ROLI CRAIG
TADENI BALOGUN
ABIOLA LASEHINDE
WEEKEND WATCH RECOMMENDATION ON
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ADESHINA ADEGBITE
JOYCE ODUAH
IKECHUKWU NWANA
JUMOKE PEDRO
ADA NBAMA
INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF WOMEN LAWYERS LAGOS BRANCH HOLDS A GRAND FINALE DINNER
The FIDA Lagos after organizing a successful Law week recently unwound with a dinner themed “A touch of Royalty” after the intellectually challenging two days technical session and visits to Prisons and FIDA WARD in LUTH. The Lagos female lawyers let their hair down and enjoyed in style. There were side attractions, dance and comedy with sumptuous finger licking delicacies. It was indeed a beautiful re-union after the lockdown whilst still complying with Covid-19 protocols.
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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9558 Sunday, July 11, 2021
STYLE & DESIGN
ST RS CHIOMA IKOKWU
STYLE & DESIGN
Despite fewer red-carpet outings this year, a slew of formidable females still showed up on the fashion front, inspiring us through style. Style icons are those who push us forward, breaking with convention and simultaneously reminding women to eschew barriers in the fashion world. Mirror mirror on the wall, who are the Style Stars for this week? Not so easy with the mass of trendy fashionistas but the few mentioned below have caught our eyes lately and must be noticed.
TO WEAR WITH
WINIFRED AHUPA
TOKE MAKINWA
BY USIADE ISIOMA
MAXI DRESS
BY USIADE ISIOMA
TRACIEE
SHOES
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9558 Sunday, July 11, 2021
With Flip Flops They are comfy, versatile and easy to slip into. Flip flops when coordinated with maxi dresses give the complete summary vestment. Again, just select the suitable prints and designs, and get pairing. They could be in animal prints or be vividly coloured, choose what goes best. A maxi dress with flipflops is fantastic for a beachy attire or if you’re ready for an easy-going day.
DIDI-STONE
As the months of summer prevails, along with it arrives the trend of the maxi dresses. For the warm weather this light, airy and breezy dress works amazingly. They are super versatile and you can simply adjust the look for the colder days just by layering over or even under these maxi dresses. But what shoes to wear with maxi dresses?The maxi dress is long in length so you need to make it stand out with the perfect footwear..
SHARRON CLEAR
With Block heels For a poise that is more charismatic and trendy, pair up your maxi dresses with block heels. Also good if you need the extra inches. When worn together, the block heels assist in giving your maxi dresses even more height and stature. Fuse styles together to find the look that goes aptly on you!
RAMONA MCDERMOTT MPHO TSILA
With Flats The best thing about flats is that they just about go with any outfit! So, while styling your dress with flat sandals, the only thing you really need to coordinate is the design of the sandals. This is the key which can either augment or bring down your whole demeanour. You could go for a flat with sparkling jewels on it for a charming look or select gladiator ones for a fresh look.
FISAYO LONGE RITA DOMINIC
She is certainly one of the most copied women in Nigeria when it comes to perfectly coordinated looks. Chioma has a way of mixing streetwear, sexy basics, and high fashion, and can definitely turn it all the way up to high glam for a night out.
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Rita is known for her A game when it comes to fashion, whether it’s red-carpet glamour or offduty looks, she wears everything with glamour. With more than 20 years of Nollywood awards and nominations, no one embodies classic red-carpet glamour quite like her. She is more than qualified to be our style star this week.
Not surprisingly, and rightly so, Traciee has made it on our list of style stars this week. Her classic looks are always elegant, super luxurious and always with that certain something that exudes selfconfidence and success.
Of course, no roundup of this list would be complete without mentioning the mirror girl. She has this perfectly imperfect, minimalist aesthetic that tons of style mavens look to for inspiration. In short, her style and attitude are testament to what can happen when you love and celebrate yourself. This is what true confidence looks and feels like.
Will Low Heeled Sandals Low heel sandals are another elegant and swanky piece of footwear perfect for donning with maxi dresses. Available in a large number of magnificent colours, they can redefine your getup. This will all over construct a new layout, different from the regular flip flops.
With Ankle Strap Heels An impeccable piece of footwear to harmonize with maxi dresses if you’re going somewhere lavish like parties. They can even work for the casual getup if the heel is very comfortable. So, slip into them as per the event or occasion!
When it comes to style, Toke must of course, not be missing. The media personality is one of the most important fashion personalities in Nigeria and has built a brand thanks to her daring and colourful style. No pattern is wild enough for Toke, no colour too bright and no top too short, she loves to attract attention and is therefore, right to be one of our style stars.
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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9558 Sunday, July 11, 2021
COVER
E F O M D R A H C I R
I will do a film but it is the brand work I do that is the payoff really, so it’s sort of a delicate balance. You do some of these things to get out there and then you’re noticed. You then build your brand around what you do. So your body of works guarantees that you get endorsements and brand influencing work.
