September 15, 2019
Funeral STYLE Stylish Party Shoe
Chart
Women’s Hat Chart
RHODA MICHAELS:
On The Business Of Fashion
Classy Ways To Wear Off-TheShoulder
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IN THIS ISSUE
5 15 SEPTEMBER 2019
e m a i l : a l l u r e fo r t h e wo rl d @ v a n g u a r d n g r. c o m
HAPPINESS CELEBRATION 5
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Cover: Rhoda Michaels;
On The Business Of Fashion
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Sexmatics: Quality Time,
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Instagram Moments
Quantity Time
Fashion : Funeral Style
Fashion : Party Shoe Chart Fashion : Women’s Hat Chart
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People : The MultiChoice Talent Factory Graduation Ceremony
14
My Lagos Adventure
WELLBEING
Fashion : Classy Ways To Wear Off- The-Shoulder
WELCOME... The fashion season is here again and designers and models will be putting the best of their craft on the runways. From NewYork Week, London Fashion Week to other fashion weeks around the world, designers will be setting the stage for what 2020 trends would be. In Nigeria, expectation is also high as designers, make-up artists, models, fashion editors, fashion influencers, photographers and buyers look forward to these various fun-filled fashion weeks; Heineken Fashion GT Fashion Week, Lagos Fashion Week, Bridal Fashion Week etc. For many years, it was disheartening after a fun- filled show to watch designers pack their unsold garments and return to their stores. Something was always missing- Buyers! Unfortunately, fashion shows in Nigeria, have lacked business status due to the defective structures on ground. In other climes where fashion is seen as big business contributing its quota to a nation’s GDP, these needed structures are put in place and these are what allow international buyers from department stores and boutiques, to come order in bulk from designers. Over time, there’s been a ray of hope as Nigerians begin to field more knowledgeable and highly literate designers, who are now beginning to put these structures in place in other to have more profitable fashion businesses. Master classes and fashion academies are also helping to bridge the lack of adequate human resource gap, and shed light on the logistics involved in structuring the whole value chain for a profitable fashion business. Developing each player in the value chain to start generating income from her activities, will confer a business status to fashion shows in Nigeria. This is beginning to pick up with the now annul GT Fashion Week. On our cover today is Rhoda Michaels, a Fashion Consultant, CEO and Creative Director of Rhoda Michaels Fashion Academy and a passionate advocate of the business of fashion. As we prepare for the fashion weeks, she shares deep insight on why buyers stay away and offers solution on the way forward. Jemi Ekunkunbor I’m sure you’d want to know. Acting Editor Flip through the pages, enjoy our serve 08052201126 and have a great week.
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Quotes
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“If I ask God to punish my enemy with vengeful prayers,then He is fair to allow the enemy to do the same for me”. - Toba Beta “I don’t know what the key to success is, but the key to failure is trying to please everyone”. - Bill Cosby
“You can suffer the pain of change or suffer remaining the way you are”. - Joyce Meyer
TEAM EDITOR REMMY IFUEKO DIAGBARE DEPUTY EDITOR JEMI EKUNKUNBOR ASST. EDITOR YEMISI SULEIMAN CONTRIBUTORS TERESA ALIGBE LINDA ORAJEKWE ADESUWA EWOIGBOKHAN BAMIYO ISELEMA EMINA CONT. EDITOR LATASHA NGWUBE
COPY EDITOR DODOIYI WILLIAM-WEST LAYOUT / DESIGN OLAYIWOLA AJAGBE PHOTO OSCAR OCHIOGU (08034746487) HEAD MARKETING JANET NAJOMOH (08037156911) HEAD OF PRODUCTION CHARLES KAMMA
Printed and published by Vanguard Media Ltd Vanguard Avenue Kirikiri Canal; P.M.B 1007 Apapa, Lagos.
Funeral Style 1
ACCESSORIES
black blazer
If you are attending the funeral of someone you knew to be quite formal, it is likely that the attire should be more conservative. A black suit, flat shoes and less accessories would be quite appropriate.
black skirt flat shoes
FASHION
By - Rita Chioma
When deciding what to wear to a funeral, it is always best to go conservative. Black is the generally acceptable colour to wear to burial ceremonies; but, you should dress in a way that shows respect. In Nigeria, the Asoebi trend (Family and relations uniform) has taken over and made styling for burial ceremonies a lot easier. However, if you are not able to purchase or meet up with the Asoebi from the bereaved family, there are other ways to style yourself to attend the event. Note however, that you have to smartly avoid bright colours, flashy prints, and glittery fabrics. What you choose should be guided by the venue, the climate, and the culture of the deceased.
