THISDAY STYLE MAGAZINE 30TH OCTOBER 2022 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

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

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2022

MODUPE ELEBUTE-ODUNSI ON BREAST CANCER

EDITOR’S LETTER

CONTENT

COVER NOTE

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

When Dr Modupe Elebute-Odunsi decided to return to Nigeria, it was with 30 years of experience from the Uk, where she has held several Consultant and Honorary Senior Lecturer When Dr Modupe Elebute-Odunsi decided to return it was posts,toa Nigeria, well-established with 30 years of experience from the Uk, whereprivate she has held several practice and vast Consultant and Honorary Senior Lecturer posts, a well-established experience in treating private practice and vast experience in treating patients patients with with cancer. cancer.

Society

DESIGN WEEK LAGOS 2022

Design Week Lagos, the leading design week in Africa, has come and gone. The theme for this year’s event was tagged “Beyond The Box.” It saw DWL calling on African Designers to use innovative ideas, raw materials and the latest technology to make authentic modern and contemporary products that meet global standards.

Staying Conscious

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S yle EXECUTIVE EDITOR KONYE NWABOGOR 08111847087

Lifestyle & Fashion A To Gen Z 7 Ten Things This Week Front Ekiti to the World Foods You Probably Shouldn’t Binge On Five Fashion Brands To Look Out For This Season Networking 101! Funke Adepoju’s Latest Capsule Collection

DEPUTY EXECUTIVE EDITOR OLUFUNKE BABS-KUFEJI 08111847086 VISUAL/SENIOR DESIGNER MATHIAS ARCHIBONG 07054965500

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GUEST CORRESPONDENT YOMI OWOPE

CONTRIBUTORS AZUKA OGUJIUBA DIDEE ETA AYO LAWAL BUKOLA AMOBOYE

PHOTOGRAPHER @TY BELLO

s a young lady, I had much more than an editorial interest in today’s cover feature. We’ve all been there; that all too familiar fear when you hear a breast cancer diagnosis and the constant reminder from your doctor to self-check. Breast Cancer ranks as one of the most dreaded diseases for women, and despite all the advances in medicine, everyone knows someone who has been diagnosed with the disease. The numbers are scary, but Dr Modupe Elebute Odunsi says that staying vigilant about mammograms and self-checks can be game-changing. And what’s even more good news is that it is not a death sentence as often perceived. Yes, if diagnosed on time, you can and most probably will come out of it. Typically, when one speaks about early detection, self-checking for lumps is the first thought. However, I believe this is not fast enough, as it means the disease may have already materialised. So even though a lump is the most common symptom of cancer, early detection for me means catching any abnormality before it has the chance to manifest in an obvious solid shape. As a woman, you know your body best, so staying aware and raising red flags when any changes are noticed is key. Please get your brain into it consciously and subconsciously. Develop healthy habits and again be very aware. Who else is excited about the fashion season? For those of us in the industry, it’s that time of the year when we get to see the latest offerings from established and emerging fashion designers and houses. The season also features a star-studded crowd of celebrities and street-style stars for a series of runway shows and presentations. Charles Didee Eta has shared with us five designers whose collections you should look out for. I personally do not have any favourites, but I am excited to see all the looks that will set the trends for the coming months, which I look forward to sharing in the coming weeks. On that note, I hope you enjoy this issue as much as we have loved putting it together. Love,

DIRECTOR, PRINT PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO 08077092196

21 @thisdaystyle |

@thisdaystyleon | www.thisdaystyle.ng

Konye

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Sunday, October 30, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 10034

&Design Week

SOCIETY

STYLE

Lagos 2022

esign Week Lagos, the leading design week in Africa, has come and gone. The theme for this year’s event was tagged “Beyond The Box.” It saw DWL calling on African Designers to use innovative ideas, raw materials and the latest technology to make authentic modern and contemporary products that meet global standards. This year’s event also had a unique lineup of phenomenal Pan-African designers! The spotlight was on the award-winning international superstar designer, Ini Archibong, who had a sit-in conversation with DWL founder Titi Ogufere and also put up a practical workshop. Other architects and designers present were Charles O Job, Jumoke Adenowo, Eva Sonaike, Jade Folawiyo, Olubunmi Adeyemi, Victor Ekpuk, Tejumola Butler Adenuga, Nifemi Bello, Tosin Oshinowo, Seun Oduwole, Pierre Christophe Gam, Tola Akerele and Osaru Alile. Founded by African TITI OGUFERE AND OSAYI ALILE design advocate Titi Ogufere, DWL was established in 2019 as a citywide celebration held in Lagos, Nigeria, over ten days, promoting creativity, and innovation across disciplines, including architecture, industrial design, interior design, furniture design, graphics design, and technology.

OSARU ALILE

HRM GBOLAHAN LAWAL ABISOGUN II

TRACY NWAPA, MYLES IGWE, THEODORA MOGO

ELOHOR ELIZABETH

TUNDE DEMUREN, COLETTE OTUSHESO, OZINNA ANUMUDU

LOJAY OGUFERE

CHIZOR MALIZE, NKIRU ANUMUDU, RUTH OSIME, BIOLA OTUFALE, UZO NWAN I

BANKE KUKU & VICTOR EKPUK

TY BELLO

LAIDE NWEZE

DEOLA BANJOKO.