O J I M A D @60! FO
make this money in one hour doing MC, so wetin dey make you still dey do am na?” Now, you understand. It is the love of passion. I tell them as well, there are occasions I would be called to MC and for two hours, I will make five million. I will do a film but it is the brand work I do that is the payoff really, so it’s sort of a delicate balance. You do some of these things to get out there and then you’re noticed. You then build your brand around what you do. So your body of works guarantees that you get endorsements and brand influencing work.
NVAS A C N O S OTPRINT
It no longer news that Richard Eyimofe Evans Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, a Nigerian actor, writer, producer and lawyer recently celebrated his 60th birthday.The former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism of Delta state is an award winning actor, and also a recipient of the Life Time Achievement award from the African Movie Academy Awards. The super star who also proudly describes himself as a Warri Boy recently had a superlative birthday celebration with friends, family, business associates and Nollywood industry colleagues. Hollywood has Denzel Washington, Nollywood has RMD! Tall, dark and handsome, both actors have mastered their craft with age and experience. This makes Richard even more irresistible when it comes to leading roles in most Nollywood blockbusters. Till date, no male actor is as captivating on screen… several decades after! RMD remains one of the most respected and celebrated actors in Africa. The graduate of Theatre Arts from University of Benin has featured in a lot of movies, stage plays and TV series that has made him a household name with fans worldwide. Mofe-Damijo was married to Nigerian journalist/publisher, May Ellen-Ezekiel (MEE). After her death in 1996, Richard Mofe-Damijo married TV personality, Jumobi Adegbesan, who later left TV for the corporate world. They are blessed with six children: RMD spoke to AZUKA OGUJIUBA about his new book “The Portrait Of A Warri Boy”, the newly launched perfume called Timeless, created by his wife, Jumobi in his honour and his journey so far to the 6th floor.
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form that is different from music because it takes a village to do though not a big village in some cases. God takes a very long period of time to also put together. Because of all the moving parts, the Film/ Theater industry is still not an area that investment can be defined. It is not an area that is clearly understood. So, in return, investment is pretty slow. People are slower to respond to that. And so yes, comedians make a lot more. I recall, Alibaba was shocked when we were doing Wedding Party 1. He came to me about the amount he was offered. He said “Bros, na so? I go
You’re like an enigma who can do no wrong in the eyes of your fans especially the ladies. How have you been able to still maintain a strong sex appeal even with the flux of much younger men on screen? Oh, it has to be Grace. I mean, I’m far from being perfect. I am flawed, and as broken as the next person, it has to just be immeasurable grace of God upon my life and also on the flip side, I have been around for such a long time. I have been working in the creative space pre and post graduation and youth service for 37 years. If I was a civil servant, I would have retired by now. I’ll be retiring this year. You we’re extremely jubilant on your birthday celebration. Dancing the night away with so much energy. I had said in an interview before that none of my parents made it to 60 and it was only now, that the interview came out, that I’m now reading about other stars, film actors and celebrities that have had such fears. There are people who genuinely have fears where the specter of death just keeps hanging around them because of what is happening in their personal space or what is happening to their families. So when you are getting to that age where probably your father died, you start feeling maybe the same will happen to you. I mean, I crossed all the lines my parents didn’t cross. So for me, getting to 60, was one of gratitude and expressing that with my dancing! Outside of that, there’s no time I hear good Nigerian music, especially with my favorite band on stage, Vintage band that l will not dance! When I woke up the next day, I opened my phone as I had tried not to oversleep so I could thank all my well wishers on my page. The first thing l saw was a video of me dancing. I opened other handles and they all had more videos of me dancing all over. I decided to go back to bed. When l woke up again, I just went straight to my page, thanked everyone and left. I would do more later tonight. I still have messages from my birthday that I haven’t opened.
