...NOT IN THISDAY STYLE? THEN YOU’RE NOT IN STYLE
ZOUEROAU_FOU YOUSS
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2020
FOLA LAOYE
CHINWE OCHU
NLE O MOBUOLA OLOW
OLA BROWN
OIGUI IFUEKOUOM OKAUR
IEVE I GENEVR ON BARNA D
TOMI COKER
BIMPE ADEBIYI ALEX MORENIKE OKOH
MOJISOYLEA ADEYE
9 1 D I V O C T S N I A G A S N O Z A M A S E E N N I I L L T T N N RO O R F F H HE E T T NN I O S EE S V V I I LL G G N II N V V A A SS
CONTENT
Fashion TURBANS PG 3 5 MINUTES WITH GBEMISOLA ONABOLU PG 5 HOW TO WEAR MIDI SKIRT PG 7 RETURN OF IDP PG 8 FAT SHAMING
PG 17
HATS TO KNOW
PG 18
MAKING NEUTRAL INTERESTING PG 19 HOW TO WEAR EYE MAKEUP PG 20 Putting most of the required projects together to fight Covid 19 was by no means a small feat and many women, in their various positions in the health industry played significant roles as spear-headers in bringing some solace to Nigerians under a time like this. No doubt this has helped reduce the number of cases we have on ground today. These Amazons of Covid 19, with their experience, intellectual property and executional precision have proven their mettle in managing the Covid 19 pandemic so far. As they soar on with this fight, we doff our hats to them for providing safety for us in these uncertain times. RUTH OSIME, FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI and KONYE NWABOGOR report...
THISDAY STYLE FASHION DIRECTAOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR RUTH OSIME
08111847085
EDITOR PRINT OLUFUNKE BABS-KUFEJI EDITOR DIGITAL KONYE NWABOGOR
08111847086
08111847087
SENIOR ART DESIGNER MATHIAS ARCHIBONG 07054965500 CONTRIBUTORS RUKY SALAKO ISIOMA USIADE IYANU AYODELE PHOTOGRAPHER TY BELLO DIRECTOR, PRINT PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO 08077092196
ON THE GLOBAL SCENE PG 21
Much as things seem to have come back to normal where the freedom of movement has been embraced by many, it does not erase the fact that Covid 19 is still very much around. It’s just that rather than live in fear and stay cooped up at home, people have decided to take the bull by the horns or bite the bullet so to speak by moving on with their lives as much as they possibly can. They have chosen to defeat the fear of the virus and refuse to let it dictate their pace and lifestyle. I cannot say l agree totally to this attitude but l can well understand the various reasons why. Unlike America, that is still paying the price for their late response to the Corona virus, Nigeria, as a country has to be given some credit at its prompt and proactive response to this virus at the early days. The government, Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, NCDC not to mention other bodies in the health industry, and NGOs, the private and public sectors, banks, high calibered individuals all put heads together to address this pandemic by providing monies, palliatives, training and healthcare facilities to handle this pandemic. It was amazing what could be achieved in a short space of time. Nothing was spared to ensure the welfare of Nigerians was quickly attended to as and when required. Putting most of these required projects together was by no means a small feat and many women, in their various positions in the health industry played significant roles as spear-headers in bringing some solace to Nigerians under a time like this. No doubt this has helped reduce the number of cases we have on ground today. These Amazons of Covid 19, with their experience, intellectual property and executional precision have proven their mettle in managing the Covid 19 pandemic so far. As they soar on with this fight, we doff our hats to them for providing safety for us in these uncertain times. FASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9250 Sunday, September 6, 2020
STYLE & DESIGN
s n a b r u T ve essory, they ha cc a n a n a th ore around Turbans are m many cultures in n io it d a tr in the a long also appeared e ’v ey h T . d rl o the w like Beyoncé, rs te is -l A f o es style repertoir d Sarah Jessica n a o g’ n o y N a Rihanna, Lupit a sought-after e m o ec b ve a h , Parker, and world over. Yes e th en m o w r ast, accessory fo re back – at le a s p ra w d ea h . The turbans and e now on-trend ’r ey th t a th se never in the sen tr uly ‘left’ and er ev n ey th t ce a fact is th and importan g in n ea m g in d. stopped hold round the worl a le p eo p y n a to m
UFEJI BY FUNKE BABS-K n
kered scarf, know
ORIGIN ular are said to Turbans in partic in Africa, India have originated st. Although or the Middle Ea ostly by women currently worn m (with some around the world ns), it’s worth notable exceptio in certain mentioning that s, such as the historical culture e omans, they wer Persians and Ott t. en male garm a predominantly instance, wore a Persian men, for vered with strips conical bonnet co considered one of cloth, which is of the modern of the precedents turban.
to a white or chec as keffiyeh.
AFRICA so or headwraps – al In Africa, turbans r fo French, or gele called foulard in ins le – find their orig the Yoruba peop n region, where in the sub-Sahara omen as a means they’re worn by w or nst the weather, of protection agai rnatural spirits. even against supe
IN FASHION its debut in the The turban made as we know it, in fashion industry hands of French the 1920s, at the n iret, who was know couturier Paul Po spired creations for his Eastern-in esses and ls, tassels, headdr aw sh RELIGION e lik e th e great , the use of However, it was th . es In Islamic culture ol st of the ‘30s who associated turban has been lywood actresses ol H e th of n ent, with Greta otectio talised the garm or both with the pr m im rt se de d Gloria and the arlene Dietrich an M , head (from sand bo ar G element of ing on the silver sun), as well as an Swanson appear so al n ca h headwraps. lour en sporting stylis spirituality. The co re sc n: the ‘60s, like social positio orous women of m la G indicate a certain Kelly and e, represents Hepburn, Grace ey dr Au black, for exampl red in the golden er themselves phia Loren, ushe So those who consid rban when e Prophet the fashionable tu of e ag descendants of th by n ies and at is therefore wor them in their mov e or w ey th Muhammad, and In s. . ant Islamic leader red carpet events the most import e th on f, ul G n ia rs Pe countries of the ay rban has given w other hand, the tu
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STYLE & DESIGN
ne that ir & Skin care li bemisola a H a l, ra tu a N ovirtues needs. G is the Ceo of Afr n descent hair and skin care air and skin lu bo a n O a ol is a Gbem Afric tural h . ns and people of s homemade na caters to Africa r her hair with her Grandma’ ture and its healing properties a fo n g n of d ri n er rmulate a grew up ca to the pow went ahead to fo brand approved ich exposed her h e w sh , , h es p rc ci a re se re re d ca sive come a househol nd ledge and exten With this know irtues Natural, that has now be incare brand for Nigerians a e sk ov d ucts and how sh standardize Afr one of the top selling hair an d ro p er h t u bo is ji a by NAFDAC and She speaks to Funke Babs-Kufe ness. . si lly bu a e Africans glob ll scale profitabl fu a to in n io ss turned her pa
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MINUTES WITH
A L O S I GBEM U L O B A N O
For someone with a diploma in Law, a degree in history and diplomatic studies, politics and international relations, one will have thought you would have followed one of these career paths but you chose to go into hair and skin care instead. Why and how did you get into this line of business and what has the journey been thus far? I have always been a research minded person, loving every minute of learning, soaking up knowledge, and passing this knowledge in form of teaching. I guess I am a chip off the old block as the daughter of a lecturer (my dad). My mum also was a fashion designer and is very creative with her hands and mind. However, Beauty has been my lifelong passion from childhood. Growing up, I learnt and improvised with homemade remedies for my hair and skin, with a lot of help from my grandmother who was very conversant with nature and its healing powers which she passed to me. In high school, I wore a low cut with sporting waves, which requires me to visit the barber weekly to have it well nurtured, wavy and shiny. Later on, in the University, I experimented a lot with my hair, cutting, dyeing, relaxing etc. In fact, I was the first girl to wear a MoHawk cut, dyed in gold and red. All these required a great deal of attention to my hair and I spent almost all my free time with my hair or with friends hair. At that point, I was formulating some DIY products for my friends and I. So, it is a natural calling for me. Have any of your of your degrees been relevant to you since you decided to follow this career path? Having a good understanding of the law and other areas of study has helped shaped my perspective in running a business and doing the right thing. Also, it has been easier for me to juggle a lot at the same time especially with work, home, time lines and targets. My husband, with whom we both co-founded the business, is well experienced in asset management, finance, and strategy and he has been the driving force in scaling up the business. Why did you decide on the name “Afrovirtues” and what sets it apart from all other hair and Skincare lines in the market today? My close friends and family members know l am very particular about my hair and what goes into it. These days, we have a lot of hairdressers doing more damage to our hair than good with the products and ways they choose to style our hair. We are also seriously discouraged from carrying and styling our natural hair by stylists. The reason for this is simply their lack of knowledge. With what I learnt from my grandma in the use of roots, herbs and spices combined with my Mum’s love for plants and flowers, I turned to their gardens to experiment with plants and herbs to get products for my hair and skin which all turned out to work very well for me and those who came to me for help about hair issues. This then gave me the confidence I needed to teach others what I knew about treating, styling and
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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9250 Sunday, September 6, 2020
people, giving them the hope that they too can achieve the same. However, getting into it for me has always been about serving humanity in my little way and helping Nigerians and Africans to wear their natural hair with pride. Every time I see tons of testimonials attesting to the efficacy of Afrovirtues products, that gives me satisfaction beyond any monetary consideration.