KAVITA CHALLARAMS

DEMAS NWOKO

BUBU OGISI

CHIOMA UDE

ENIAFE MOMODU

VIVIAN GEDAY

SOMI NWANDU

TITI FOWORA, HAUWA MUKAN & BOLA BALOGUN

MR & MRS OTIGBA

Sunday, October 30, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 10034

ADIDAS CUTS TIES WITH KANYE WEST

NEW YORK & COMPANY TAPS NIGERIAN DESIGNER BANKE KUKU FOR GABRIELLE UNION CAPSULE

54GENE CEO STEPS DOWN

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lothing company Adidas has cut ties with rapper Ye, known as Kanye West, saying it does “not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech”. Adidas’s Yeezy brand collaboration with Mr West was reviewed after he showed a “White Lives Matter” T-shirt design at Paris Fashion Week. Days later, the rapper posted anti-Semitic comments on his Twitter account. His products will be pulled from sale with immediate effect, said Adidas. “Adidas does not tolerate antisemitism and any other sort of hate speech. Ye’s recent comments and actions have been unacceptable, hateful and dangerous, and they violate the company’s values of diversity and inclusion, mutual respect and fairness.”

eading speciality manufacturer and retailer New York and Company and Nigerian designer Banke Kuku have collaborated on a special-edition capsule collection. The unique capsule launches as part of Gabrielle Union’s ongoing partnership with New York & Company and in celebration of Union’s 50th birthday trip to Africa. “The collection was inspired by both Gabrielle’s and my love for Africa,” says Creative Director and Founder, Banke Kuku. “It was a very special project for me as it allowed me to bring particular inspiration to life through my pieces. Working with Gabrielle was extremely easy as she had a clear vision of the collection from the start whilst remaining continually supportive of my creativity. Together, we kept true to my brand.”

UAE IMPOSES VISA BAN ON NIGERIANS

basi Ene-Obong, co-founder and chief executive officer of 54gene, has stepped down. In a statement on Tuesday, the company’s general counsel said it has appointed Teresa Bost as the interim CEO and will be supported by Delali Attipoe, chief operating officer. According to the company, Ene-Obong will retain his position on 54gene’s board while moving to a new senior advisor role. Founded in 2019 by Ene-Obong, 54gene addresses the gap in the global genomics market where Africans make up less than 3% of genetic material used in pharmaceutical research despite being more genetically diverse than any other population. The audacious project has received over $45 million from investors such as Adjuvant Capital, Y Combinator and Cathay AfricInvest Innovation Fund (CAIF) and partnered with organizations like Illumina, Genentech and Parexel.

he United Arab Emirates has reportedly banned nationals of some 20 African countries from entering its capital city, Dubai, including Nigeria. This is to inform you that we will not be posting 30 days visa applications for these nationalities effective today, October 18, 2022,” the notice read in part. Countries affected by the visa ban include Uganda, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Cameroon, Nigeria, Liberia, Burundi, Republic of Guinea, Gambia, Togo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, Benin, Ivory Coast, Congo, Rwanda, Burkina Faso, Guinea Bissau, Comoros, and the Dominican Republic

RISHI SUNAK IS UK’S NEW PRIME MINISTER.

ritish politician Rishi Sunak has emerged as the UK prime minister. The 42-year-old is taking over from his predecessor, Liz Truss, who stepped down after just six weeks in office. Sunak will become Britain’s first PM of Indian heritage.

NEWS

Ten Things This Week

‘’I AM 43% NIGERIAN,’’ SAYS MEGAN MARKLE

he Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, has opened up on her genetic heritage, revealing that she is 43% Nigerian. Markle made this known in the latest episode of her podcast, Archetypes, where she expressed her desire to learn more about her roots. In the episode, Markle discussed with American actress Issa Rae, Nigerian-American writer Ziwe Fumudoh, and professor Emily Bernards. The podcast revelation was the first time Meghan opened up about her ancestral background on the public stage.

NIGERIAN PODCASTS, I SAID WHAT I SAID, TEA WITH TAY AND ELEVEN OTHER AFRICAN PODCASTS HAVE BEEN SELECTED FOR THE SPOTIFY AFRICA PODCAST FUND.

potify has launched the Africa Podcast Fund to further support podcasters in amplifying their stories. The $100,000 fund aims to bolster the careers of these podcast creators through financial grants, workshops and networking opportunities. The Africa Podcast Fund has selected 13 creators from African countries with the biggest podcast listenerships, namely South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana. Africa Podfest will administer the fund. The 13 recipient podcasts are; Nigeria’s I Said What I Said, Tea With Tay, F&S Uncensored and The Sandwich Podcast, The Messy Inbetween, Mantalk. ke and Nipe Story from Kenya. Others are Si Maman M’avait Dit (Cameroon), Sincerely Accra (Ghana), After School Is After School with Sis G.U, The Journey Kwantu, Wisdom & Wellness with Mpoomy Ledwaba and Convos & Cocktails with Lesego Tlhabi (South Africa).

SCIL ACQUIRES POLARIS BANK.

trategic Capital Investment Limited (SCIL) has completed the acquisition of Polaris Bank Limited on an upfront payment of N50 billion to acquire 100 per cent of its equity. The bank also agreed to repay N1.305 trillion injected into it by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON). Polaris has operated as a bridge bank since 2018 when the apex bank revoked the licence of the defunct Skye Bank Plc and set up Polaris to take over its assets and liabilities.

“WE RISE BY LIFTING OTHERS” - PUMA AND DAVIDO CREATE SPORTSTYLE COLLECTION

ports Company PUMA and Afrobeats icon Davido have together created a Sportstyle collection, which captures Davido’s philosophy of supporting others and changing lives and generations.The 7 piece collection which features a rendition of the T7 tracksuit, t-shirts, shorts and hats is filled with bold, statement pieces in our National colors of green and white all inscribed with the motto “We rise by lifting others”. This collection created by Davido was inspired by the philanthropic work of his father which then had a strong influence on his own philosophy in life. “We rise by lifting others” is a part of his legacy and everything he does is for this purpose. This music is a way of not just inspiring people but lifting them and it means that as I grow, I want other people to grow with me, Davido said.

RIHANNA AND TEMS COLLABORATE ON THE BLACK PANTHER SOUNDTRACK.

ihanna has announced the release of her new single, the first after a six-year hiatus from the music industry. She will be releasing “Lift Me Up”, a soundtrack to the Marvel movie, ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’ She teased a video of the track via her Twitter page and captioned the post, “Lift me up. Rihanna co-wrote “Lift Me Up” with Nigeria’s Tems, music producer Ludwig Göransson, and Black Panther’s director Ryan Coogler. The track, which will be released on November 4, was written as a tribute to the lead star of the first Black Panther film, Chadwick Boseman, who died in 2020 at 43.