Outfits: @freshbydotun Photography : @spotlightpi
The entertainment industry has moved in leaps and bounds over the past few years so much that is has provided a robust means of livelihood for the major players. In music for instance, some well-known artists have been known to make hundreds of millions within a short space of time, especially during the festive seasons. Same applies to comedians and even MC’s. But what we find odd is that the Nollywood industry, though immensely popular, cannot command the same level of fees. For instance, there’s still no actor who can command N10million for a movie, even a Triple A-list actor, like you. Why is it so? I think that question puts me in a spot, but I’m 60 so it gives me wings. I don’t know about other actors and I don’t think that’s quite true. But again, acting is an art
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9558 Sunday, July 11, 2021
So its safe to say dancing is something you thoroughly enjoy doing? I’m an honorable man. I’m very cultural, I love to dance. There was a colloquium that was held in my in my honor three days before my birthday called Real Man Can Dance hosted by lot of my personal friends across America and here. A lot of people who knew me from my University days know I love to dance especially for what we used to call dance drama in those days. The Americans call them Musicals. So I’ve always loved that. Anytime I hear good traditional music, I Just dance. I can’t sing to save my life though! (Laughter) Stage drama is actually globally recognized as a more raw craft
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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9558 Sunday, July 11, 2021
The characters have to have a curve, people like to be able to relate to a character that is as broken as they are, and can rise up from the brokenness and achieve something. So you start off with a straight line, it curves, but you’re able to wake up, get out of it again and stand up. It’s not about how many times you fall. It’s about how many times you can rise up. Marriages of public figures are viewed much closer than the average person’s which can put undue pressure on the union, sometimes, even the premature death of it. Your wife shies away from limelight. Is there any reason why? My wife was in the limelight and she is the architect of the survival of this marriage because she stepped back. She said to me, “One person is enough”. Amazing sacrifice! I say to her all the time, “l don’t know what I did to deserve you”. She’s been the glue that holds us all together. I feel also that my life is in transit. My life is about trying to be better every day. Marriage is a journey you can never really predict but if the partners are committed to it, you do everything within your power to make sure it works. We are very close. I’m an only child of my mother and was brought up in complete love. I don’t know how to dispense anything else. My father had five wives and l grew up in a polygamous home. My grandmother was around, so was my auntie and cousin. Okay, father had 18 of us and five wives buy I’ve learned to live with people, learned to love fun. My parents didn’t make 60. My mom was 59. My father was 57. So at 60, l feel so blessed, I feel that nothing can stop me now.
because there are no retakes even though movies are more commercial and perhaps more profitable in terms of earning power. When last were you on stage? I’m a graduate of theater, I was trained basically for the stage first. The last stage production I did was actually a musical drama in Abuja called Agbaro The Musical. That was shortly before the pandemic. So yes, I’m looking forward to more of that. Joke Jacobs and I have tried to do one or two plays for some time now but we haven’t been able to get the right sponsor or the right mix for it. I’m hoping that when the pandemic is fully over, I’ll have a chance to go. As actors mature with age, there is an invisible ceiling for female actors as opposed to the male actors as there usually is less demand for women. This is a global phenomenon where the men can still play lead roles even with much younger female actors. Why is the case different with females? I don’t think that is true. I think that it is a question of the body of works, I mean Meryl Streep is still performing and that’s at the highest level, Judi Dench, to name a few, they are all performing at the highest level. Women practically control Nollywood today. It’s your pedigree that that determines whether you’re going to keep working for the longest time. Men might seem more advantaged but that’s not the
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So when you are getting to that age where probably your father died, you start feeling maybe the same will happen to you. I mean, I crossed all the lines my parents didn’t cross. So for me, getting to 60, was one of gratitude and expressing that with my dancing!
case because for them, it’s also a question of the pedigree. I’m trying to choose my words carefully so they don’t come for me. (Laughter) So how do you choose your roles these days and how soon do you know what you connect with? Do the story writers have to have earned their stripes before you even glance at the script? Oh no, the story writers, don’t have to be known. In fact, there is less pressure when you are not known because you work your ass off to be known! For storylines, I look for the ‘redemptive element’.