4 Some cultures have special traditions when it comes to funeral attires. You can decide to be in Ankara outfit, but less dramatic, low heels and little or no make-up.
folake kuye
Here Are 5 Tips To Guide You
hat
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blue top for look
black dress
A black dress and a good hat is another simple and easy wear to pull off to any burial ceremony. Accessorize with dark coloured shoes too.
gucci sunglass
You don’t want black? Blouse and pants in a dark, solid colour is also a safe choice. Finish the look with a pair of dark Sunglass but, don’t forget the focus shouldn’t be on you.
black midi skirt
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Blouse
A skirt of appropriate length and blouse is also a good idea; wear with a pair of classic pumps.
nude shoe blue pants Ankle strap sandals
strap sandals
September 15, 2019 /
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FASHION
Badgley Mischka evening shoe
I.N.C Rowyn Rhinestone Sandals
I.N.C. Women’s Kenjay d’Orsay Pumps
Morley Embellished Evening Sandals
MICHAEL Michael Kors
Prince d’Orsay Pumps
amaka mbagwe
Dries Van Noten
jimmy choo black suede sandals
party shoe
Chart By - Rita Chioma
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When it comes to parties, after your dress, make-over, what comes next are your shoes. While you want to choose an outfit that’s appropriate for a celebration, getting the wrong shoes can spoil the whole effort. Luckily, there is a way to dress stylish and chic while maintaining the party mood - with your shoes. A stylish pair of party shoes will give your outfit a special touch without going overboard. From strappy sandals, stilettos, pumps glittering metallic designs to atone encrusted or diamante embellished designs, we have rounded up some good party shoes that you would need this this season to rock tour choice outfits. / Sebtember 15, 2019
Women’s hat chaRt
FASHION
By - Jemi Ekunkunbor Hats are a stylish girl’s best friend not only because they protect your head from the cold weather but also because, they shade your face from the wind, sun, or rain and to hide any bald. Fashion influencers and celebrities love this one accessory because they are fun and lift your look in a very swanky way. There are many options to choose from now as designers have modified old, lifeless designs into fashionable accessories by changing fabrics, like the use of adire and Ankara to make it more ethnic or organic. Here is a list of contemporary and traditional headgears to choose from. Which is your favourite?
Wide Brim Fedora
church hat
Straw fedora hat
fascinator
beret
cowboy hat
Monica Awe-Etuk military hat
bucket hat
beanie
floppy hat
September 15, 2019 /
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FASHION
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Accessorise dressy outfits with as few pieces as possible. Since off-the-shoulder tops already draw attention to your neckline, it’s not necessary to wear a lot of accessories. If you do choose to wear a necklace, aim for one that stays close to your neck, such as a choker or short necklace. You can also choose to just wear statement earrings or sunglasses to make your look dressier.
Wear an off-the-shoulder top with matching pants for a bold look. Wear a black cropped off-theshoulder top with black pants and colourful heels to stand out. If you find a patterned off-the-shoulder top that comes with matching pants, try out both to see how the bold look works for you.
Classy Ways To Wear Off-The-Shoulder by - Tope Ojo Off-the-shoulder tops are often the statement piece of an outfit. Since they’re so versatile, you can wear them with anything, pair your off-the-shoulder top with high-waisted jeans and you’ve got a date night outfit, or wear your offthe-shoulder top with a long skirt if you’re going to the office. By choosing a top that complements your figure and is comfortable, you’ll be rocking the off-the-shoulder look all year long. Here are ways to wear your off-the-shoulder and look classy. 6
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FASHION
Wear your top with jeans or a skirt for a relaxed look. Choose a soft, breathable off-theshoulder top and pair it with jeans. If you’d rather wear a skirt, choose an off-the-shoulder top that’s a little more fitted. Wear shoes such as flats, sandals, to complete the look.
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Pair a statement top with a pair of skinny jeans and heels. Choose a bold top, such as one that has puffy bell sleeves or a bright floral print, and wear it with a pair of dark skinny jeans. Wearing heels with your the outfit will take it to a dressier level Other statement off-theshoulder tops include bold stripes, bright colours, layers of lace and ruffles, or an off-the-shoulder top that comes as a set with matching pants.
5 Find a strapless bra that fits you comfortably. One of the biggest problems people have with off-the-shoulder tops is that they eliminate many of your bra options. If you already have a strapless bra that fits you well, great! You can wear it with your off-the-shoulder tops. If you don’t have a strapless bra, try to find one that’s super comfortable and nude-colored so that you can wear it with almost anything. Many clothing and lingerie stores will help you get fitted for the right strapless bra.