Sunday, October 30, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 10034

From Ekiti to the WorldHere’s the story of Eni and how he’s taking over, one post at a time! By Bolu Akindele 2022 has been Eni’s year. His videos continue to go viral, cementing his place as an influencer and content creator of value. He has been profiled in local and international magazines—from PAPER to GQ Magazine, Kenga Magazine to Guardian Life. He has been signed by a long list of brands, local and global. He has also been featured in multiple local and international campaigns, including the much-talked-about Fenty Beauty Africa launch. His acting debut, a role on Accelerate TV’s web series, Clinically Speaking, recently premiered. And there’s the mother of them all—the unveiling as Crocs’ first Nigerian Brand Ambassador. And although he has always dreamed of this life, one where he was successful beyond his wildest imagination, he never thought that things would happen for him this perfectly and this quickly too. Not even after he had tweeted at the beginning of the year, “2022 is a year of plenty”. 22-year-old Enioluwa Adeoluwa Prince, popularly known as Eni, shot into fame barely two years ago, in the middle of the 2020 global pandemic that changed the lives of millions of people around the world. Like many other creators during that period, his strategy was to take advantage of the worldwide increase in screen time and social media presence aided by the worldwide lockdowns to create, curate, and carve out his own space and dedicated following on the internet with relatable content. His unique approach was to create punchline skits and hilarious commentary on everyday life while applying his signature lipgloss. In one of his past videos, he’s complaining about the unnecessary small talk that usually precedes romantic endeavours. In another video, he advises his followers on living according to people’s expectations. None of this, however—not even the amount of hours spent scripting, recording, and editing, or the cost of cameras, make-up and ring lights—guaranteed that he would experience the kind of fame he wanted. “I know I wanted to be famous; I always wanted to work in the media,” Eni says. “But when it comes to fame, one can only hope. You don’t know what will make you go viral, what will make you famous, what will give you your big break,” Eni says. And he’s right. It’s difficult to ascribe Eni’s fame to just one of his videos. He remembers sitting at his desk every morning to shoot his skits, hoping it all adds up. The odds, however, were in his favour; it didn’t take long for the world to catch on. All of his successes only feel possible because of his dad and mom. His parents—a professor dad and a lecturer mum—had, with their lives, taught him drive, ambition, and hard work. He admits that their thoughtful parenting and constant affirmation created a safe space for him to evolve into what he is now. “When you have so much support at home, it inspires you to be great and successful,” he says. He has had to put in the hours and make necessary sacrifices to get to where he is now, a trait he ascribes to the singer and songwriter Beyoncé. After graduating with a first class in Media and Theatre Arts at 19, he joined the FinTech company Bamboo as a growth analyst. About a year later, he got in for a one-year Master’s degree in Marketing at Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos. This coincided with the beginning of his online career. In between catering to a growing audience with increasing demand for new content, he had a thesis, assignments, and several classes (virtually, at first, but physically towards the end) that he was committed to. Still, Eni made all of it work. The day Eni received the email that changed his life was as normal as any other day. Nothing about the day — not the way the sun rose, not the song he woke up to, not the side of the bed he woke up in, not the quiet prayer he made that morn-

ing — suggested that his life was about to take a radical turn. And even when he received the email, when his manager had told him about an email from the European Union, he refused to take it seriously until his manager verified and insisted that it was legit. “I just thought it was a scam email at first,” he says. He had assumed it was business as usual — a temporary influencing gig. It wasn’t until this week, in reading one of the documents sent to him, that he saw the words ‘Africa EU Ambassador’. That was when it became apparent that his life was about to change. “I was mind-blown,’ he says. ‘There were tears in my eyes.” He has been full of joy ever since it was confirmed. There have been moments of spontaneous worship sessions in his room; He’s organised dinner with his colleagues and has tweeted multiple times about a certain good thing that happened to him. “I don’t have two heads; I’m just favoured that this happened to me,” he says. His path has been unconventional, and this role at the EU confirms his conviction about his destiny. It’s harder, he admits, to chart his course in the industry because there’s no existing template for how to fit the multiplicity of characters he possesses and that his audience connects with. However, he sees it as a crucial responsibility to do his best in blazing that trail. “When you’re the first in these kinds of roles, you do it well so you can show others a prototype and leave the door open for other people to walk in,” he confesses. This has been the primary drive behind his success all along. He says that there are people who have helped him carve his current trajectory, who have done the work to open certain doors that gave him the authority to take up space. He is talking about public fashion personalities like Denrele Edun and Denola Grey, who, like Eni, constantly challenge traditional ideas of masculinity in fashion and otherwise. As a result, Eni believes that it is now his responsibility to pay it forward by kicking down those doors to ensure that no other young boy like him feels that there is any limitation in their life. It is why he invited ten young men for an evening of brunch, fun, and community just a few weeks ago, which he had aptly tagged ‘Eni’s Brunch With the Boys. His basis for selection was simple: 10 young men within his circle who, like him, are constantly on the fringes of their communities because they’re not deemed masculine enough. “It’s good for people to see a community and people like them in close-hand relationships, and I’m so glad I was able to do it,” Eni shared on Instagram after the event. Chinonso Nzeh, a 20-year-old writer and law student at the University of Lagos, one of the young men Eni invited, agrees that Eni’s goal was achieved. “I felt so seen,” he says. “There was a tightly knit intimacy and bareness in the air. A certain shell of ambitiousness wrapped itself around me when Eni spoke at the event.” He has also benefitted from witnessing the successes and vulnerabilities that Eni doesn’t shy away from sharing publicly. “Eni is like a mirror, and I [see] much of myself in him. Eni is a dogged person, he’s resilient, strong-willed and hardworking, and if Eni has done [all of these], I can do it too.” Hearing from someone as young as he is who is successful in academia and entertainment helped him understand what many successful people he’s tried to emulate

And although he has always dreamed of this life, one where he was successful beyond his wildest imagination, he never thought that things would happen for him this perfectly and this quickly too. Not even after he had tweeted at the beginning of the year, “2022 is a year of plenty”.