How do you cope with the unwelcome attention from public especially when it comes to your private life. How do you draw a line with your privacy while still staying connected with your fans? It’s a long time. Now I have learned to live with it. I embrace it. I think my approach to life is that whatever is thrown at me or whatever I’m going through, l embrace it and own it. There are fans that will break through and get you angry. But for the most part, I also try to be in their shoes and forgive them. I was at the airport one day and this lady looked at me and said “RMD, come take a picture with my kids”. I smiled and after the picture session, I told her that was rude, no regard or anything, she apologized. You get all kinds. Some people just come drag you and put a camera in front of you and snap away because some of them get too excited and don’t know how to conduct themselves properly. So you make excuses for them. Sometimes though, you have to be firm. I’m polite, but I can also be very firm. As a public figure what is your take on domestic violence? I’m an advocate for non-violence in the home. Mindsets and exposure is what you work on. How you control your emotions even when you lose it. It’s not just about my wife, I can’t hit a woman, it’s almost like a taboo in my head. I always caution my kids. My daughter was a bit aggressive to her brother the other day and they started fighting. I said to my son “You don’t touch her, you don’t talk to her like that, you protect her!” I also reprimand my daughter for her behavior. My mom brought me up to respect women, to be sensitive and sensible. So for me, with my boys and my girls, my first instinct is to hug and to embrace. I live to protect and serve my family. They mean the world to me. A man’s job is to serve and to protect his
COVER
family. And so if everybody applies that principle, imagine how every man would feel towards his wife or towards his children through loving and protecting them. We are all commanded to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, right? It’s an incredible message the Christian faith teaches and other religions. We’ve lost our humanity and ability to love, and that is what all of this is about. When it comes to domestic violence, what if the role is reversed where the woman is the abuser? If it ever gets to that, I would restrain. And of course the best way to actually dissolve it is to never hit back. Q: What advice would you give to the younger ones in your field about staying in power in your craft? The thing about staying power is the ability to adapt. In it’s original state, even in all the madness and the rush of today, we’re still able to pause and recognize the trait as a classic. That is why I’ll always respect the process of building blocks aura. Whatever is the rush of getting rich, there’s still a process. Stop being consumed by the success of Uber, it took people years to build the App. Do not envy the success of people’s processes. The result is always a lot more profound than shortcuts. Shortcuts are the results of very extensive work that have been done and perfected. And so these shortcuts are presented by those who know the process of all that long work. You launched a perfume on your birthday. What is it called? My wife actually launched it in honor of me, but like I said, she has always loved perfumes. And it’s called Timeless. She would put them in shops for now, if you go to Blends and Blings online, her online shop, there are also house sprays and all kinds of unisex things actually. Tell us about your book you launched at your 60th Portrait of A Warri Boy. It’s about 22 or so people from my life. There’s one chapter each about my childhood, Law school, in fact, every facet of my life is represented in this book. But my real memoir is coming out, I’m still writing it. I had planned to give that to my fans but then again, it’s a good thing I haven’t finished it because at least, I’ve about another 10 years now to put that together. I will bring it out on my 70th, in Jesus name(Amen). Are you involved in any charitable ventures? I’m one of those who believe that charity is not a thing you publicize. I do that all the time with my wife but we do not announce it so that we get accolades for it. Do you by chance, think that in future, you might go into politics? How much future is there? I mean I’m 60. Unfortunately In Nigeria, it’s not about being liked. I think the political terrain is skewed.
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9558 Sunday, July 11, 2021
It’s tougher than just being liked, it’s run by party structures and if you don’t belong to the party, to emerge for leadership becomes even tougher. And I haven’t seen an unexamined process that has been constituted today, I don’t see myself in the mix, unfortunately. And I’ve also come to realize that not all of us can be in that circle to meet. So I’m leading from my sector, I’m leading by example. In fact, the bigger you are in your profession, the more responsibilities you have to show leadership. So for me, I pray that my leadership in my sector inspires as many people as possible to conduct their affairs with as much moderation as I’ve tried to do mine. Having said that, never say never to being called to higher things. I hope that with technology, with biometrics and FinTech technology, some days soon, electoral processes will be a lot more digitized so the fraud can be significantly reduced, and votes can begin to count based on knowledge, power, ability, sincerity and integrity. Perhaps when all of those elements came to count, and people are able to get into that space, it can be an option to consider but for now, what we’ll do is to lead from our spaces and also encourage people who like to lead in their spaces to be driven, not by the need to make money but to serve, because politics is a call to service, a very strong call and when you’re able to do that well, people will be happy. You’re one of the respected actors in Africa, lf the opportunity arose for you to work with somebody, who will that be? One of my most respected actors is Denzel Washington, I would love to work with him, not just for his arts, but also for his off-screen presence and performance. He’s one of the people who inspire me a lot because of how he conducts himself. I would love to work with Morgan Freman as well. I love Will Smith. My wife and I actually joke that if Will Smith comes to Nigeria, I won’t find for a while, and if I wanted to find her, I should just look For storylines, I look for for where Will Smith is as the ‘redemptive element’. she’d probably be stalking The characters have to him! (Laughter). I love his have a curve, people like energy as well, though to be able to relate to he’s going through quite a character that is as a lot, he’s such a positive human being and I just broken as they are, and love how he is. There’s can rise up from the also Dwayne Johnson, Al brokenness and achieve Pacino, Robert de Niro…. something. the list is almost endless. In Nigeria, I like to work with the young talented people, I love their energy.