September 15, 2019 /
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INTERVIEW
Photography : Bamiyo Iselema Emina Makeup : Adorned by joy Cover Outfit : Remi Davids
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INTERVIEW
Rhoda Michaels: On The Business Of Fashion Words By - Jemi Ekunkunbor
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hoda Michaels is the CEO and Creative Director of Rhoda Michaels Fashion Academy, Lagos. She holds a degree in Biochemistry and Nutrition from the University of Lagos, and a Post Graduate Diploma in marketing from the University of Liverpool. The mother of three is a certified business consultant, certified marketer, and a digital and content marketer. Her passion for fashion and creativity is second only to her entrepreneurial dexterity. With many accolades and awards to her kitty, she continues to strive for business excellence and building fashion entrepreneurs. This she has done for over a decade, delivering innovative fashion concepts and empowering young and upcoming fashion designers. Her knowledge of fashion is deep and passion for business infectious, making me wonder if I missed my calling. In this encounter, she spoke the heart of many concerned industry practitioners as she talked about the business side of fashion. Enjoy.
You could have done any other type of business: why the business of fashion? I have always been surrounded by fashion. My mum is a veteran fashion designer so I learnt at her feet. In my household, it was compulsory for us as children to learn a vocational skill and being the first child, I started out early. At age 8, I was already learning in my Mum’s fashion school. It didn’t feel like work, it was a normal routine at home because the factory was in the same compound. As for the business side of Fashion, I started from the university when I found out my GP was low in my third year. I realized Biochemistry was not going to cut it, then it was all about working for multinationals and a good grade is needed for that. I had a conference with myself and realised that in 10 years, I will either be on the same level with my peers or surpass them. I love fashion and I decided to make a business of it. I already had experience of the good, the bad and the ugly side of business first hand from my mum, so I leveraged on her experience. Did you take to Fashion because you are a creative or because you could afford to invest? I am a creative but also a realist. The fear of poverty is a discerner of dreams and vision. I didn’t have good grades to qualify for the kind of multinational job I wanted at the time, or the kind of life I wanted. The best life changing decision I ever made was to commercialize my creativity. I started Rhoda Michaels from scratch on my mum’s shop veranda. Then, I took over her own space but eventually had to get my own space. Rhoda Michaels has been a steady growth process with the business funding itself. I took to fashion because, when I started, it was a question of survival and sustenance. There was no
job anywhere; the situation is still pretty much the same in Nigeria today as it was then. So I made a conscious decision to be an entrepreneur. The lack of structure has been the bane to running fashion as a business in Nigeria. What is the situation now? The lack of structure has always been an issue in running a profitable, and scalable fashion business in Nigeria. The lack of structure is the reason Rhoda Michaels Fashion institute exists. I started out as a fashion designer, doing all jobs connected to running a fashion business because I could not find skilled staff especially, in pattern drafting and bespoke tailoring. Most artisans learnt as a vocational skill in an apprenticeship setting. Fashion has evolved; the association with illiteracy is gradually dissipating. The structural problem will be a thing of the past in the nearest future because, the fore runners in the Nigerian fashion industry are breaking grounds, changing the archaic narrative, and preparing the foundation. No lasting structure can stand the test of time without due diligence. It is important to give accolades to veterans and current fashion designers in the fashion and beauty industry. They have been and currently doing all the work, making it easier for the upcoming designers to have better circumstances and deals. Nigeria fashion industry is now on the global map with different collaborations with international brands. Most designers are highly literate from other fields of study, thereby creating a wide pool of knowledge. The creation of structure is getting better, slowly but surely we will get to a point where people understand fashion in a diverse and integrated industry where all hands is needed on deck. There is no useless or less worthy side of fashion. The designer needs the fashion illustrator, the
alterationist, the embellisher, the fabric and trainings merchant, the seamstress, the bespoke tailor, the machine repairer, the model, the embroider, the visual stylist, the buyer, the trend analyst and the list goes on and on. New careers are developing due to the advent of social media. I dare say the structural future of fashion industry in Nigeria is going to be a very interesting one, worthy of the building and wait period. Buyers are largely missing in the fashion value chain in Nigeria. How can the situation be remedied? The first question should be what is the buyer buying? Who are the buyers buying from? Who will the buyers be selling to and at what cost? What is the buyers return on investment from a Nigerian designer that will motivate him to buy more at a consistent, deliverable rate and quality? My humble opinion is to study the problem- we can’t find wholesale buyers. No major buyer wants to be held accountable for unsold merchandise. That is one complex problem. The average Nigerian is a unique breed. She wants everything instant. If you say place an order you will get it soon, she is out the door to your competition. She also does not want “common clothes” she wants couture every time. Let’s leave customers and talk about designers that you want to buy from. I get to do quality assurance for some stores wanting to buy from designers. What I often find are clothes not properly made, no universal size measurements, samples delivery come late and no apparent business structure from the designer. The situation can be disheartening. Some designers should still be designers-in-training yet, they own labels. No apparent big brand stores or malls in Nigeria, there is September 15, 2019 /