have tried to demystify for years about being successful. “Eni is creating a flourishing network of people, and the security in the community and the idea of knowing that I’m safe and I don’t have to pretend is reassuring”, he adds. Amidst all these successes, Eni is still frightened by the immense burden that a public profile of this nature will come with and the critical lens through which every single action (or inaction) will be examined, judged, and analysed. He is anxious about expectations—presence at corporate events, corporate speeches, a prim and proper personality, and fitting into the stereotype of public figures who occupy these kinds of positions, the very thing he has dedicated much of his time as a public figure to advocate against. “If I do something now, people will be like ‘, Ah! Ah! A whole ambassador!’” He recalls an event from his last dinner with friends where a friend had jokingly teased him about his new role in the middle of something unrelated, and while he admits that they did it in good faith, he knows there’ll be more of those in his future. Eni’s journey, however, has been a preparation for this moment. As an influencer, he has been immune from one of the pressures many influencers of his kind eventually fall into; apathy from sensitive political conversations. In 2020, after the Nigerian END SARS anti-police brutality protests that gained recognition globally, many public figures who publicly identified with the cause were listed in a lawsuit, where they were charged with encouraging unrest that led to the loss of lives and properties. Some others could not travel temporarily because their passports were seized, and many others had their bank accounts frozen by the Central Bank, which claimed that they might be linked to “terrorist activities”. None of these has stopped Eni; his voice continues to get stronger and sharper. He has been loud in his condemnation of the ongoing ASUU strike, police brutality, and discrimination of any kind (even those aided by social conservatism). As the country also approaches another election season, he has been actively involved in voter information by galvanising his followers towards obtaining their PVC and making informed political decisions. In his toolkit for dealing with this moment is courage. “Bravery and courage are important to everyone’s existence. I know that these causes I speak against are important, and someone has to do it. Otherwise, everything would remain the same” He still can’t believe that this is his life. Part of his new routine includes communicating with international partners on the WhatsApp group dedicated to onboarding him into the new role. “Sometimes, I’m speaking to some of the representatives in Belgium, and they’re speaking to me like it’s normal that I got [the role], but it doesn’t feel so to me,” he says. At the beginning of his career, he worried he wouldn’t be taken seriously. “My biggest fear when I started was that no corporate brand would work with me,” Eni says. But with campaigns for Crocs, Fenty Beauty, Cadbury, Mac Cosmetics, Haansbro, Prime Video, Wakanow, and Samsung, among others, in his bag, he says reassuringly as a reminder to everyone who cares to pay attention, “Look at me now. So tomorrow, I’ll be on Instagram with lipgloss on, and I’ll also be the European Union ambassador!” The work ahead of him is plenty, and he knows that. “I’ve cried all the tears of joy I can possibly cry. I now have a new job; it’s time to get to work,” he says. He is excited about the opportunity to finally have the capacity and necessary resources to influence all the causes he’s passionate about. His focus areas are Education and Economic Growth. He will also commit to marshalling resources into causes that are dear to his heart—foundations focused on women’s causes and diversity and difference. Eni Adeoluwa believes he’s still, at his core, an influencer—albeit of a different kind—and that not much has changed. “This is even what true influence is — to reach such a height where you can influence important things, and even your other influencers” He now has the opportunity to influence people, ideas, and systems on a global scale. He reassuringly says that nothing else about would change in a bid to fit in. “Nothing is going to change. I’m still going to be myself. That’s important to me—not losing myself—because that’s what brought me here,” he adds. And he hasn’t stopped dreaming. His conviction that nothing is impossible for him keeps getting renewed with every achievement. With focused eyes and a determined heart, he is trying to outdo everything he has done. He is still working on his lipgloss brand and will resume his PhD programme in a few months. “I know there are still many things in my future,” he says. “I have not made a video with Bretman Rock, and I have not met Beyonce. Beyonce!” he squeals. “I don’t know what is bigger yet,” he says, “but the possibilities are now endless. I look forward to doing all the work that matters. I know more things will excite me”. “I’m focused on doing the work, and I know it will bring more things my way,” he adds. For Eni Adeoluwa Prince, it’s a new dispensation. And that’s on periodt!

Sunday, October 30, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 10034

COVER

When Dr Modupe Elebute-Odunsi decided to return to Nigeria, it was with 30 years of experience from the Uk, where she has held several Consultant and Honorary Senior Lecturer posts, a wellestablished private practice and vast experience in treating patients with cancer. More importantly, she returned with great passion and a strong desire to contribute her quota to the growth of the Nigerian private healthcare care system. Well over a year later, her project, Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre & Specialist Hospital, is the country’s first fully-equipped private oncology centre and has become a go-to for cancer patients who previously would have had to travel abroad to receive world-class treatment but are now able to get the critical care they need here at home. When she’s not busy with her patients, she’s working with numerous NGO’s creating positive awareness on the dreaded C word. Interview by Funke Babs Kufeji. Photo credit- Olusegun A. Adekanye