maintaining the Nigerian and African hair. Over the years, this knowledge metamorphosed into me formulating my own natural hair treatment collection for every hair issue people around me were dealing with, so when the time came to start it as a business, It was clearly evident it will be a product for Black people of African descent which is how the ‘Afro’ came into being and the use of nature’s healing power to reverse these hair conditions to their original form birthed the ‘Virtues’. My husband came up with the name and it rang very loud and everyone we presented it to loved it and we felt it was unique enough to represent what we embodied. How many products do you have in the market and which is your best seller and why? Currently we have 19 products in the market which are all National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registered and it has helped so many people reverse hair conditions such as bad edges, bald patches and spots, tough hair, dandruff, alopecia, psoriasis, thinning hair, receding hairlines etc. All Afrovirtues products work very well for Natural, Transitioning and Relaxed hair. We have 11 products for adults, six products for kids’ hair and two body products all with curative properties. One thing to note is, to turn around distressed or damaged hair, no one product is enough. It takes a combination of products which when combined, gives the best results. However, Afrovirtues Guava hair tonic is one of our best selling products because of its various benefits in treating the hair and scalp ailments. What is your personal favourite? My personal favourite is the Afrovirtues Green Tea and Moringa deep conditioner. This is because growing up, we were only accustomed to rinse out conditioner, which basically just softens the hair. The deep conditioner does a whole lot more, like imparting moisture, softening the hair and smoothening the hair shaft, and also helps treat damaged hair and scalp. The natural hair and skincare industry is fast gaining traction. How lucrative is the business? The natural hair care industry was brought to the fore by Actresses and artists of colour especially when they wear out their beautiful hair. This has helped inspire
What are five things you have learnt since starting this business? Faith in God, hard work, focus, integrity and lifting others always pays. How can Afrovirtues be purchased? Afrovirtues products are available on our website www.afrovirtues.com, our app can be downloaded from the App store or Playstore. An email can also be sent to sales@afrovirtues.com and at our flagship store at Ogudu Mall on Ogudu Ojota road. We are also on Amazon UK, Game Stores, Medplus and many other stores. They are also available at natural hair salons like, KLS Natural hair salon, Hair advocate Natural hair salon around Lagos. The industry seems to be getting saturated, owing to the number of people shifting towards it. What future do you see for this space in the next ten years It is good to see a lot of brands in the market just like the paint industry. This is helping to educate people a lot more about the benefits of using hair products made with natural ingredients. I think that in 10 years, we would witness a true shift in lifestyle choices, which have positive impacts on society as a whole, leading to healthier lifestyle choices and health. People are already beginning to see the real benefit in eating organic foods, even medicines are now coming in organic forms. There is a lot of talk about healing the earth, reducing pollution etc. These were things that weren’t really taken seriously but look at what’s happening today. As the creative force behind the brand you must have a set of hair and skin care routines you follow yourself. Care to name a few? For my hair care routine, I ensure I deep condition my hair twice a month. Moisturize every other day. Put my hair in protective styles and also massage my scalp thrice a week. For my skin care routine, I use a gentle cleanser for my face, I use a face mask and a face scrub thrice weekly. I use my face moisturizers and serum daily. Most importantly, I drink lots of water, eat lots of fruits and vegetables. What is your advice for younger women who want to start their own business with limited capital? Do not allow lack of capital or limited capital hold you back from achieving your dream. Ensure you gain knowledge and do your feasibility study in any business
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STYLE & DESIGN
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9250 Sunday, September 6, 2020
R A E W O T S T W HO DI SKIR
STYLE & DESIGN
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9250 Sunday, September 6, 2020
FEJI
-KU E BABS K N U F BY
I M
ve ou ha to y s e im on Somet appreciati ces e e i to giv fashion p ing n lk certai are not ta anel e h and w he iconic C t n t a abou ndbag or rkin i a 2.55 h l Hermès B ully a f origin ll stay care he rest i t w r that ust bag fo ing k d l in its . We are ta t a e of tim he items th t t u abou ard for yo r h work ay, whateve everyd asion like c the oc ssic white a the cl feel safe r shirt o rainers. t white e, our m i This t fully on is focus i skirt. id the m
MODUPE OZOLUA
RETURN OF THE IDP (Internationally Displaced Princess)
AYSHA SOW
JENNIFER UKOH
MATCHING SET Looking your best has never been easier than with a matching set. It is an effortless way to up the ante for any event and is easy to replicate. Whether it’s a set in the same fabric and print or coordinates with a similar pattern, you can dress this up or down to suit the occasion.
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WITH OVERSIZED SHIRT Tuck it in, loosen up or tie it around it your waist – an oversized shirt is an easy way to complete a midi skirt outfit. This casual and effortless ensemble is the best option for a day at the office or after-work drinks with friends. Keep the sleeves hanging below your hands for the ultimate laidback feel, and cinch in your midsection by gathering the fabric at the waist or use a belt.
SHEER MIDI SKIRT WITH A SHIRT OR JACKET Push the envelope and deliver one of the hottest outfits of all time a sheer midi skirt and a shirt or Jacket. This classic ensemble is an excellent option for a day to night look depending on how it’s styled and it looks great on everyone. Opt for a mesh or lace bottom half, and balance it out with a bold and crisp buttondown on top.
A PRINCESS, A SER VANT
WITH SWEATSHIRT JUMPER This is definitely for cooler weather but a midi skirt worn with sweatshirt is so chic. These jumpers are lightweight and easy to style but will keep you warm when the temperature drops. Tuck the top half into the skirt for a cinched waist or keep it casual by letting it hang loose. It is a versatile option that you can dress up or down easily – complete the look with sneakers or stilettos depending on the occasion.