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INTERVIEW piracy, copy right infringement issues. The list is endless. The problem is not the buyers; the problem is the existing structure. The competition is stiff globally, from research and development, to production, maintaining ethical standards during manufacturing, cost of production, predicting trend cycle right, capital and human resources, logistics and delivery. So many 21st century issues. The remedy as far as I can tell, is not to look for buyers with a non-existent structure, don’t bite more than you can chew. Buyers will find you if you have what they want and meet their terms and conditions. There are buyers everywhere. The question should be how can we sustain and satisfy a buyer and buying conditions? If you can carve a niche, be the best at what you do, have integrity. If it’s one piece you have the capacity to produce at a certain time, let the buyers know and if you have to sell your design out rightly, give a good realistic price. If you don’t have the capacity to get a buyer, grow to that stage. Create designs that would fly off the rack. Do you think designers have knowledge of the proper workings of a fashion industry to be able to play well? I think there needs to be a clear distinction between a fashion designer and a fashionpreneur: which is an entrepreneur with the core in fashion. The question is relative and I believe it should be individual based because competition is stiff. I tell my students you can’t give what you don’t have. You call yourself a designer and you have no idea what is happening locally and globally in the fashion industry. The pitfalls, the challenges are all a misery. The designer must have a credible system in place to even begin to think of functioning. It is a trust and camaraderie based industry. A lot of Nigerian fashion designers are trying really hard to be building good brands, so I would say. If you lack a skill in moving your business or label forward, go get it, no price is too much for knowledge acquisition. It is way cheaper than the crisis that originates from foolishness and ignorance. If you are a fashion designer with little or no business skills get a manager. If you a fashion business person with no fashion designing skills, hire a fashion designer. If you are both, keep adding more knowledge. Problem arises when you have not discovered the limitations of your skill set. How do you equip the young designers you churn out? The designers that graduate form Rhoda Michaels Fashion Institute, go through an enlightening and a rigorous phase of learning. The Rhoda Michaels student is trained as a fashion designer from pattern drafting to clothing construction, bespoke tailoring, fashion illustration, colour and trend analysis, fashion media and fashion education. Each student gets a free brother LS14 sewing machine and sewing tools. So no matter what your background, you have basic tools to start a business. We have embedded the 4’cs of learning into our curriculum; our students understand the place of critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration. Each student is expected to be punctual for classes, strict assignment submission policy. We also have career sessions (master Classes) with notable brands and individuals who come into the school from time to time to teach and educate our students on the intricacies involved in running a fashion business. We expose them to fashion shows home and abroad, they go on excursions to different fashion manufacturing companies to see how they operate. Our graduation process is a very encompassing one which takes the young designer through every aspect of personal label creation, manufacturing process and a fashion show to launch each graduating student’s brand. We believe in empowering the next generation. We can each turn Nigeria around one person at the time. A country’s greatest asset is its small businesses. If we can create profitable and sustainable small businesses, we would have a better outcome in Nigeria. How well are the master classes helping? The master classes have truly transformed the minds of our students. Getting knowledge for me is truly phenomenal. All the speakers we have invited come freely to impact knowledge. At Rhoda Michaels we believe experience is the best teacher, the catch is, it can be anybody’s experience. We encourage our students to
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What I often find are clothes not properly made, no universal size measurements, samples delivery come late and no apparent business structure from the designer. learn at the feet of experts, so they can leverage on their experience. If you learn and listen well, you can avoid the mistakes and pitfalls they encountered on their journey, to accelerate yours in a concise and definitive, productive manner. We truly believe everyone is a teacher; you are constantly four persons away from your needed contact. What more can be done? So much more can be done. Government can do better. As individuals, let’s give the best of ourselves, learn our craft, know our times and seasons in business and grow steadily. Get Educated and get wisdom. You can’t miss it if you are wise. Wisdom is the perfect application of knowledge that has been perfectly understood. The understanding comes from deciphering of knowledge. How do you get knowledge by deciphering information? How do you get informed? Get Educated. It is as simple as that. The solution to so many fashion problems can be attributed to the mindset. We at Rhoda Michaels transform lives using fashion as a tool. We are all about creating business models and projects that add value first. Once the mind is working right, we can create viable sustainable solutions to help us grow as a fashion industry in a nation filled with intelligent minds. Why is it that the industry still doesn’t have a production hub? Very simple, my people have not fully comprehended that it is also a fashion business that is so profitable. In fact, as we are talking, I think I am going to start one. The potential is astronomical. Do you know how wealthy you can become with fashion hub that produces clothes and other fashion accessories for people? I deal with back end of the industry so I can tell. Aside from being a teacher, I am also a certified business consultant. I am also a certified marketer, a digital and content marketer. So believe me when I say there is market for it. A lot of designers are coming up now that are tired of production because of the stress of tailors, power issues, and the many infrastructural problems we have in the country. This is a solid business but it requires someone with the spirit of excellence and an astute mind because if mess up production, you are finished. Get the necessary skills, have integrity, have solid business projection plan and grow steadily. Learn to say no to jobs you are not prepared for. Once people realize they can make a lot of money from production, that you don’t have to have a personal label to be relevant in the industry, and are willing to do the work it entails, we would have plenty production hubs in Nigeria.