MODUPE ELEBUTE-ODUNSI ON BREAST CANCER

After over 30 years of practising in the UK, you returned home to open a first-of-its-kind ultra-modern specialist hospital, the Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre & Specialist Hospital. Was there any particular incident that inspired this? I wouldn’t say there was a particular incident, but like most things in life, deciding what you want to do is probably informed by a number of experiences or decisions you would like to make. First of all, I’m someone who lives her life in 5-year cycles. So I’m always thinking about what to do in five years’ time. When I turned 50, that was probably one of the main incidents that inspired me to open up a cancer centre. When I turned 50, I began to look at what I would want to do when I retired and where I would want to be. Having lived and worked in the UK for years, travelling in the role that I had then at King’s College Hospital London, I wanted something that would allow me to be more present for my family. So that’s really what it was. Turning 50 and looking at myself and thinking about where I would like to be in 10 years, 20 years, and there was a strong pull to come back to live in Lagos, where I grew up. Of course, I have the background of my parents being in the private healthcare business. They founded the Lagoon Hospital, so I was aware of the private healthcare system in Nigeria. I always thought that it would be great to bring back all my experiences, knowledge, and training in different aspects of, not just, clinical medicine. I’ve done quite a lot of work in terms of research, teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate medical students, drug development, and more. And it felt like the right combination of all that. The desire to come and live in Nigeria and use everything I’ve learned, all my experiences, to open a hospital of some sort. I’ve done a lot of training and worked in the cancer space. So coming back to work in healthcare meant developing something in terms of cancer care. After having had that vision as early as 2012, I met several key people who helped me and my husband along that journey. We did a lot of research; we spoke to people; we travelled to different parts of the world to see how cancer care is delivered in South Africa and India. Of course, we knew about the UK market and the US. We realised that the most impressive way of providing care to patients, particularly in oncology, is to have all the aspects of treatment on one site. So that everything from screening the patient to making the diagnosis to then starting to treat them and the three different modalities of treating patients, which are chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy, can be done. If patients could get all of this in one place rather than going to one hospital for one thing and another for another, it would significantly impact how well they responded to treatment. So yes, a combination of things. I think turning 50 triggered off this move. What began your interest in focusing on working with Cancer patients? So when I was in medical school, I became very interested in sickle cells. From a morphological sort of microscope point of view, the cells looked very interesting. And then, I got interested in patients with sickle and did a lot of work with Professor Akinyanju and Professor Akinsete at the time, a year after my house jobs at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. I also helped Professor Akinyanju develop the sickle cell club at the time, which then became the Sickle Cell Centre. So my interests in haematology and oncology came from my medical school days. And then later on, whilst I was training to become a haematologist, I became very specifically interested in the oncology (Cancer) part of haematology. Oncology holds two main arms: hemato-oncology, which is blood cancers like leukaemia, lymphomas, myeloma, and so on, and solid tumour cancers like breast cancer, lung cancer, and so on. The training for both is similar but not exactly the same. What has your experience been like so far working in Nigeria? You know, people ask me that all the time in a similar way. But the question is always, are you glad to be back? Yes, I’m extremely happy to be back, but in particular, I’m very happy to have been able

to come and do this. Coming from having a vision or a desire to do something to actually making it happen. Being in the building, looking after patients, and being operational are two totally different things. I’m very aware that some people start something and cannot finish it, sometimes out of no control of their own, so I consider myself very lucky and grateful that Marcell Ruth is here, functioning. So from that point of view, I am enjoying being here. I am also thankful to have a strong, passionate, and committed team. Just in November 2020, there were only five members of staff and myself, and now we have a staff strength of just over 80 people. Honestly, there are some hardworking and committed people who are really pulling their weights to try and help to bring this vision to fruition because, for my husband and I, there is nothing like the Nigerian factor. We believed that what we wanted to do was to provide the best possible care that we could for Nigerians in Nigeria, and that is something you have to do on a day-to-day basis, not just on a Monday or a Friday, but all the time. It’s a lot, you know because this is not an environment that makes it easy to achieve what you’re trying to do. So when you’re trying to speak to staff trained in the Nigerian environment, it isn’t easy to make them understand. But I’m fortunate because most of them have learned, so I’m lucky. I’m also excited almost every day when I come to work. We see a large number of patients with different complexities from all over the country, and because of this, I’ve had to learn about the geography of Nigeria. People come from all over the country with no appointments, nothing. They’ve come from Adamawa, from places I didn’t even know existed in Nigeria. These days, we even have patients from abroad, but mainly from across Nigeria; we see patients from all over the country. Let’s talk about Breast Cancer. It is the most common cancer in women in Nigeria. And statistics state that it is on the rise. Can this risk be reduced? What kind of preventive measures can women take? To a certain extent, the risk factors cannot be helped; female sex, increasing age, positive family history, and certain genetic factors are called non-modifiable risk factors because they cannot be modified. However, a woman’s overall risk can be reduced with certain lifestyle modifications like stopping smoking, limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, avoiding hormone replacement therapy, and breastfeeding. More importantly, regular screenings allow early detection and treatment of cancer, which may manifest despite preventive measures. Do you think Nigerian women are finally beginning to see and understand that a breast cancer diagnosis isn’t a death sentence? I hope so. The message, particularly from the NGOs run by survivors, like the First Lady of Ondo State, Betty Akeredolu, is awareness. Dr Zainab Shikafi Bagudu, and a host of other NGOs, are also doing a phenomenal amount of work. Apart from the education and awareness they’re doing, they also help to fundraise for patients who would not ordinarily be able to afford care to ensure that these patients have access to treatment. Now, women are beginning to understand that cancer is no longer a death sentence. People who have had treatment here are driving this awareness and education. For survivors to speak to other patients and to explain their journey to them Of course, I have the it’s helping, that’s for sure. The more we do what background of my we’re doing, like this interview with ThisDay style, parents being in the the more we can get the message out there in different formats. It’s an important message and private healthcare awareness to push because it’s the truth. For most business. They founded of my patients, I will say to them, “What I want you the Lagoon Hospital, to do is to look at this as a journey, something that so I was aware of the you’ll be telling your children about in five or ten years. private healthcare