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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9558 Sunday, July 11, 2021
Alero Adollo aleroadollo@yahoo.com
STYLE & DESIGN
CAPSULES BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI
I will like to pretend to ramble a bit today and dare to venture near the road less traveled, less traveled because many think that these thoughts show an expression of unfaithfulness to the Maker, meanwhile if we junk the hypocrisy we may just admit that we all make room and board for these thoughts at some point during our life’s journey. Over the last few years, many have found things of faith somewhat ineffective, many have become what we in “Christendom” call lukewarm. Many pilgrims are weary, and therefore more likely to zeroize expectations rather than be disappointed by God. God does not disappoint but it doesn’t stop us from feeling this way. I believe in God, not because anyone told me about the Almighty but because he pulled me out of the miry clay and related with me, he’s pulled me out of many dire situations through this journey, but despite this personal relationship and knowledge, I still fail him on the trust level. I have passed through many crisis of faith and I did question the love of God for me because it seemed at the time that he sat by and watched me suffer, I did not get the purpose for my processing and I did not see the point for my breaking, but remember, I am not God. I daily watch as the days zoom by and become years, and I continue to wonder why the whole world is going south. I don’t get God you see, and I don’t pretend I do, but I love him nonetheless. Many have given up on him even though they still do the things of faith but because 2+2 is not adding up to 4, they fall apart, because God does not reside in our logic, on the contrary logic and God are not friends. I have gotten to a place in my trajectory where God has become more important than my many needs and wants because if he is not more important, then it becomes difficult for me to align. People die daily without getting answers to their prayers despite their unwavering faith, we use Hebrews chapter 11 to support unanswered prayers but this does not give comfort to the despondent, it only puts more distance between God and man. Hebrews chapter 11 gives us a line up of people of faith who despite unanswered prayers still remained true to God, I always applaud the faithful, because it’s not easy to hold on to faith when our challenges challenge us. Despite our different interactions with the Shepherd, despite our wrestles with faith, God continues to be God and is not reduced by our doubts. A cursory look at our expectations of God makes one wonder why we believe God should enter into a trade by barter arrangement with us, his blessings for our obedience, is there anything he is asking us to do that is so out of the ordinary that we believe we need to be rewarded for compliance…….Why do we insist on conditions precedent to drawdown in trying to build a relationship with the Master, why must it be quid pro quo….. We daily whine and whinge over his “supposed” silence on our issues when he has given us power and authority over all that he created. We are his 6th day creation and after he created man, he rested…..pilgrim, you have dominion over all that he created before you, so seize each day and reign. I do not have answers to life’s complex questions but we must daily reconnect to our power source if we are losing power, so that we do not lose our souls to anger and ignorance. The days are evil and though it may not seem so, he remains faithful to us through our travails, the times we felt we failed, we won, the times we felt unhinged, he held us together, he is after all the unseen hand in all situations. Rest in that knowledge and rest in the fact that he’s got you, he always has and he always will.
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Colours of Life
STYLE & DESIGN
THE
By Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru
with Koko Kalango
Jesus in Ruth
If you love love, like I do, then Ruth is a book relative i.e., someone related to us. Someone for you. It’s only four chapters and narrates a we can relate to. Someone relatable. cute little tale of the eponymous character’s Interestingly, the kinsman-redeemer wasn’t just faithfulness to her mother-in-law, Naomi, leading any relative, but the one most closely related to to her marriage and the birth of a child who was the family. King David’s grandfather and therefore ancestor Jesus isn’t just our knight in shining armour. of Jesus Christ. He isn’t just God. He’s also a man. Like most Can I be honest with you? I struggled to find of us, (I assume) He spent nine months in his Jesus in this book. My friend, mother’s womb. He was a Uzoma, said of it, “no Christ baby at some point, and but Christ’s qualities on then a child, and then a full display,” and I honestly teenager and a young man. couldn’t relate. He experienced the emotions Jesus is near. In times What everyone keeps and temptations that come of trouble He should be with each of those stages in saying is that Jesus is our our first point of call, kinsman-redeemer, like life. Jesus had to work. He did like Boaz was for Ruth, manual labour as a craftsman. Boaz was Ruth’s kinsmanbecause He is closer to redeemer. That’s nice and all, He had brothers and sisters– us than no other. And but what does it mean? need I say more? if you – like the sheep As usual, I did some He went through this, all so Isaiah speaks of – have that we would not complain, digging so you don’t have to. gone astray, know that like Job did, that God doesn’t In short, under the Mosaic you can return to your know what it’s like to be law, a poor man could sell human. In Jesus we have a Father’s house boldly, his family or himself if he because Jesus has paid friend who understands. One needed money. However, the price to redeem you of my favourite verses sums it because God gave portions up perfectly: of land to each tribe, “For we do not have a the land had to revert to high priest who is unable ownership of the original to empathize with our family. A kinsman-redeemer relative had the weaknesses, but we have one who has been responsibility of buying back the land to keep it tempted in every way, just as we are--yet He within their family. did not sin.” Hebrews 4:15 Part of his redeeming responsibilities was to Jesus is near. In times of trouble He should marry his relative’s widow if she didn’t have any be our first point of call, like Boaz was for Ruth, sons, who would normally (a) inherit the dead because He is closer to us than no other. And man’s land, and (b) take care of her. The first if you – like the sheep Isaiah speaks of – have son the widow had by the kinsman-redeemer gone astray, know that you can return to your would be counted as a son of her former Father’s house boldly, because Jesus has paid husband to fulfil point (a). That, in a nutshell, is the price to redeem you. In Him, you are holy, why Boaz married Ruth. cleansed and radiant, without stain or wrinkle I’ll break the word ‘kinsman-redeemer’ up or blemish. into two parts to relate them to Jesus. Let’s first “Christ loved the church and gave himself consider how He is our ‘redeemer.’ up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by To redeem is to ‘set free by avenging or the washing with water through the word, and repaying.’ It doesn’t take much thought to see to present her to himself as a radiant church, the connection between this and Jesus’ death without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, on the cross. The New Testament teaches that but holy and blameless.” Ephesians 5:25-27 whilst apart from Christ we were slaves to (I chose not to use Ruth and Boaz to speak on sin, by believing in Him we are set free. That the marriage of Christ and the Church, because freedom came at a cost – Jesus’ life in place of I’m saving that for the Song of Solomon write ours, to pay the debt we owe God for our sins. up! Keep an eye out for.) “He was pierced for our transgressions, Tarari Kalango He was crushed for our iniquities; The punishment that brought us peace was COLOURS OF LIFE SHOW upon him, Our lifestyle show of inspiring stories And by his wounds we are healed that would encourage your faith is on you We all, like sheep, have gone astray, tube as Colours of Life TV. It also shows Each of us has turned to his own way, on DOVE, DSTV channel 349, Saturdays at And the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of 3pm. For daily devotionals follow us on IG @ us all.” Isaiah 53:5-6 coloursoflifeministry. We may be reached at Jesus is also our kinsman. A kinsman is a contact@coloursoflife.org
O
SURVIV Dear Reader, Welcome to the WARIF Survivor Stories Series, a monthly feature, where stories of survivors of rape and sexual violence will be shared to motivate and encourage survivors to speak their truth without the fear of judgement or stigmatization and to educate the public on the sheer magnitude of this problem in our society. The Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) is a non-profit organization set up in response to the extremely high incidence of rape, sexual violence and human trafficking of young girls and women in our society. WARIF is tackling this issue through a holistic approach which covers initiatives in health, education and community service. WARIF offers assistance to survivors of rape and sexual violence through the WARIF Centre a safe haven where trained professionals are present full time, 6 days a week including public holidays to offer immediate medical care, forensic medical examinations, psychosocial counselling and welfare services which include shelter, legal aid and vocational skills training. These services are provided FREE of charge to any survivor who walks into the Centre. This is Modesire’s storySome things are better imagined than experienced. Some people are of the opinion that experiences shape our perception and whether you believe this or not, I encourage you to listen to my story. My sincere prayer is that we learn from other peoples’ experiences and learn to take lessons out of every situation. I am from a polygamous home and my daddy married 3 wives but he is committed to taking care of his family. He made a personal vow that he would train all his children to the University level and he constantly reminded us about his vow. This shows the extent of love he had for us. Whenever my daddy was home, he showered us with love and attention. My mom is the first wife and she had 3 of us, my elder brother, my younger brother and me. I have 6 other siblings from daddy’s wives and in total, there are 9 children. My dad’s business was thriving irrespective of the happenings in the country and we have access to the basic necessities of life. My father could afford to send us abroad for vacation once in a year and this was always during the summer holidays. We have been to Dubai, London, Kenya and USA to mention a few. It’s important to state that my dad is very protective of his children but in a good way. I finished my secondary school education and gained admission into a university in 2019. Finance wasn’t a challenge so I had all the support I needed physically, emotionally and mentally. The school I choose was outside my state. It was in the Federal capital territory of Nigeria, Abuja and my parents consented to my choice. Everything seemed to be working according to plan because my dad’s childhood friend Mr. Owonikoko was living and working in that location. My dad’s friendship with him started way back from when he was in primary school. My dad told me that his friend was the one who introduced my mom to him and he liked her and decided to marry her. I was told that when my mother was proving tough at early stages of their friendship, it was Mr. Owonikoko that helped him woo her over. As you can infer, he was the best man at their wedding ceremony and the bond they share is still very strong. He was to become my guardian in Abuja and of course I was in safe hands
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9558 Sunday, July 11, 2021
RS