As a fashion designer what is the best skill you input into your students? The cliché is to say we teach this, we teach that. We can be the best teachers but if you have a student with a terrible ideology of life, a terrible mindset or a student that has no clue who they are, or why they exist, or what their purpose in life is, all has been lost. There is nothing you teach that will have meaning because there is a zero value addition. You can only place value on what is important to you. We engage the minds of our students, we take them on a journey with themselves, and we help them discover their true identity and potential. Then their creativity is unleashed in an astonishing way which makes them unique, carve a niche for them. Then we start to teach the fashion production skills and the business skills. At that point, it all comes together to give us a brilliant and above all profitable fashion designer. What is the most important lesson you have learnt as a business woman. Very simple. Mind your business; your business will mind you. This is the most valuable lesson I have learnt. If you give your business the right nutrient at the right time, it will take care of you in bountiful ways. I focus on my focus. Get wisdom. For me Jesus is wisdom, so I listen to the Holy Spirit. He is not lazy; you have to do the work. He points me in the right direction, it is my job to now figure out and know everything concerning the new direction he is pointing me to. I study hard, read a lot of books, watch a lot of video clips, and listen to podcasts on a wide range of subjects. It is important to stay informed. I have the spirit of excellence and I truly believe in myself. In a world where there are now too many teachers and philosophers, it has become paramount to nurture my mind, so I can have a unique voice. You organize a standard fashion show for your graduates. How do you fund it without sponsors? For us, it is all about adding value to the life of budding fashion designers, putting their best foot forward, giving them a platform to shine. They are our success story. We work with the philosophy all for one, one for all. We are as good as our weakest link at Rhoda Michaels. Our Spirit of excellence shows in everything we do. We consider our fashion shows a lucrative investment in our students that will surely yield dividends. If you were starting business today, what will you do differently? I would focus on a steady growth plan and I will worry less about money or funds. I now truly believe that you don’t need money to start a business. You need a burning idea that can transcend time. I would not expand and diversify rapidly. How would you describe your style? Sporty, simple, effortlessly chic. Less is more.
contestants
toolz, a guest & dakore akande
Cubahiro Jordy Jeff, Elizabeth Elohor & Zarad Afia Tashana
Zarad Afia Tashana & Cubahiro Jordy Jeff Win
frank osodi & shola oyebade
Elite Model Look Nigeria 2019 By - Oscar Ochiogu
nkiru & zinna anumudu
hanaian model, Zarad Afia Tashana and Cubahiro Jordy Jeff from Burundi have emerged winners of this year’s edition of Elite Model Look Nigeria contest. Both models, 16 years old, emerged winners out of the 1,000 boys and girls who started out in the competition. The grand finale, took place last Sunday at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. This year, the Elite Model Look Nigeria team, expanded its coverage to include not only Nigeria, but also other countries in West and East Africa. At the finale, the winners were not only selected based on their photogenic qualities, their personality, and their natural beauty, but also, for their potential
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to correspond to current fashion trends. According to Elizabeth Elohor, the Creative Director of Elite Model Look Nigeria, “we look at the height (Female 5’9-6ft and Male 6ft-6’3), size (4-8), Age (16-26years), Nose, skin, a well-constructed face, defined features and a well-defined figure.” The winners; Zarad and Cubahiro will join other national winners worldwide, and will participate in the prestigious Elite Model Look World Finale taking place in Europe, with hopes of following in the footsteps of Fei Fei Sun, Ruth Bell, Vittoria Ceretti, Greta Varlese, Benjamin Benedek, Mayowa Nicholas, Victor Ndigwe and Davidson Obennebo all discovered by the Elite Model Look contest and propelled to fame.