system in Nigeria. 15

A-Gen

What can Nigerian women do to educate themselves about breast cancer? And at what age do they instil self-breast exams in their daughters? Those who have access to the internet can access reliable sources such as WHO (World Health Organization) or the CDC (Centre for Disease Control) for information on breast cancer. They can also reach out to certified health professionals or attend seminars or conferences on breast cancer around them to avoid the proliferation of unhelpful and sometimes dangerous information. Mothers may begin to teach their daughters as they teach them about puberty and its implications. There is no hard and fast rule on when this may be, but the earlier, the better. What do you believe is missing from the current conversation regarding breast cancer, and what are you doing to bring this to people’s attention, particularly in rural areas? I’m not going to say I do anything in the rural areas just now. But I think data is key in medicine. One of the things that we’re going to be privileged with is the ability to collect data here. So, for example, when we looked at the data, we’ve seen almost 500 breast cancer patients in the space of less than two years that we’ve been treating. And we’re looking closer at that data and seeing that about 70% of these patients are the receptor-positive patients that I was talking to you about who, anywhere else in the world, have a good outcome because they have these new good drugs that can help them. But, looking at our data, 70% of our patients are presented late with advanced disease. So our hands are tied from a medical point of view. The biggest message here is that early detection saves lives. Prevention is better than a cure. Screening and teaching women how to examine themselves is very important—also teaching young girls how to examine themselves, their breasts, for lumps and so on. Doing that teaching early, like those girls did when they were dancing, getting that message out that if you find anything abnormal in your breast, and it’s still there, maybe 2-4 weeks later, you need to seek medical care. Everyone, every person, should have annual checkups and make it a habit, like a birthday present to yourself, to go and have these tests done. Please don’t leave it because it’s not convenient or it’s not a top priority. Health is wealth, and it’s only when you lose it that you realise just how important it was to you in the first place. From a rural perspective, as I said, it’s difficult for those busy sitting in hospitals trying to look after patients and also create awareness. But, I think working together with the people who can and making sure that we share knowledge and making sure that we keep the conversation going is very important. The Big question- Are there ways to prevent breast cancer? Some lifestyle changes are supported by research, for example, limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, breastfeeding, and limiting postmenopausal hormone replacement pills. But since none of the above is foolproof, the most important way to prevent breast cancer is through regular breast examinations and screenings. This allows for early detection and treatment.

What is the survival rate now compared to a decade ago, and if not high enough, why? Survival of breast cancer for at least five years after diagnosis ranges from more than 90% in high-income countries to 66% in India and 40% in South Africa. According to a study by Popoola et Some lifestyle changes al., 5-year survival rates stood at 25.6% in 2012. Nearly ten years later, in 2021, the 5-year survivare supported by al rate of breast cancer patients in a different study research, for example, was 37.6%. This same study found that a large limiting alcohol number of young patients with late advancedintake, maintaining stage disease resulted in poor survival outcomes.

a healthy weight, staying physically active, breastfeeding, and limiting postmenopausal hormone replacement pills. But since none of the above is foolproof, the most important way to prevent breast cancer is through regular breast examinations and screenings.

Sunday, October 30, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 10034

Do you have any support to guide women during their fight mentally? As I previously stated, breast cancer treatments, also treatments for other cancers, can be quite lengthy, lasting months and months. We provide a good counselling setup here at Marcell Ruth, where people who understand people who are undergoing this cancer journey can talk about what they’re going through and can get the support and help that they need from asking the right questions. Sometimes, the patients understand the treatment, but their family members don’t. They are confused or worried when they see them going through things, so they’re able to come and talk about what’s going on. Unfortunately, we don’t have the most robust support system here

theayolawal@gmail.com

COVER

Sunday, October 30, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 10034

with

Ayo Lawal

People have a lot to say about my Generation. Have you ever accidentally called someone a Gen Z, and their tone in correcting startled you? Almost like a plague they don’t want to be associated with. I’ve definitely experienced this (more than once, too), and it makes me wonder, are we really that bad? I’m scrolling down my Twitter feed or tapping away on Instagram stories, and it’s almost impossible not to find an unsolicited piece of “advice” from the older generation. Even from people that just turned 26. Why do people keep hating on Gen Z? People can’t control what year

Jollz Patrick

in Nigeria, but one thing I think we’re changing here is encouraging our patients to remain at work as much as they can, which has made such a difference. I had a female lawyer who was about to fold up her whole practice at the beginning. I said, “No, of course not,” and 3-6 months later, she’s now the one who says, “Look, I’m going on a trip for some arbitration case. Can I change my chemotherapy day by a day to accommodate my travel? Time flies by because she is still doing all she can potentially do. We’re good at people support systems here in Africa. It is fantastic in Nigeria because we have family support all the time. There is a lack of awareness about breast cancer in men. How common is that, and what are the risk factors? Worldwide, it is believed to represent 0.5 - 1% of cases, but a 2021 study in Southwestern Nigeria found that male breast cancer accounted for about 1.7% of all breast cancer cases. Most of the risk factors for men are common to both sexes; increasing age, genetic mutations (BRCA1 & 2), Family history of breast cancer, radiation therapy treatment, hormone therapy treatment (estrogen-containing), liver disease, and obesity. Your job presumably must be emotionally tasking. How do you manage to detach yourself mentally after each day? That’s a very good question. You can’t totally detach yourself. You have to consider that this is a job that one has been trained for in all aspects—breaking bad news, picking up family support, and seeing all the nuances of what’s happening in the family setup, even when they don’t say it. Some of the things that patients may be worried about that they can’t even come out and talk about, looking at the impact that it has on their families or relationships, I know that you know that medicine is an apprenticeship and that training in medicine takes a long time. Lastly, can you please provide some guidance on breast cancer screening – when to start, how often to screen, and what significant risk factors? The significant risk factors; female sex, increasing age, prolonged estrogen exposure – an early menarche and late menopause, use of hormone replacement therapy, low fibre diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, radiation therapy, a positive family history, especially a first-degree relative. The presence of family history also affects the timing of screening. Women with first-degree relatives with breast cancer should begin screening ten years before the age of the earliest diagnosis in the family. Without this special qualifier, women are advised to start annual breast screenings from 40 years.

Millennials on steroids! Not entirely a bad thing. So the whole radical movement Millennials started, they’ve run with it. They’re ambitious, rebellious, and have different priorities from previous generations. Easily misunderstood also. Yes, they have peculiarities that can be seen as unacceptable, but every generation had theirs. All in all, they represent a major shift in the paradigms of human interactions

Tosin

Outspoken, Ballzy, and sometimes very entitled.

Cool. Bold. Impatient

Damola

Audacious !!!

Seyi

Creative bunch. They need to be motivated, but they are fearless and expressive in a society that doesn’t consider them adults yet.

they were born in, and not everyone born in Gen Z is the way people keep making us seem. For example, there’s me. I’m a 1998 baby who watches broadcast television and prefers Instagram over TikTok - by a country mile. How exactly do you see us? Everyone seems to have an opinion about GenZers. So, I asked 15 thirty-something-year-olds what they honestly think of us. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear Gen Z?