Yes, it has been ages I wrote but no, I didn’t disappear. Instead, I was on social media living my best life on fabulous vacations and in bushes serving humanity. How to quickly summarize the “missing” years? Permit me reintroduce myself. I am Princess Modupé Ozolua, philanthropist, entrepreneur, adventurous world traveler, freelance writer, pampered spa-enthusiast, consultant, fashion fanatic, foodie, Sushi aficionado, music lover, obsessed with Chinese television series; member of Phi Theta Kappa, 10th generation offspring of legendary Oba Ozolua of the great Benin Kingdom, The Oyimizhé of Ososo Kingdom, Founder of Empower 54 and above all; a happy 46-year old mother to a wonderful 24-year old man. While some know me for pioneering cosmetic surgery and revolutionizing the beauty sector in Nigeria (2001) through my company, Body Enhancement Ltd which earned me global recognition including Elle Magazine’s acknowledgment as a symbolic African Boss Lady shaping the African business sector (2015); others are familiar with my charity activities through my NGO, Empower 54 (formerly BEARS Foundation). I was recently asked; “Modupé, why did you disappear at a time when the press was obsessed with you?” I smiled. 17years ago, the press was more fixated with talking about cosmetic surgery than plights of poor deformed children. Realizing helping underprivileged people was my priority; I concluded one had to go for the other to survive. To sacrifice Body Enhancement for Empower 54 to survive, I stopped granting interviews and quietly focused on helping the poor across Africa. Serving humanity isn’t easy or glamorous; but a calling is a calling. Just as you can’t flee from your shadow, you can’t escape your life’s purpose. Without our consent, destiny sends us servants of humanity on errands that must be accomplished. Such as when we went to Maiduguri on a three day trip to build classrooms for internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the Bakassi camp (2016) but ended up staying 21 days and bestowed with the privilege of leading the Nigerian military and State government to evacuate 1,800 severely malnourished IDPs from the Bama IDP camp for treatment. Images of the skeletal children provoked international outrage and a Presidential investigation that prompted the declaration of a national emergency on malnutrition and allocation of special funds to combat it. Did you know that in February 2018, 17 million Nigerian children suffered from acute malnutrition (UNICEF)? While the government said one in three Nigerian children were malnourished, us working in remote villages argued two in three Nigerian children were skeletal! Yes, citizens of the World’s most populous black nation with over 200 million people could barely eat one meal daily. Those are old figures though. Imagine 2020 statistics due to additional
hardships caused by COVID-19 induced recession. If one in every three Nigerian children were skeletal in 2018? Feel free to do the math for 2020. Returning to Atlanta, the City of Atlanta’s City Council, Georgia awarded me an Official Proclamation recognizing our philanthropic efforts rehabilitating IDPs in the North-East which we were doing since 2014. The Governor of the State of Georgia (USA), Jonathan Nathan Deal, and Mayor of Atlanta, Kasim Reed, officially pledged support to Empower 54 and Elle Magazine honored me as one of “50 African Women Who Shape the Continent.” Last year, in recognition of our humanitarian
Did you know that government-owned hospitals refuse to treat rape victims unless accompanied by the Police or with a police report?
activities, the Mayor of Houston Texas, Sylvester Turner issued an Official Proclamation declaring my birthday, October 10th, as “Princess Modupé Ozolua’s Day” in the city’s 2019 calendar. Nigeria 2019, en route to Democratic Republic of Congo to flag-off our distribution of medication for 620,000 children and initiate a partnership with the Nigerian Correctional Services to provide free medication for inmates; someone informed me the Office of the Deputy President of the 9th Nigerian Senate had a NGO unit and asked, “You are always complaining about bottlenecks that frustrate deliverables of NGOs to Nigerians, why don’t you get this appointment and fix them?” After reflecting on the burdensome process of obtaining import duty waivers for clearing containers of charitable items, unnecessary hostility between government and NGOs, and the dying children I have carried in my arms; I put my ego away in a Givenchy bag, cancelled my trip to the DRC, created a “to-do” list and contacted Senator Ovie Omo-Agege to express interest in becoming his NGO Adviser. Ladies and gentlemen, this was how I enrolled in an advance course on humility and patience of civil servant life! Considering I have been self-employed since I was 21-years old, working in the civil servant space is an experience worthy of writing a book, but I am fortunate to work with a man who is intelligent and genuine about helping the masses.
Since becoming Special Adviser on NGO Affairs, numerous strategic projects have been initiated, and yes, one is the review and creation of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) document on clearing of humanitarian consignment in Nigeria. Okay, reintroduction over. Moving forward. What is with 2020? A week after my son and I returned from an amazing Christmas and New Year holiday in Hong Kong and Guangzhou, China, the world learnt people were dying in Wuhan! Worrying about our friends in China, we didn’t know COVID-19 was preparing kung-fu punches for the entire world! Focused on COVID, another pandemic brewed. Till date, countless babies and adults are raped and killed across the nation. Calls for stricter legislation to address Sexual and Gender based violence (SGBV) crisis are discussed at Federal and State Assemblies with suggested penalties ranging from castrations to death sentences. Personally, I am tired of cries for new laws. Are there no standing laws to protect victims/survivors of SGBV? Are existing laws being implemented? How many Governors approve execution of death row inmates? On the behalf of the Deputy President of the Senate and Chairpersons of relevant Senate and House of Representatives committees, I consulted extensively with ministries, agencies and NGOs. Did you know that government-owned hospitals refuse to treat rape victims unless accompanied by the Police or with a police report? However, according to the National Health Act (2014) Section 20 (1) “A health care provider, health worker or health establishment shall not refuse a person emergency medical treatment for any reason whatsoever; (2) Any person who contravenes this section is guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N100, 000.00 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to both.” Are you aware that rape victims pay for their medical tests and that of their alleged rapists? Did you know government hospitals refuse treatment to rape victims without payment? Did you know most victims are so poor they can’t afford the bills that police officers pay for them? So, why create laws when government breaks its own laws? Why have social welfare departments if they are unable to fend for citizens at critical moments? Is social welfare properly funded? Is providing social aid to vulnerable Nigerians no longer a government’s priority? Sigh! Okay, enough for today. I just wanted to say hello and inform you the Internationally Displaced Princess is home...temporarily. Until we reconnect, please stay safe Princess Modupe Ozolua is a Philanthropist & Entrepreneur. ModupeOzolua@yahoo.com
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COVER
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9250 Sunday, September 6, 2020
T S N I A G A S N O Z A M A COVID-19
COVER
NS WINNING IO T U IT ST IN D N A E L P SERIES ON PEO T R A -P E E R H T A F O D N S NATION U O L U • THE SECO P O P ST O M ’S A IC ID IN AFR THE WAR AGAINST COV
BIMPE ADEBIYI Mobilising Hospitals
TEAM LEAD NATIONAL CASE MANAGEMENT FOR COVID DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF HOSPITAL SERVICES, FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HEALTH
MORENIKE O. ALEXOKOH
Stopping Covid At The Airport DIRECTOR, PORT HEALTH SERVICES DIVISION DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HEALTH Dr. Morenike Alex Okoh obtained a Bachelors degree in Medicine & Surgery from the University of Benin in 1988 and thereafter, a Masters in Public Health from the University of Lagos and is a Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, with over 2o years of cognate experience in public health practice. She is consummate professional with a passion for public health. She is the Director Port Health Services, Federal Ministry of Health and the National Team Lead, (Operational and Administrative) for Points of Entry in Nigeria. She was the Operational Team Lead for the Point of Entry Response during the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak
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Dr Adebimpe Adebiyi is a Dental Surgeon, Public Health Service Administrator, Manager and Planner with a career of over 27 years in the Federal Ministry of Health traversing various areas of the Nigerian Healthcare delivery system, including general dental practice, manpower development, healthcare financing, coordination and supervision of Federal Tertiary Health Institutions. She is currently responsible for initiating policy formulation, monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of health policies on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health as well as Elderly care, Nutrition and Health Promotion. In the course of her stepwise career, she has facilitated, participated in and organized workshops, seminars and panel discussions locally and at international levels. She has also held several administrative and managerial positions including the Chief Dental Officer for Nigeria from November 2009 to April 2016. She had a stint as the Acting Director, Department of Hospital Services from May to June, 2016 before her appointment as Director/Head, Department of Family Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria in July, 2016, a position she holds till date. In 2013, Dr Adebiyi was conferred with the Membership of the prestigious National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies and in 2014 she became a Fellow of the International College of Dentists in recognition of her contributions to the development of the Nigerian Oral Healthcare system. Her personal career goal is to use her God-given
in 2014 and is leading the team in the ongoing COVID-19 Point of Entry Response. She is also the Pillar Lead for the Point of Entry Pillar/Technical Working Group of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 in Nigeria. Dr Morenike Alex-Okoh, during her technical review visit to the MMIA, Lagos, commended WHO for providing the additional personnel and technical expertise to support screening of passengers on entry to the country. “WHO has remained a dependable ally to Port Health Services in strengthening IHR capacities for responding to public health events at the Points of Entry, this has remained true during this COVID-19 preparedness and response”, she said. She stated further that the ministry is working with state governments for containment of cases that will not manifest at ports as it is equally as important to engage the states in preparedness of Covid 19. According to her, all states are expected to ensure social mobilization to sensitize people on the necessity to go to health facilities should the need arise.