toke makinwa
Akin Faminu, kaylah oniwo & denola grey
September 15, 2019 /
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Talk with Adesuwa
07011289316 | adesuwaewoigbokhan@hotmail.com
SPOT By - Yemisi Suleiman
Quality Time, Quantity Time Having quantity time with your significant other, is an important part of keeping a relationship happy and connected. Quality time is any time that you and your partner spend together that makes you feel closer, more connected, and more in love than you were prior to the moment. This could be a few minutes, or a few hours out of an entire day spent together at home. The amount of this quality time does not really matter: so long it’s what you do on a regular basis to keep the union going. The success of your quality time with your spouse is not about how much time you spend together, it is what you do in it. This can be spent anywhere, doing anything that you and your mate will enjoy, as long as you are able to smile, laugh, and feel good around each other. Being able to connect positively can also be described as quality time. It might be that time you sit to watch a movie if it is used as an opportunity to connect with your spouse, plus talk about what you are watching every now and then. While relating it to your life together, your goals and your evolving understanding of the world, turning it to fun-time by making jokes or having more serious conversation about what you just witnessed on the screen. Apart from the typical activity of sitting on a cushion and watching television, quality time with your soul mate can be as simple as making an effort to remain involved in each other’s lives, which can include talking about one another’s wants, interest, dreams and ambitions. However, note that the answer to a successful relationship is not about being attentive all the time but, the secret is to focus on deepening the love, respect and attraction over time. Some couples actually, believe that quality time is much more important than quantity
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time for building healthy homes, meaningful interactions and bonds and this is not always so. Quantity time refers to the amount of time spent between spouses. This is the point where the myth of quality time is dispelled. As one does not get to create or demand the magical moments of life which normally happen when you least expect them. An adult cannot be forced to open up emotionally upon demand. You cannot expect somebody to fulfill your expectation of performing the role or function of producing a meaningful interaction within a limited time frame. You need quantity time together with your partner to make a relationship successful. If you decide to give one another as much as undivided attention when you are together, then you will end up having the opportunity to truly create quantity and quality time at the same time. Career and life demands, usually, place realistic limits on the amount of time couples get to spend together. With unexpected work obligations on the weekend, to sudden business travel demands, one spouse’s professional goals and ambitions can impose stress on marriage if the other mate expects a different level availability. Couples must learn to navigate time spent together, with the time that is typically devoted to unexpected official trips, family and friends. Studies have shown that women who more quickly increase time spent with a romantic partner, more quickly decrease the amount of time they spend with their best friend [ Zimmer-Gembeck, 1999 ]. When friends complain of not seeing you regularly and your family wondered where you have been hiding, the tricky nature of finding a balance becomes really visible. The aim is to find a meeting point in which couples are happy with the time they spend together, maintain their outside and family friendships, and at the same time, making progress towards their professional goals while giving their marital live a chance to flourish. If it happened that you’re having difficulty enjoying the time you spend with your sweetheart; especially when it starts getting boring, and you are feeling that your love life has gone low, you can bet that spending considerable amount of time is in dire need while quality is needed even more. So if you must make a choice between quantity and quality, choose quantity since you will be sharing your life with your soul mate and not playing to the gallery. Quality moments are always there to add sparks, and to remind ourselves and those we love of what they help us achieve just by being in our everyday lives.
What some of your favourite celebrities said and we listened. “You know the DJ is exceptional when U loose ur home training on the dance floor. I love my job, and I get plenty Zeros for acts like this”. Says the A list DJ Neptune after successful outing”.
“One thing I noticed about Jesus was he never allowed a negative word of doubt or failure to be spoken in his presence without him responding. Some of us are so nice that we sit and allow men make suggestions over us without any response. Respond strongly in prayer and in word”. Words from Pastor Poju Oyemade.
“Never be so busy being yourself that you forget about other people”. From Chude Jideonwu
“A year of watching the world form small town pubs eating steak and chips ends on a beautiful stormy St Ives day. I have stories, for another day. Cheers to people being people everywhere and anywhere”. Talk show host Funmi Iyanda.
I don’t agree. Helen Paul is doing better than a lot of men. Whether male or female, it’s the same if you don’t reinvent yourself, create new materials and brand yourself, you won’t last. So therein lies the way to retain your presence in the industry; reinvent yourself and give your fans something to look forward to and despite your gender, you’ll thrive.
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Ajebo Unleashed 6.0 is coming up, what’s that about? This is my annual Comedy live show. It’s the 6th edition happening live at Eko Convention Center, Eko Hotel and suites. The theme is “What Women Want” It’s going to be an evening of fun. laughter and more laughter
Emeka Ehem Nehemiah
How is it different from other comedy shows? It’s different and it is unique. It is the official Lagos comedy party. We have a blend of stand up comedy and animations in an ambiance that says fun all the way. With how Nigeria and Lagos especially can be, we need all the fun we can get and Ajebo Unleashed is that show.