Kwame

What is there to think about? They’re still children, and being children - they say a lot of dumb things and think they know everything. I remember doing the same thing; everyone did it.

Chii I quite like Gen Z. They might even be our saviour. I think since millennials saw both before and after the internet takeover, we’re quite a compound and perceptive group. We’re way smarter than boomers were at this age, and Gen Z seems even more ahead.

Big Leah

Oyindamola

When I think of Gen Z, I think of activists who care urgently about climate change and social justice. They don’t care about fitting into rigid societal structures because their sense of self is formed by online communities.

What comes to mind is defiance, bold, rebellious, woke (sometimes to a fault), over matured, and excessive (at times).

Sodiq

When I think GenZ, I think Defiant. I think breaking from the norm.

While some of these responses are relatively true, I believe everyone hates the next coming-of-age generation. This happened with Millennials, Gen X and even Baby Boomers. Boomers were seen as “wild, freethinking people” who broke away from the more sober traditions and values of the Silent Generation before them. This is not new at all!

Mosope I wouldn’t know precisely how to define Gen Z as I don’t have siblings, and I don’t encounter them a lot. But if I had to say something, perhaps a general perception is that they are more ‘woke’ and socially engaged. The stereotypes don’t bother me; I find them funny. I find anyone defining themselves by the generation they are, or believing themselves to be a certain way because of it, is a bit cringe.

Tom

When I think of Gen Z, I think of TikTok. I think over sharing and doing the most.

I noticed this generation is very narcissistic, has big egos, and want instant satisfaction.

Lekan They have no sense of community or loyalty. They believe the best way to go through life is by burning bridges and confrontation.

Paddy The previous generations were trained to repress, but for newer generations, it’s the other way around. They are taught to express themselves, and if there’s one thing Gen Z will do, it is to express themselves to the max!

Every generation brings something unique to the table and, at the same time, the same “annoying traits” such as selfishness, wildness, etc., that boomers also like to point out that millennials and Gen Z have. I’m positive that in 10 years or more, Zoomers will have something to say also about the upcoming Generation Alpha.

Sunday, October 30, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 10034

ANDREA IYAMAH This ready-to-wear swimwear turned clothing label is owned by Andrea Dumebi Iyamah and is popularly known for its vibrant colours and patterns that are strongly inspired by ethnic cultures and elements of nature. Each piece gives off a classic style but with a modern appeal that showcases an ultrafeminine fit. And, of course, let’s not forget its signature high-waisted cuts. The brand has made it a point of duty to cater to females across borders who are confident, adventurous and unafraid of clothes designed to make a statement.

BANKE KUKU

With the Lagos fashion week and the GTCO fashion weekend on our doorsteps, it’s officially fashion season. We have already started seeing lookbooks on social media and are excited about the new looks that will set fashion trends for the coming year. Let’s not forget the numerous private shows we can’t wait to attend by both emerging and top designers. Of these brands, we at style have our eyes set on a few who are currently breaking boundaries, stunning audiences, and leaving us wanting more.

STYLE

FASHION

FIVE FASHION BRANDS TO LOOK OUT FOR THIS SEASON.

NINIE

By Charles Didee Eta

ORANGE CULTURE ANDREA IYAMAH

Owned and creatively directed by Benzito Benson, the Ninie brand is a men’s wear label synonymous with creating visually appealing outfits using African fabrics like adire, aso oke, and lace to give off texture, colour and a contemporary approach to men’s designs. The label, which also creates casual pieces for women interested in men’s clothes, is experimentally crafted to uplift the African heritage and adjust gender norms. The Ninie brand has been known to create a striking balance between western and African culture, with an agreeably more minimalist design approach, but still very effective and superbly creative.

BANKE KUKU

ADEBAYO OKE LAWAL

The founder and creative director of Orange Culture, Adebayo Oke-Lawal, is probably the most soughtafter designer at the moment for his successful execution of androgynous fashion. He’s been able to rise, projecting his authentic self and concern for a community of people who needed representation through clothing. Known for his many achievements locally and internationally, his brand reflects pure creativity and class. Being named among the 500 influences in the global fashion industry by BOF, there should honestly be no reasons for conversations based on his impact, whether this season or the next.

BENZITO BENSON

The Banke Kuku brand is undoubtedly one of Nigeria’s most sophisticated fashion labels. It is a womenswear label founded by Banke Kuku Lawson. The brand, which aims to design pieces regardless of size, is what every woman needs to look good and feel relaxed. Initially, the company began as a producer of bespoke woven and printed fabrics for the fashion and interior industry. But, as time passed, a clothing line was born, and everything changed for the best.

EMMA OKORO

EMMY KASBIT

The need to reinterpret and reinvent vintage looks in a refined and contemporary way has to be one of the major reasons why “Emmy Kasbit” is recognized at all. This brand was founded by Emmanuel Okoro, whose interest in design was born out of a passion for dressing men and women up unconventionally. Usually, his directions are strong, with architectural silhouettes featured throughout his collections. Also, the fact that the fabrics used for each garment are made locally using traditional West African weaving techniques is a plus.

Sunday, October 30, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 10034

NETWORKING 101!

FUNKE ADEPOJU’S LATEST CAPSULE COLLECTION IS TAKING US ‘’BACK TO THE BASICS.’’

HOW TO CONVERT INTRODUCTIONS TO CONNECTIONS By Adebola Williams adebola@redmediaafrica.com

the ability to speak to people (especially strangers) boldly. This skill, whether learned or inherent, forms the basis or foundation on which every great connection is made.