prowess in transforming inefficient systems to internationally acceptable performance standards pivoted on cost effective models. Adebiyi states that scientists were working on a global effort to find the best drugs to treat the virus and while there is no cure for COVID-19 at this time, plans are in place to harness herbal medicine for the clinical management of COVID-19 patients in the country. According to her, the general response to the pandemic so far, in lieu of a vaccine, has been to effectively manage the growing number of cases in the country. Adebiyi said this has been achieved with effective coordination between the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and states to bolster their preparedness and response activities through the deployment of teams to support the capacity of health workers trained in various states. She explained that the support given by the ministry of health, and NCDC to states included guidelines and procedures to support the work of health care workers managing patients. She, however, stressed the need to incorporate mental health support in the ongoing case management for COVID-19 patients, stressing the consequences that could arise if not properly addressed. She added that as more information was determined about the virus, strategies for management of cases would be adapted in the hope that with better state management of the response, there will be a stronger and hopefully, long-lasting management of the pandemic in Nigeria.
MOJISOLA ADEYEYE
Mobilising Drugs and Vacciness DIRECTOR GENERAL, NAFDAC Professor Adeyeye is the Director General (DG) of Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) where she is leading regulatory and administrative reforms through quality management approach. She has
CHINWE OCHU Infectious Diseases Warrior DIRECTOR, PREVENTION PROGRAMMES AND KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT NIGERIA CENTRE FOR DISEASE CONTROL (NCDC) Dr. Chinwe Lucia Ochu is a medical doctor with over 24 years’ experience as a clinician. She has MBBS from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria (1996) and MPH from University of Liverpool, UK (2016). She worked as a Clinician for close to 20 years with the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria were she played the role of a Chief Medical Officer in the Family Medicine Department. She currently works with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) as the Acting Director Prevention, Programmes & Knowledge Management and as the Head of Research. NCDC is Nigeria’s National Public Health Institute with the mandate to protect the health of Nigerians through prevention, early detection and control of infectious diseases of public health importance. She represents NCDC at the National Lassa Fever Research Consortium and National Health Research Technical Working Group. She is a member of the Body of Experts of Central Bank of Nigeria’s Health Sector Research & Development Intervention Scheme; a member of the College of Experts, DHSC/UKRI Global Effect on COVID-19 (GECO) Health Research, a member of the Research Functional Working Group and Sustainable Production Group of the Presidential Task Force on
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9250 Sunday, September 6, 2020
added strong governance structure and regulatory strengthening to NAFDAC through disciplined and motivating workforce, updating of regulations and guidelines, strengthening the local pharmaceutical companies through international best practices and encouraging local production. She has brought NAFDAC from insolvency to solvency and refocused the Agency to be Standard Operating Proceduredriven organization that has embraced international standards and best practices. She changed the culture of NAFDAC to Customer-focused and Agency-minded establishment in order to safeguard the health of the nation. She inaugurated Nigerian Herbal Medicine Product Committee (HMPC) as a means of fostering research involving herbal practitioners and academic researchers while the intellectual property is protected. The ultimate goal is to turn complementary alternative medicines into a research-driven, regulation controlled commercially viable commodities. She is a Fellow of Nigeria Academy of Science, Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy, an Academic Research Fellow of American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP). She is the First African Woman Fellow, American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) a society where only 3% of academia receives such recognition internationally. She currently serves as the Chair of the Steering Committee of the African Medicines Regulatory Harmonization (AMRH) and the WHO-based Global Pediatric Regulatory Network. She represents NAFDAC on the International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA) and has been invited to be on the WHO Regional Expert Advisory Committee on Traditional Medicine for COVID-19.
Adeyeye says several researchers and practitioners have responded to NAFDAC’s call for expression of interest for Covid 19 related medicines and are being guided to submit such medicines to NAFDAC for expedited review. The Agency continues to encourage all stakeholders to present the products of their research findings and allow these remedies go through internationally recognized process of approval through pre-clinical and where applicable, clinical trials. She noted the establishment of the Nigerian Herbal Medicine Product Committee (HMPC) that brings together Manufacturers, Academia, Researchers and relevant stakeholders by bridging the gap often created between traditional medicine practitioners (possible patent holders) and drug manufacturers, whose responsibility it would be to formulate the products. This collaboration, brokered by the Agency, aims at translating research of herbs into products of commerce with proven safety and efficacy. According to her, this minimum requirement of ‘proof of safety’ is the Agency’s way of encouraging production of herbal remedies from the country’s rich diversity of plants. According to the DG of NAFDAC, the rush to mitigate the mortality and morbidly resulting from the COVID 19 pandemic has resulted in acceleration of product development, repurposing of formulations, off label use of therapeutics and the search for a vaccine to prevent COVID 19 and because no vaccine yet exists to prevent further spread of the virus, the huge burden of developing a cure or at best, a treatment for this deadly virus rests squarely on the shoulders of the medical world, of which Nigeria is no exception.
COVID-19. She supervises the infection prevention & control (IPC) programme, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) programme, risk communication, and Nigeria Field Epidemiology & Laboratory Training Programme (NFELTP) at NCDC. She represents NCDC in the Ebola Steering Committee of the Infectious Disease Data Observatory (IDDO) whose aim is to improve the research capacity of countries affected by Ebola. She has represented Nigeria in international discussions that border on the advancement of accelerator 5 of SDG3 (R&D, Innovation and Access). She was part of the health product development, implementation and funding partners deliberation on tackling bottlenecks that impede access to health innovation and was a speaker at the 2019 World Health Summit. She represents Nigeria at the Uniting Efforts for Innovation Access & Delivery (UEIAD), a UNDPJapanese Government-GFID convened partnership. She is a collaborator of Global Burden of Disease (GBD) and a reviewer for scientific journals and research funders including the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), UK. She is the Principal Investigator of the US CDC-funded ‘Advancing Infectious Disease Research across Nigeria (AIDRAN)’ project; Project Director of the US CDC-funded SERSPlus (Strengthening Epidemic Response Systems Plus) and ACEPRIN (Advancing Capacity for Epidemic Preparedness and Response in Nigeria) projects. She is the convener and National Coordinator of the Nigeria COVID-19 Research Consortium. Her major career goal is to facilitate the entrenchment of good science with collaborative research in Nigeria and in the African Continent.