By -Linda Orajekwe aughter they say is medicine to the soul and while we have seen the administrators of this medicine do it effortlessly, there’s work beneath all the laughter creation. Founder of ‘House of Ajebo’ and brain behind ‘Ajebo Unleashed’ Emeka Ehem Nehemiah, talked about these challenges, his journey in the industry, and how he’s creating a unique brand of comedy to further ease the strain placed on humanity.
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How did you come into the business of comedy? It’s all I ever wanted to do from my childhood days. But professionally, I started to hit the stage in 2005-2006 and I hit the mainstream when I won the AY open Mic in 2009. What were the challenges at the beginning of your career? People were not willing to pay. We did it for the passion and I had family support. This support earned me the name AJEBO. And also, the Government needs to fund the industry like the film industry and create a good atmosphere for entertainment to thrive all over Nigeria. What are some of the challenges you face? Funding for shows, the porous nature of the online market, my streaming revenues are not as impressive, considering the massive hype around my comic brand. Your comedy is different from others, why did you pick such a form of comedy? I did that because we are all wired differently. I like to be unique. While studying mass communication at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, I decided one day I’ll crack jokes with animations and that was the beginning of what we have now. Considering the time you’ve spent in this comedy business, what are some of the things you’ve learned? In my time in this industry, I’ve learned that
ajebo
while It’s important to know how “Show” works, it’s more important to understand the Business part of the show. I’ve also learned that talent is not enough. You are a brand, you need to understand and work, talk and act like one. So with this industry, you have to have the whole package or at least, start working to have the whole package. What would you do differently if you have to start all over again? Truth is, If I can do it all over again, I would change nothing. I feel fulfilled. I have learned from life’s experience, I celebrate my present because I know all I’ve been through brought me here and I’m at peace knowing the future is even brighter. How well would you say the Nigerian comedy industry has grown? It has grown immensely to be honest. More comedians have joined, young ones now have dreams of taking up a career in this profession which was not so much the cashback then. In the past, people didn’t think it was possible to be rich as a comedian, but we have evolved. The story has changed and there is even more diversification as we now have online comedians. So I think it has grown greatly with even more possibilities to be better. What do you think the Nigerian comedy industry is not doing right that should be worked on? They’re a lot of things we’re not doing right but I’ll mention but a few: they include copyright laws that protects the intellectual properties of creatives, more venues to enable us plan shows effectively without worrying about if the available ones are already booked for a show, and finally, there should be provision of a regulatory body to oversee the happenings of the industry and create a structure for a better future. From the look of the comedy industry, female comedians are not so common in Nigeria and the ones that are popular don’t even thrive as the men. Why do you think that is?
What has been the most memorable feedback you’ve received about House of Ajebo? The skits grow on people like music. It’s being replayed, saved and I can see the happiness when people enjoy it. I’ve gotten a lot of feedback but those reactions show the work is worth the effort. It is growing on people so strong that it’s a movement. And it’s not just in Nigeria, we are global. Who are some of the people that inspire you in and out of your industry? A lot of them but I’ll mention a few. One of the international personalities that inspire me is Kevin Hart and that’s majorly because of how hardworking he is and that’s inspiring. AY has proved that we can push boundaries, Basket mouth has taken Nigerian comedy to international standards, Bovi’s creativity never ceases to amaze me. These men inspire me. What keeps you motivated to create more content? I’m motivated by life and the experience it presents in every event. There’s usually always something to take out or a silver lining. So life and everything around me basically. What’s the greatest assumption you think people have about comedy as a profession? Some people will say things like, “is it not just to talk?” While some people assume it’s easy to make people laugh but the truth is, they’re both false. Comedy is not just about talking and it’s not easy to make people laugh; especially, Nigerians. If you have to advise your younger self, what are you going to tell him? If I have the opportunity to advise my younger self, I’ll tell him, “Be yourself and trust the process”. What’s the future like for House of Ajebo? We are going global. We are going into kiddies animated series, catering for that market and hoping to dominate it. September 15, 2019 /
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MY LAGOS ADVENTURE ...Oddbod & The City
By Odun Ogunbiyi