When he was done, there was blood on the chair and it was so painful, he threatened me that he had a gun and he would kill me if I ever told anyone about the I was no longer that cheerful and incident. I was just 16 years old and I had lost my virginity happy child, my innocence had been to a supposedly trusted childhood friend of my parents. stolen from me and to make matters I left and locked myself up in the room because I was frightened and I did not want to die young. Of course I did worse, it was by someone I respected not tell my parents about the incident. I avoided him until and held in high esteem. My grades my vacation was over. I returned to school but things were began to drop but I managed to never the same with me again. cope and was just barely passing my When school went on vacation, Mr Owonikoko came courses. This secret was eating me deep to pick me up as usual to take me to the Airport, he especially because he had sex with me reminded me never to tell anyone, not even my parents, on 2 different occasions apart from the or else I would not be alive to tell my story. My mother observed that something had changed about me and first molestation. called me privately to find out but I refused to tell her anything because of the threat. I was no longer that cheerful and happy child, my innocence had been stolen from me and to make matters worse, it was by someone because he is also a father to me. When it was time to I respected and held in high esteem. My grades began to resume at my new school, my dad and I boarded a flight drop but I managed to cope and was just barely passing to Abuja and his friend Mr Owonikoko was at the Airport my courses. This secret was eating me deep especially to pick us up. We passed the night at his house and I got because he had sex with me on 2 different occasions to know him better. Indeed, it was a pleasant moment for apart from the first molestation. This was on another me because he was a man full of wisdom and experience short holiday when my dad asked me to stay at his place, I and he also has a good sense of humor. It was a weekend argued that I missed home but he insisted I stay back with so we had 2 days of fun and rest at his residence. him. I became more afraid and also began to experience My experience at my new school was a challenging mood swings, loss of appetite, anxiety and panic attacks. one, meeting new friends from different backgrounds Sometime in the month of April, 2021, during the vacation and trying to cope with the different activities was while I was back home with my family, my mom came quite tasking for me. Whenever I am on holidays, my to inquire as usual what was wrong with me that I had dad’s friend comes to school to pick and drop me off totally changed from her caring daughter since I started at the Airport and my dad’s driver will be waiting to school and I gave her my usual response – “I was fine” receive me at the Lagos Airport. At that time, Federal and that it was just academic stress. That night, I felt as if Government declared a short public holiday and we had I was going to have panic attack and I would not survive been informed prior to that time that school wanted all it because this was not my first one. I went to my mom’s students to observe the holidays off campus. My dad room and opened up, I told her about the sexual abuse decided that I spend the short vacation at his friend’s incident. My mother told my dad and he confronted the house to avoid the stress of travelling as well as the perpetrator but he denied the allegations. My parents insecurity in the Nation. I felt that was a good decision reported the case to the Police. The police directed us to and so as usual, Mr Owonikoko picked me up from school WARIF centre for medical and psychological counselling. and took me to his house and because this was not my Coming to the centre is one of the best things that first visit, I warmed up quickly. He had to return to work so happened to my family and I. The staff at the centre are I stayed home with his domestic staff and by the time he warm, friendly and professional in the discharge of their returned I had gone to bed. duties. The counselors at the centre are so helpful and are It was a weekend so I got out of bed late in the day, guiding me so I can heal from the trauma. I am sleeping I cleaned up, had my breakfast, came out and we got better now, my appetite is back and I can better manage talking. We discussed several issues from political, sports, my emotions. I feel good about myself. I am maintaining festivals and religion to mention a few. Mr Owonikoko a positive attitude inspite of my experience and slowly is quite advanced in age so he had lots of experience to getting back on track. share. Later in the day, he excused himself to go and rest. I also left to have my siesta. When I woke up, dinner was Dear survivor, please know that you are not ready, after that I joined him in the private sitting room alone and it is not your fault. Help is available. where he was watching the news and also sipping a glass of red wine. After about 30 minutes, I asked for permission If you have been raped or you know someone to leave but he requested i stay a little longer that he was who has, please visit us at The WARIF Centre enjoining my company. I relaxed and I didn’t know for - 6, Turton Street, off Thorburn Avenue, Sabo, how long, until I gazed at the clock and saw it was past Yaba or call our 24-hour confidential helpline midnight. I stood up to leave and he also stood up and on 08092100009. For questions or more came over to my side of the sofa. I felt uncomfortable and information please contact: info@warifng.org asked if everything was alright or if he needed anything, he smiled and asked me to relax. He started touching *Real name of survivor changed for me inappropriately and I removed his hands but he confidentiality overpowered me, placed me on the long sofa. He them removed my pants and had sexual intercourse with me.
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Rock
STYLE & DESIGN
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9558 Sunday, July 11, 2021
Yellow This Summer
Casually: The easiest
way to rock this colour will have to be the casual way. What we love about casual outfits is that they are relaxed and define you when you are chilled. To rock the colour casually, you can basically throw on a sweat shirt and some pants on and you’re good to go. If you are feeling a little freaky you can even add some leggings!
FUN FACTS
ZOZITUNZI
all in with the mix matching and wearing a lot of yellow, you can wear the colour by using a touch of it in your accessories.
TOKE MAKINWA
Formally: Just because Yellow is a bright, happy colour doesn’t mean it can’t walk into the office/ formal place. Formal doesn’t have a specific colour so rock your formal outfits and make sure some are Yellow. You can also spice things up by adding some cool accessories.
The Elegant way: This way
Summer has got to be the months for fashion! With beautiful tones and being able to show off some skin, what is there not to love? Today STYLE will be sharing four trends to make sure you slay this summer. effortlessly.
1.
2.
Over the shoulder dresses and shirts.
LISA FOLAWIYO
Culottes have been a favourite type of pants for women since over-sized denim jeans isn’t a thing for many. Culottes can turn an outfit from a basic to an A without even trying! They look good on every body type and they can be dressed up or down depending on what you pair them up with.