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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9250 Sunday, September 6, 2020
OMOBOLANLE OLOWU Mobilising Partnerships against Covid DIRECTOR, PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP AND DIASPORA UNIT FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HEALTH Dr. Omobolanle Rosemary Olowu is currently the Director in charge of Public Private Partnership and Diaspora Unit of the Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja. She is a Medical Doctor, specialized in Ophthalmology. She is also APMG Certified PPP Professional (CP3P) Foundation. She holds MSc. Ophthalmology from the University of Bristol, United Kingdom (1991), Dip. Ophthalmology from the West African College of Surgeon (2000). She has occupied various positions in the Federal Ministry of Health including National Coordinator for the National Programme for the Prevention of Blindness and Head of the Inspectorate Division of the Department of Hospital Services. She has over 28 years of experience in
IFUEKO OMOIGUI OKAURU
Engaging NGOs and Volunteers CO-FOUNDER DAGOMO FOUNDATION Ifueko M Omoigui Okauru is a chartered accountant, chartered tax practitioner and management consultant. A graduate of the University of Lagos, Nigeria, Imperial College, London, and Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge, MA, she is the partowner and chief executive officer of Compliance Professionals Plc, Nigeria. She is also currently engaged as an associate with the Harvard University Faculty of Arts and Science, undertaking research in leadership, social enterprise, culture and the Nigerian nation. She currently serves on four public boards in Nigeria: Central Securities Clearing System PLC (independent director); Diamond Bank PLC (independent director); Seplat Petroleum Development Company PLC (independent director) and Nigerian Breweries PLC (non-executive director). She is also a member of the board of ReStraL Ltd, a firm of management consultants, which she founded in 1996; a member of the Executive Committee of Women in Management, Business and Public Service; and a member of the Board of DAGOMO Foundation Nigeria (Limited by Guarantee), a family-based social enterprise. As executive chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service of Nigeria from May 2004 to April 2012, Mrs Okauru championed tax reforms and the modernisation of the Nigerian tax administration system. During her tenure, she spearheaded comprehensive tax reforms that led to the development of a national tax policy for the very first time and the modification of nine principal tax legislations, of which five were passed into law. She also initiated a comprehensive overhaul of all tax statutes and development of supportive regulations; initiated re-engineering and automation of tax administration processes; recorded visible improvement in tax administration resulting in
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significant growth in oil and non-oil tax revenues accruing to government, and increased awareness amongst the populace of their obligations, as well as improved the motivation of staff in the discharge of their duties. She was a part-time member of the United Nations (UN) Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters from August 2009 to July 2013, where she was chairman of the sub-committee on Capacity Building. As executive chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service of Nigeria, she was a member of the Nigerian president’s economic management team and a member of the National Stakeholders Working Group of the Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI). Notably, she was the first female executive chairman of FIRS, and the first female chairman of the Joint Tax Board of Nigeria. Ifueko is a recipient of several awards for distinguished service to her country, Nigeria. She is a member of the Federal Republic, a Nigerian national honour. The DAGOMO Foundation’s focus is to channel their intervention towards the neglected in society. For the purpose of their work, neglected is defined as but not limited to; Those whom the government has the civil and constitutional responsibility towards their well welfare but have abandoned such responsibilities either due to policy gaps, mal-administration or outright neglect. Their mission is to be a bridge in society, connecting the disadvantaged, unheard and unrecognized with opportunities for a more fulfilling life. The focus of their programs is the elderly above the age of 60, living alone with little or no domestic/ external help, poor living conditions, people with physical and emotional needs. Led by Ifueko M Omoigui Okauru (Executive Director) and Titilola Park (Chief Program Officer), DAGOMO Foundation Nigeria is active in COVID-19 on various fronts to mitigate effects on the populace. Various initiatives include: 1. Collaborating with United Way Nigeria in raising funds and resources to support the elderly and the vulnerable 2. Facilitating Private Sector Interventions in and across the States especially with regard to developing the protocol to ease movement of food and other
Public Service. Dr. O. R. Olowu is an alumnus of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru and is a member of the Association of the Alumni of the aforementioned institute. She is currently the Director in charge of Public Private Partnership and Diaspora Unit of the Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja. Dr Olowu had headed a team of Officials from the Nigeria Centre for Disease control (NCDC), the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHDA) to access various states’ effort in the fight against COVID-19 which is conducted by reviewing their isolation centres. She has been an active member of the Federal Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Response team and has been in the lead in the discussion and engagement of stakeholders during the Situation Room meeting on the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Olowu had headed a team of Officials from the Nigeria Centre for Disease control (NCDC), the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHDA) to access various state’s effort in the fight against COVID-19 which is conducted by reviewing their isolation centres.
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FOLA LAOYE
Mobilising Resources against Covid FOUNDER/DIRECTOR, HEALTH MARKETS AFRICA Fola Laoye has more than 25 years of business experience, both locally and internationally, having trained with Ernst & Young in Lagos and Price WaterHouse Coopers in London.
OLA BROWN
Building Health Systems against Covid FOUNDER FLYING DOCTORS
supply chain issues during the lock down 3. Facilitating working with Individuals and NGOS, building the DAGOMO National Volunteer Corps (DNVC), for raising of awareness, advocacy, provision of PPEs and palliatives in the 36 States and the FCT. Palliatives are from partner Individuals, Government, Private Sector and NGOs including DAGOMO 4. Working with Telcos to harvest data highlighting the urgency of the COViD pandemic issues and to support advocacy and distribution of palliatives. 5. Working with the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas to educate Medical and non-Medical personnel on various COVID-19 areas, the DAGOMO Foundation Nigeria in Collaboration with the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) on Sept 3 2020 from 7:00pm, hosted an online Watch party for Health Workers. Featuring video presentations, training and discussions on: a. Mental Health COVID-19 b. Donning of PPEs c. Doffing of PPEs d. Treatment of Asymptomatic COVID-19 e. Crisis Management.