Creating great connections, like every other form of art, is a craft built with intentionality and commitment. It takes time to master — longer for some than for others — and sometimes, it requires the development of a skill that must first be learned: the ability to speak to people (especially strangers) boldly. This skill, whether learned or inherent, forms the basis or foundation on which every great connection is made. In my many years of personal and professional pursuit, I have very often found myself travelling from one country to another: going from meetings, to pitches, to conferences, to delivering keynote speeches and interviews amongst others. Sometimes these trips are far-spaced, other times they come one on the heels of another. Whether far-spaced or not, each of these trips and engagements is an opportunity to expand my network — so, I try to make it count. Why? Because your network (your access) is an invaluable asset both home and abroad. When going to a new country, your experiences are limited to your access and access is often created by people. Let me share a personal experience. A few weeks ago, I had to go to Geneva, Switzerland for the World Economic Forum Annual Young Global Leaders’ summit. Geneva is not a city I am conversant with. But I had friends in the city — eight to be exact — who were available to help me. My friends and dear brothers, Bruno and Simone were on hand to look after me from the first day I arrived in Geneva. Simone’s family owns a bank which he leads, but he always makes time for me even if he has to bring his meeting along — because we have an established relationship. This relationship, and one I have with my (seven) other friends and brothers, was not formed in Geneva. In fact, I had only been there once: when I came to deliver a speech on the main plenary of the WTO alongside its DG. I had had the opportunity to travel there in 2019 when I was named one of the Young Global leaders. Almost 400 YGLs from different continents had converged with the sole aim of forging alliances for greater impact in the world. However, I had not been able to make it in person — partly because of my schedule and partly due to COVID-19. So, how did I meet my friends and make invaluable connections? Well, I met Bruno, Simone and Daouda through the Choiseul Business Leaders community. Bechir, I met through my dear Tanzanian sister, Mwamvita Makamba. Dr. Wanjiru Rutenberg, our super Prof., is a #TutuFellow who was formerly based in Kenya. Huguitoni is a dear friend who I first connected with on social media, then later at my speech for the Wash Gala in New York. Nwatam is the diplomat who graciously arranged a visit with the Ambassador in Ghana just to honour me many years ago. And Lulu Shabell, I met in 2018 at the NBA games in Johannesburg. She had walked up to me and spoken of how she had followed me and loved my work for years. These relationships I have nurtured over these years, sowed into and shared my special moments with. Bruno and Simone flew to Lagos for my wedding without thinking twice and were even at the bridal party (something they both talk about excitedly every time we get together). So did Huguitoni. Although I couldn’t see all these great friends on this trip, Bruno, Simone and Bechir ensured I had an excellent time — from dinners at the lake to drinks at the finest rooftops. I made out time to return to the bank to create some business value. And I ensured to send a gift to Lulu’s son even though we couldn’t see (It’s really the little things).

Now back to the World Economic Forum Annual Young Global Leaders summit I was in Geneva for: It was a great couple of days with amazing opportunities to connect. WEF had gathered a very impressive group from Vice Presidents to Board Chairs, first this and first that. These people could become friends at the end of the three-day summit and family over time. It wasn’t convenient scheduling the trip but, understanding the power of networks, especially in a fast-changing world, I couldn’t resist it. The first rule of making connections is to go there. You can’t make new friends at home and even if you do virtually, physical connections accelerate it. Meeting people across the globe is like gaining a key that opens doors to nations. So, go there (the event, conference, seminar etc.) and make sure you exchange details.

Nigerian Fashion brand Funke Adepoju has released a capsule collection reminiscent of the everyday Funke Adepoju woman - simple, elegant and classy. Aptly titled “Back to Basics”, the collection offerings focus on fluidity, with fresh, textured print fabrics giving a breezy feel to lean shapes and comfortable volumes. The Tailoring is soft and unstructured: casual co-ords in prints and timeless elegant yet simple dresses. It is everything we hoped for and more. “Our clientele base has grown significantly in the last couple of years. We are happy to see that, and it’s our way of cementing our footprints in the world. Hence the footprint design, which we called “happy feet”, and the 2nd print, which we called connecting the dots. These designs were hand dyed by local female artisans in Lagos. We see it as our way of spreading happiness worldwide, where our designs travel. Also, our newer clients wanted to experience some of our old best sellers and favourites that keep bringing people back to our brand. And that’s what we did with the new capsule collection, “says Funke Adepoju, the brand’s creative director.

What do you do after exchanging details (cards and numbers)? 1. Add the details directly to your phone immediately, cards become redundant. 2. Describe their name in detail. For instance, Helene met at…. Country… occupation… 3. Send a message within 48 hours of connecting. Either to verify they arrived safely or confirm yours. Follow up on a commitment you might have made during the connection- E.g., You promised to send them an item they liked on you. Any article to further a thought. Connect them to someone of interest in their line of work who is in your network. 4. Break them down into priorities. Identify a particular number of connections that’s high priority, medium and low then schedule a time to check in on them all year round beginning from the next month. 5. Whenever you are travelling somewhere, check your address book for your contacts in those countries so as not to forget to connect with them. 6. Don’t be shy, invite them to a big celebration you have coming, a wedding, milestone birthday, etc. 7. Share major good news with them or share work-related materials and progress with them. Basically, engage them. The amount of conversations you have will depend on how quickly you build but don’t overwhelm them. 8. Take note of their milestones and send gifts if you can. If you can afford it, don’t try. DO! 9. If it’s not really important, don’t make an ask. Focus on sowing. 10. See next post for results/manifestation. Here’s a thank you to my dear friends, a toast to making an effort to build new connections and doing the work of building and turning them into solid relationships. Someone asked, how do I make friends as an introvert? I’ll deal with that in another post. But while you wait for that, never forget that relationships are like seeds. You must water them, feed them, and nurture them so they grow to be trees. Humans are like trees, if you manage to grow many, it could become a fortress to protect you.

Sunday, October 30, 2022 Vol. 22, No. 10034

WHY THE RED LIPSTICK IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA By Funke Babs Kufeji The Red lipstick is one makeup item every woman should have. It is a beauty statement that speaks a thousand strong words to millions of powerful women worldwide. It is iconic and synonymous with elegance, high fashion, sexuality, beauty, rebellion, and more. Regardless of your skin tone, there’s a red lipstick out there waiting to become your signature. To ensure you get the correct shade, go for a universal tone like Mac’s Ruby Woo or, more importantly, go with one that fits your skin undertone. Fair complexions usually have a pink-based undertone, while dark skin tones have a yellow undertone. Lastly, since the red lipstick stands out, it’s always best if it’s the focal point of your makeup so it gets the attention it deserves.

SHIRO