What is summer without skirts and dresses? For this summer showing off your shoulders is the in thing! Over the shoulder dresses and shirts are very cool pieces to wear as they bring in some subtle sensuality. An add-on to them being great is that you can move these pieces from a summery casual outfit to a formal evening outfit with just a change of accessories or the item you wear with it.
MODEL FOR ANDREA IYAMAH
LIPSTICKS
MONALISA
4.
Block heel sandals
Now, who doesn’t love to look sexy but at the same time be comfortable? Block heels are the in thing at the moment as they make sure you look good without the pain of wearing sky high stilettos with no wedge to support you. You can pair them up with any outfit from casual to formal and still look great.
4; While all other cosmetics
were rationed in Great Britain during WWII, lipstick was kept in production because Winston Churchill felt it boosted morale.
5; Lipstick was invented by
the ancient Sumerians. The civilisation’s men and women alike crushed stones to decorate their eyes and lips with colour over a base of white lead. Ouch!
6: Hazel Bishop, developed a
1: In the Roman
Empire, both men and women wore lipstick as a display of wealth; only upper classes could afford lip paint made with dangerous mercury that came in fashionable shades of merlot and purple.
MODEL FOR GETO
Culottes
ABOUT
Women and men have been wearing lipstickfor thousands of years though the makeup-bag staple has evolved a lot since ancient times. While makeup trends are constantly changing from time to time, there’s an obvious trend that permeates each decade. The history of lipstick is no different. Popular lipstick shades have often been a direct result of cultural climate, historical events, and rebellion times when women felt free and liberated or oppressively structured. We dug through some research to pull together a list of the most mind-blowing, facts about lipstick. 20
THIS SUMMER
STORIES BY USIADE ISIOMA
is more for the dressy and classy look and is great if you are going out somewhere special. Styling the colour elegantly is also great because the colour will enhance your skin tone and also give you that summer glow. Elegant pieces you can use are dresses and skirts!
Skaters have been the in thing since we can remember and for them to be coming back is a huge plus for some of us. If you are in a workspace or you’d love to look put together then we recommend skaters because they look amazing! You can pair them up with some cool jackets. bodysuits or even off the shoulder shirts.
4 TRENDS TO ROCK
If there is a colour for summer 2021 then the colour has to be Yellow. Everyone has been wearing the colour in so many different shades and each time it comes out so beautiful. We know a few might not be a huge fan of the colour but yellow radiates beautifully on all skin tones and is a MUST have. Here are four ways to style the colour.
Accessorize with the colour yellow: If you don’t want to go
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9558 Sunday, July 11, 2021
Skaters
HOW TO
RAMONA MCDERMOTT
3.
STYLE & DESIGN
formula for long-lasting lipstick while working in a dermatologist’s lab after WWII and this lipstick has been known to be one lipstick that won’t kiss and tell.
2: The first lipstick for commercial sale was made in 1884 by the French brand Guerlain. Interestingly, the same brand now holds the record for making the most expensive lipstick in the world their KissKiss Gold and Diamonds Lipstick, which has 199 diamonds embedded in the case and costs around rupees 42 lakhs!
3; Elizabeth Cady Stanton,
Charlotte Perkins Gilman, and other early feminists painted their lips as a symbol of emancipation when they marched in the 1912 NYC Suffragette rally.
TENICKA
21
STYLE & DESIGN
Style
CRUSH
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9558 Sunday, July 11, 2021
MUDIAGA ENAJEMO
1
We can all agree that Mudi always takes his designs a notch higher making them unique. This loungewear has been given the quirky Mudi spin with the mixture of shorts and trousers all in one. If this outfit doesn’t set you apart from the crowd what will?
22
BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI
Look
Look
An absolutely ingenious way to infuse colours into an outfit. This trouser with the colourful mosaic print is stylish and on-trend for an easy summer look and can be dressed up or down.
Ankle-length pants are very retro but they are back with a new millennial twist. Mudi shows us how to infuse young and fresh into your wardrobe yet keeping your look confident and mature.
2
Look
Mudiaha better known as Mudi, is the genius, founder and creative director behind the eponymous brand Mudi Africa. He is known for his unique fashion sense. His pieces aren’t for those who dare to stand out and we absolutely love a good look too. This week, Mudi is our style star as he unveils new designs to his already successful fashion label.
3
Look Look
4
Typical of Mudi’s fashion sense, matching your shoes to your clothes. This style is something more men can incorporate into their wardrobes. Its young, fresh and reflects a man bold to take a stand on his choices.
Look
5
Black is luxury so, whether you love luxury goods or prefer streetwear, all black is always a fashion favourite and Mudi knows this. The yellow detailing adds the right contrast to finish up the luxe look.
6
Here Mudi shows us that casual doesn’t have to be boring. This zip detailed hooded shirt matched with kick-flare pants is a vibe. Dress is up with a pair of chunky shoes or down with a pair of flip-flops or leather slippers. the choice is yours.
GLO MEGA DATA PLANS