It was while Dr. Ola Brown (Orekunrin) was studying to become a doctor that a family tragedy in Nigeria highlighted the urgent need for emergency-response healthcare in the populous West African country. Ola went on to graduate and worked in acute medicine for several years before returning to Nigeria with an answer to the problem she’d witnessed first-hand, a few years before. This was how Flying Doctors Nigeria came to be, the country’s first air ambulance service. Based in Lagos, Flying Doctors Nigeria provides the doctors and air transport needed to provide urgent medical assistance in trauma situations and emergencies, where every second counts These days, she also leads Greentree Investment Fund — an early-stage sector-
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In addition to her role as member of the Board of Results for Development, Ms. Laoye is founder and director of Health Markets Africa, an advisory and investment company. She was previously director for West Africa investments at the Investment Fund for Health in Africa (IFHA). She is also a board member and was previously CEO and then chairperson of Hygeia Group Nigeria, promoters of Hygeia HMO and Lagoon Hospitals. She is chairperson of Old Mutual Life Insurance Company Nigeria and is also a member of the following boards – EchoScan Diagnostics, Lifebank Technologies, PAL Pensions; and Harvard Business School’s Healthcare Initiative. She is a trustee of the Harvard Business School Alumni in Nigeria and a member of the Young Presidents Organization, Lagos Chapter. In 2011, Laoye was nominated as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and in 2013 she was awarded the Harvard Business School Africa Business Club Leadership Excellence Award. Laoye holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Lagos and a master’s of business administration from Harvard Business School. She is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria. As the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic increased across Africa, the (Young Presidents Organization) Lagos Chapter led by Fola Laoye, Dr Richard Ajayi and Dr Ola Brown put together a field hospital in a converted space of the Landmark centre to deliver testing, isolation and treatment (including intensive
agnostic investor in technology companies with a portfolio that currently includes Paystack, MDaaS Global, Eazyhire, and five other startups. With her wealth of experience in healthcare, the very visible and vocal Dr. Ola has developed a special walkin COVID-19 testing booth that can save many lives and a lot of money too. It’s a mobile testing booth that has the potential to cut down on the use of single-use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which are, anyway, in short supply. With this, the doctor/ founder is hoping to ramp up COVID-19 testing in Africa and keeping frontline health workers safe while significantly cutting down on the need for single-use PPE, which can be quite expensive. Dr. Ola’s product is a walk-in testing booth where a healthcare worker puts their hands into the gloves and takes samples, never coming into direct contact with the patient. The gloves are sprayed down from a distance by a hygienist after every sample is taken. This drastically reduces risk. The product also reduces the need for as much PPE as there is a glass window between patient and health worker and there’s no direct contact at all. This brings the potential to keep healthcare workers safe and cut costs at the same time.
ZOUERA YOUSSOUFOU The Engine of CA-COVID MD/CEO ALIKO DANGOTE FOUNDATION It was under the leadership of Zouera Youssoufou that the Aliko Dangote Foundation threw their weight behind the country in its effort to combat the effect of the Covid 19 pandemic with the sum of N200million to contain the spread of coronavirus. The foundation also contracted 54Gene, a molecular diagnostics company specialized in research and diagnostics, to immediately set up a 400 test/day capacity laboratory in Kano State. In addition to this, the foundation also joined other Nigerian private sector leaders in the creation of the
care) to Lagosians. The YPO implemented this through a public private collaboration with Lagos government. The Eti Osa Isolation Center’s sole purpose was to improve the capacity of the state to fight COVID-19 and thus save lives during the critical early stage of the pandemic. The 86-bed emergency treatment and isolation center in Eti-Osa catered for moderately to severely sick patients, with an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), High dependency Unit (HDU) and a general ward. The center is equipped with six ventilators, monitors, respirators, mobile X-ray, ultrasound and oxygen piping as well as all other auxiliary medical and non-medical facilities. Within a few days, the members organized a core steering committee chaired by Ali Safieddine, Executive Director at Blackhorse Plastics Industry. Joining Safieddine and Laoye were Tatiana Mousalli Nouri, Deputy Group Managing Director at Aim Group ltd; Dr. Ola Brown, Founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria; Dr. Richard Ajayi, Executive Vice Chairman at The Bridge Healthcare; Niyi Yusuf, Managing Director at Verraki Partners; Fadi Jarmakani, Managing Director at African Exhibition Services Ltd.; Suraj Chulani, Chief Executive Officer at Sunlight Resources Ltd; and Yemi Osindero, Managing Partner at Uhuru Capital. The YPO contacted members from different industries, including finance, health care, construction, technology and HR, and came up with a plan and provided assurance of some degree of transparency. KPMG offered their services as fund managers to further help legitimize the fundraising efforts.
According to her, designing the product took approximately two weeks experimenting with different materials and learning from South Korea where booths have been used extensively.
Coalition Against Coronavirus (CACOVID), an initiative which was created to will work to fight COVID-19 by raising public awareness, supporting healthcare professionals, institutions and governments, and by mobilizing private sector leadership and resources. Prior to joining the foundation, Youssoufou who is the MD and CEO, spent 10 years with the World Bank Group in various capacities, ranging from managing the Global Women in Business program at IFC to representing the group as a country manager in three Central African countries. Youssoufou joined the World Bank Group in 2005 from Citigroup’s Smith Barney, where she covered emerging markets in New York and Atlanta as an Equity Research Analyst. Her previous experiences include working with the European Union on private sector development issues in Niger and management consulting with Deloitte in Ghana.
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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9250 Sunday, September 6, 2020
GENEVIEVE BARNARD ONI Health Care Without Borders CO-FOUNDER/CFO MDAAS GLOBAL Genevieve Barnard Oni is the Co-Founder and CFO of MDaaS Global, a Healthcare Tech business that builds and operates tech-enabled diagnostic centers focused on providing healthcare to low and middle-income patients. Their aim is to provide convenient, affordable and high-quality diagnostics and primary care for Africa’s next billion. Genevieve holds a Public Health degree from the University of Pennsylvania and was once a team member at the UN Development Program as a Health System Analyst in Uganda. As part of her role, she visited dozens of hospitals across the country and heard the same complaint over and over again: “Our equipment is not working” and found out the reasons for this problem varied from lack of available biomedical
TOMI COKER
Saving Lives in Ogun State COMMISSIONER FOR HEALTH, OGUN STATE Dr. Tomi Coker hails from Abeokuta, the illustrious capital of Ogun State. She was born on the 29th of March, 1967 in Washington DC, United States of America to Chief Michael Olufemi Coker (The Bada of Egbaland) and Mrs Mopelola Coker (Nee Akibo of Itoko) who were members of the Federal Diplomatic Corps at the time of her birth. Her father was a prominent businessman who hails from the distinguished JiboluTaiwo dynasty of Egbaland while her mother is a retired educationist. Dr. Coker had her early education at Home Science Primary School in Ikoyi, Lagos and later proceeded to Government College Ojo, Lagos. She studied Medicine at the prestigious University of Ibadan and had her Housemanship at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. She observed her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the First Consultant Hospital, Obalende, Ikoyi, Lagos before she commenced her specialist training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Dr Coker trained at several prestigious Teaching Hospitals in London, including St Mary’s Paddington
and Queen Charlotte Hospital respectively. In pursuit of her professional career, Dr Tomi Coker underwent her Fetal Medicine training at Kings College Hospital, London under the globally renowned Professor Kypros Nicolaides. In 2003, Dr Coker was appointed as a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust. She later became the lead female Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the hospital. After a sterling sixteen years of garnering surgical skills, she rose to the post of a Clinical Director. Dr Tomi Coker has a passion for promoting female well-being globally, hence her role as the Vice-Chair of the Royal College of Obstetrics and GynaecologyNigeria Liaison Group, which collaborates with local professional bodies in advocacy and the promotion of women’s health in developing countries with a focus on Africa. She also has a keen interest in Clinical Governance and Risk. Dr Tomi Coker, on behalf of her state, as Commisioner for Health, established the Incident Management System (IMS) and Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Ogun State. They forged ahead maintaining good company health facility, state epidemiology and surveillance team. They listed and quarantined all the contacts of the index case, in a good quarantine location monitoring for symptoms and signs of COVID-19. This process has remained so in a bid to manage the virus.
ELSIE ILORI
Driving Surveillance and Intelligence HEAD OF DEPARTMENT, SURVEILLANCE AND EPIDEMIOLOGY DEPARTMENT (NCDC) Mrs Elsie Ilori is a public health expert with over 30 years of experience. She obtained her Masters and Bachelor of Science degrees in Zoology from the Universities of Ilorin and Lagos respectively, and an Advanced Diploma in Applied Parasitology and Entomology at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Research, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She started her career at the Federal Ministry of Health as a Scientific Officer. At the time, she led the introduction of the national Weekly Epidemiological Report, which is still in production till date and is cited as one of the most critical documents for
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technicians, to botched installations, to missing instruction manuals. Genevieve became both fascinated and frustrated by these seemingly preventable challenges and soon joined force with ‘three co-founders who had all experienced the same equipment challenges across Africa. Together they launched MDaaS Global and opened their first diagnostic center in Ibadan, southwest of Nigeria and in their first eight months of operations they provided care to over 2500 patients. As the CFO of MDaas, she and one of her cofounders, her husband Soga Oni recently built Nigeria’s first booth-based mass COVID-19 testing site, in addition to publishing a guide for setting it up in an effort to increase testing capacity across Nigeria. Also on the frontline of curbing the spread of COVID-19, Genevieve and her partners with their healthcare tech company, have set up two COVID-19 test centres that have been able to carry out thousands of tests. The company also set up Sentinel X to help businesses pre-screen employees for Covid and other underlying conditions and also connecting them to medical professional to help manage their coditions and meet all their health care goals.
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fever in major peer-reviewed journals. Mrs. Elsie Ilori is currently a fellow at the Executive Programme for Global Health Leadership at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Mrs Ilori’s role in the response to COVID-19 - With the increase in the number of COVID-19
cases, Mrs Ilori was made the second Deputy Incident manager for the National EOC COVID-19. - When the surveillance technical working group for the PTF was formed, she became the Pillar lead for the surveillance part of the PTF technical working group
NWANDO MBA Expanding Testing
DIRECTOR, PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY SERVICES DEPARTMENT (NCDC) Mrs. Nwando Mba is the Director of Laboratory Services at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, and leads the national Yellow Fever Technical Working Group. With over three decades of experience in the public health sector, she has been pivotal to the development and strengthening of Public Health Laboratories in Nigeria. Evidently, she led the rapid establishment of molecular laboratory networks for COVID-19 from initial five to over sixty-Eight. She started out as a Quality Control Specialist in the production of vaccines for Yellow fever and Rabies, and has undergone, as well as organised, training and practical sessions in all aspects of laboratory services. Previously, Mrs. Mba served as a central facilitator
PRISCILLA IBEKWE
Mobilising Resources
HEALTH SERVICE MANAGEMENT, FELLOW FACULTY OF PUBLIC HEALTH (NCDC) Dr. Ibekwe is the Programme Coordinator for delivering NCDC- Emergency Medical Treatment gateway, Basic Healthcare Provision Fund. She also leads on partnerships, funding and resource mobilization. She has interfaces with a wide range of organizations, development partners, individuals in the public and private sector within and outside Nigeria, to support COVID-19 response in Nigeria. She is a consultant in Public Health Medicine with keen interest in Health Protection. She led health emergency management , pandemic flu planning and response in a London District. She
epidemiological information in Nigeria. In the course of her career she has been part of several outbreak response activities, adaptation and strengthening of the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system in Nigeria, and other critical responsibilities, such as timely and comprehensive disease reporting, outbreak tracking, emergency preparedness and initiation of public health action for several diseases of public health importance. A major achievement for Mrs. Ilori has been providing leadership on one of the priority diseases of public health importance in Nigeria - Lassa fever. She has led the establishment and management of the national Lassa fever Technical Working Group. In this role, she co-hosted the first ever Lassa fever International Conference, the largest gathering of scientists in the field, and led the establishment of a new national Lassa fever research consortium. Mrs. Ilori has led and contributed to the development of important publications on Lassa
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- Mrs Ilori was instrumental to the development of the incident action plan (IAP) for the PTF. - Surveillance is the constant monitoring of a disease situation in the country. - Represented the Director General (DG) during the PTF press briefings
for the Polio Eradication Programme. Shortly after, she was appointed Laboratory lead at the Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL) in Yaba and was lead when the facility served as Emergency Operations Centre for the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Nigeria. She has participated in various laboratory assessment and e-surveillance exercises within and outside Nigeria, particularly in the West African sub-region. She was instrumental to the to the review of the policy document – “Laboratory Capacity Requirements for International Health Regulations and the implementation in the WHO Africa Region” amongst many others. She holds a Master Degree in Medical Microbiology, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Microbiology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Lagos. She has a certificate in Health Planning and Management, and is an associate member of the Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria. Currently She is undergoing a fellowship programme in London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
is the incident manager, cerebrospinal meningitis outbreak response in Nigeria and has contributed to the health sector response to the humanitarian crisis in Northeast Nigeria. She is highly experienced and has worked principally in the areas of health protection, emergency preparedness, business continuing planning, disaster management and recovery, resource mobilization, service development and programme coordination, strategic planning and partnerships, research monitoring and evaluation. Dr. Ibekwe is skilled in participatory engagement: capacity building and mentorship, service sustainability, negotiation, wealth creation coach and mentor. Priscilla is an author and a team player who is motivated by her desires to empower communities to achieve agreed objectives and sustain development.
TATIANA MOUSALLINOURI Mobilising People GMD AIM GROUP Tatiana Mousalli Nouri is the deputy group-managing director for Aim Group, a family-run conglomerate with offices across the country, which includes broadcasters Cool FM and Wazobia FM. She a heads Wazobia TV, which is the only Nigerian channel to broadcast exclusively in Pidgin English. A member of Young President Organisation (YPO)
Lagos chapter, Tatianna along with other members or the organization organized into a core steering committee chaired by Ali Safieddine Executive Director at Blackhorse Plastics Industryto set up a field hospital to treat infected COVID-19. Nouri along side other members set up Eti-Osa Isolation Centre with the support of the Lagos state Government. A facility is a 70-bed emergency treatment and isolation centre equipped with the latest equipment, including ventilators, monitors, respirators, mobile X-ray, ultrasound and oxygen piping. The field hospital is designed to expand should the need arise and staffs with about 80 clinical and non-clinical staff (doctors and nurses including ICU) who underwent training from Lagos State Ministry of Health.
TO BE CONTINUED 17
Hats
STYLE & DESIGN
THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9250 Sunday, September 6, 2020
to Know
FASHION
DID YOU
KNOW?
Hats have cemented themselves as eternally stylish men’s accessories. From Panama hats to Flat caps, Fedoras to Snapbacks, men’s hats are a versatile, functional, and stylish addition to any look. They’re also practical and suitable for any season. Rain or shine, a hat will keep you warm, dry, and sheltered from the sun all while looking great. On top of that, hats can finish off any casual, classy, or eclectic ensemble in a simple yet inspired way. Here are the best men’s hat styles you need to know BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI
FEDORA
SAINT LAURENT FEDORA
PANAMA HAT
Love it or hate it, the Fedora has stood the test of time. Going from the hat of choice for gangsters in the 1920s and 1950s to a hipster staple item in the 2000s, Fedoras is probably one of the most polarising men’s accessories. Today the felt firmbrimmed hat is once again ontrend and a fantastic wardrobe addition. Although fedoras come in various sizes and colours, we’d suggest sticking to those with more neutral tones and medium widths.
PANAMA HAT
BOWLER HAT
SNAPBACK
MODEL FOR OZWALD BOTENG
FLAT CAP
TOP HAT
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burst onto the fashion scene after the New York snapback became increasingly popular with Yankees fans. Nowadays, snapbacks have cornered the market being worn by cap connoisseurs, ballers, fashionistas, and cool kids all over the world. The name comes from the hat’s adjustable fastener at the back. Like its vintage cousin, the dad hat, it is also one-size-fitsall, providing a relaxed, oversized fit. However, the snapback is more rigid in its design, making it more structured. Snapbacks add an effortless yet instantly cool vibe to any outfit.
A Panama hat is perfect when paired with a beach backdrop and a white linen shirt. This traditional brimmed straw hat FLAT CAP hails from Ecuador and will Popular among celebrities have you looking as hot as a and television characters, Miami summer. Made from flat caps come from humble plaited leaves, the Panama roots. The flat cap was once hat has become a must-have typically worn by chimney accessory for seaside and sweepers and farmers. tropical destinations. Panamas These stylish pieces of are made for sunshine and headwear come in wool, blue skies, so don’t try to rock tweed or cotton. For extra this hat in winter. They are warmth and comfort, these light in colour and weight, stiff-brimmed rounded breathable, easy to wear, and caps are lined. Flat caps faultlessly fit with a laid-back look best when paired with beach style. a smart casual style for a touch of charm. BOWLER The bowler hat is one of the TOP HAT most iconic items of British There has still never style, made famous by notable been a piece of headwear actors such as Charlie Chaplin, as dominating or as Curly Howard, and John sophisticated as the top Cleese. It is a hard, felt hat hat. Don’t panic, we’re not with a narrow brim and is also suggesting you need to commonly known as a derby. go Abe Lincoln style, but This hat is a favourite of the a shorter, stylish top hat upper, middle, and workingwill undoubtedly make class alike, but we would steer you stand out in a crowd. clear of wearing it casually. These tall, flat-crowned, Try out this trend with doublebroad-brimmed hats were breasted suits, tailored once the height of highpants, dress shoes, a vintage class dressing, but today Corvette, or a British accent. they are a rarity. If you’re That type of thing looking for a fun and fancy way to class up your SNAPBACK next formal event, why not The ’90s style baseball cap try a top hat?
VICTORIAN FUNERAL DRESS
BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI
Some fashion and beauty facts to keep you on the ball.
Did you know…The tradition of wearing black at a funeral, or while in a period of mourning after a death, dates back to the Roman Empire. In Victorian England, widows were expected to wear black for up to four years after the death of their husband, though some women chose to wear black for the rest of their lives. MODEL FOR TZAR Did you know... Both the pencil skirt and the A-line skirt were designed by the same fashion designer: Christian Dior. He debuted the A-line skirt as part of his post-WWII “New Look” in the early 1950s. In 1954, he debuted the pencil skirt, then called “H-Line”, as the silhouette of the skirt was intended to create parallel lines to the floor. A-LINE SKIRT CHICWISH & SALVATORE FERRAGAMO PENCIL SKIRT
Making
Neutrals
Interesting BY MEYIWA KPIASI
Beige, black, ivory, taupe, grey, brown and shades of white. We may think of these colours and think; “What a drag?” But neutral colours are a fabulous way to keep that minimalist style. It has been incorporated on the runway from Yeezy all the way to Jacquemus, making it trendy. Then again, it’s so easy to look dull in these colours, sp here are some tips to best execute a neutral look.
1. Contrast:
Mix and match colours. Pair taupe with beige and browns with creams.
2. Texture:
Mix textures to give an edgy chic look. Mix silks with chiffons and go for pleats, frills and ruffles.
Did you know…That
A-LINE SKIRT CHICWISH & SALVATORE FERRAGAMO PENCIL SKIRT
the first false eyelashes were created for producer D.W. Griffith in 1916, in his film where he wanted to enhance the beauty of the actress? Those eyelashes were made from human hair. SUGARPILL EYE LASHES
3. Accessorise:
You can add a pop of colour or use jewellery to pull the look together. These ways you could never look boring.
Did you know… Sagging
SUGARPILL EYELASHES
a popular clothing trend with hip-hop artists - baggy pants - was born in the prisons of Los Angeles, where inmates were not allowed to wear belts. The trend got so popular on the outside that governments in North American began to pass laws prohibiting the revealing style, and lowriding pants were banned on transit systems, airlines, and in government buildings like schools. SAGGING PANTS
ILARE
KLUK CGTD
STYLE TEMPLE
Did you Know… Eyeliner SAGGING PANTS
PRESTIGE WATERPROOF
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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9250 Sunday, September 6, 2020
BY KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR
Global Scene ON THE
LADY GAGA TO PERFORM AT MTV VMAS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SEVEN YEARS
Lady Gaga has been announced as one of the performers at this year’s highly anticipated MTV Video Music Awards. This will be the American popstar’s first performance at the event in seven years. This year’s event is set to be hosted by Keke Palmer and already has an impressive lineup with stars like The Weekend, BTS, Doja Cat, J Balvin, Maluma and Roddy Ricch set to take the stage.
The 2020 VMAs were originally supposed to take place at the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn. However, the awards show will now be held outdoors at various places in New York City in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, Justin Bieber, DaBaby, Megan Thee Stallion, and Harry Styles are among this year’s top nominees.
CHANEL DONATES $700,000 TO LEBANESE CHARITIES As Lebanon continues to grapple with the aftermath of a deadly explosion in Beirut that killed over 150 people and wounded thousands more, luxury fashion house Chanel has pledged USD 700,000 of financial support to rebuilding efforts in the Arab nation. Donating the large sum to a mix of Lebanese charities currently helping on the ground, the Parisian Maison dedicated this relief package in solidarity with their partners in Lebanon’s capital city who are struggling in the wake of this horrific incident. “The catastrophic explosion in Beirut sent Lebanon, a country already impacted by political unrest, economic instability and the current Covid-19 crisis, into further distress and suffering,” released the label in a statement. “Chanel has a local presence and valued longstanding partners in Lebanon, some of whom are deeply impacted.”
CHANEL
FENTY SKIN IS HERE
LADY GAGA
PRINCE HARRY WILL APPEAR IN AN INSPIRING UPCOMING NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY Prince Harry is all set to make an appearance and lend his voice to an upcoming Netflix documentary titled Rising Phoenix. The Duke of Sussex was spotted in the trailer for the documentary which is not only an inspiring story about the Paralympic Games but also a topic he feels passionately about. PRINCE HARRY The clip shows Prince Harry seated on a green couch in an empty room and speaking to the camera as if being interviewed. “There isn’t anything else in the world that can bring you back from the darkest places than sport,” he says in his first appearance in the trailer. He goes on to speak about the impact of the Paralympic Games and sports which embraces both the players and the viewers. “Yes, lives have been changed on the track,” he says, “but lives are also being changed in the stands.” On his cameo in the documentary, a spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex said: “The Duke is proud to have been one of the people who contributed to this film, which is a unique and powerful documentary that hopes to change the way people view disability – and tell the incredible story of the Paralympics.
FENTY SKIN CARE
Fenty Skin has dropped its debut collection and the brand’s initial three-product offering includes a cleanser, toner-serum, and a moisturizer with SPF 30. The first drop for the new brand is a trio of products called Fenty Skin Start’rs. It includes the Total Cleans’r Remove-It-All Cleanser, the Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum, and the Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer. The offering is streamlined because each product is a multitasker, so you can get skincare done quickly. Granted, genetics plays a big part in what your skin looks like, but if these three products bring us even an inch closer to having skin as flawless as Rih’s, it’s money well spent.
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PRINCE HARRY IN NETFLIX’S “RISING PHOENIX”
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