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he first day back at school went by without a hitch despite the torrential rain, and I ended up an absolute wreck the day before. The madam and I realised that she did not have a suitable rucksack, and the store I would have run to had closed down behind my back! There was an ensuing mad dash to Lekki and the school kit shop where I found myself in the company of several other parents in a similar predicament. Well, all’s well that ends well. A new phase begins! This is Oddbod and the City – My Lagos Adventure. Savage x Fenty
idia aisen speaking at DFA Launch
DFA launch
It’s the fashion week
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New York Fashion week marks the beginning of the month of fashion week. I don’t know how I used to keep up before the dawn of Instagram, I spend hours every day being inspired and learning new things. I followed the exploits of NYFW through the feeds of some of my favourite accounts, Eva Chen, Susie Bubble and WhoWhatWear. Who needs to stay up and live stream the shows? Catch them on Instagram stories with the front row views, edited picks and behind the scenes access to the after parties. As expected, the shows in New York were packed with socially conscious commentary (Gurung dressed models in a sash that asked “Who gets to be an American”) and the runway models are as diverse as they will come in terms of body positivity, diversity and non-traditional models. I waited with bated breath to catch Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty show. I am going to have to exercise patience because our fearless leader saw fit to confiscate all phones! So no sneak peeks. We are going to have to wait till September 20th when the show will air on Amazon Prime. The spectacle has been likened to a live video shoot with performances from the likes of Big Sean, Migos, Fat Joe and DJ Khalid. A dance performance led by Normani, Laverne
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/ September 15, 2019
Zimmerman
Michael Kors
Cox strutting the stage along with people of all shapes and sizes, skin tone, genders and abilities. At this point the Victoria Secret executives will be weeping quietly into their tissues at the funeral of their once epic brand. What Spring/Summer 2020 looks should I be looking forward to? Statement shoulders inspired by Michael Kors, textured broderie anglaise items as inspired by Zimmerman, and huge taffeta skirts as seen at Christian Siriano. As usual, I will be waiting on good old Zara to make a version I can afford and failing that … We all live here in Nigeria; I don’t have to spell it out.
Last week Tuesday, I honoured a mysterious invitation to an event at the Sky Lounge at the Eko Hotel and Suites. We were invited to come dressed for the cameras, to attend the biggest fashion unveil of the year over canapés and cocktails. I would usually be all shades of suspicious at the deliberate vagueness of the invitation, my first-class investigative skills (gained from the prestigious school of the Law and Order series), unearthed no further information. The location was a winner, so I slipped on my high heels and made my way down there to get the gist. And, was it worth it! It was the unveiling of Design Fashion Africa’s (DFA) maiden edition. With a mission statement “to change the future of fashion design in Africa”, DFA plans to highlight and nurture the best of African fashion and broadcast it to the world. Successful applicants will receive training opportunities and conferences to fill the knowledge gaps on how to run a successful business, while attending fashion boot camps with a televised competition, fashion shows and an accompanying marketplace, where guests can buy clothes and accessories. I support everything this initiative stands for, up-and-coming fashion designers and all the peripheral supporting cast members such as models, makeup artists and hairstylists need as much support as possible, to actually have a successful and lucrative career in their chosen profession. When it comes to the fashion industry, there is more than enough room for more platforms to display talent and take Africa to the world. This project is a bold undertaking and I wish them all the luck. The boot camp is expected to open on the 3rd of October.. For further information about my adventures check out my Instagram, @le_Oddbod.
The MultiChoice Talent Factory Graduation Ceremony
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he Multichoice Talent Factory held its graduation ceremony last Thursday. The event which was in two parts, began in the morning with the Graduation ceremony of the 2018 Class of MTF Academy students, held at Lagos Business School (LBS) Ajah. The evening event saw the screening of the film the students produced which took place at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island Lagos, on the same day. Here, the event in pictures.
MultiChoice Talent Factory Grandaunts
Edmund Kobby Asamoh, Patience Esiawonam Adisenu, Nii Dagadu, Henry Konadu Denkyira & Irene Moako Dumevi Shulamite Olufunke Adebolu & Kemi Adeyemi
Edmund Kobby Asamoh & Shulamite Olufunke Adebolu
Gilbert Bassey & Shulamite Olufunke Adebolu
Movie Premiere of MultiChoice Talent Factory Class of 2018 Project Movie Title: LIFE OF BIM & DREAM CHASER
Adeniyi Joseph Omobulejo
Metong Minwon
Moses Adefemi Akerele
Mike-Steve Adeleye, Chuka Ejoor & Mayowa Oluyeba
Busola Tejumola, Adekunle Ayeni, & Caroline Oghuma
Magret Osiobor, Emmanuel Ogunbadero Hawwal & Jude Chukwuka
Akinola Saliu
Esther, Gedoni, Avala & Isilomo
Femi Odugbemi, John Ugbe, Shulamite Olufunke Adebolu, Tunde Kelani, Ikechukwu Obiaya & Barrister Tomi Vincent
Morounranti Ashabi & John Ugbe
Sir Dee & Venita
John Ugbe & Fuad Ogunsanya
September 15, 2019 /
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INSTAGRAM MOMENTS With Yemisi Suleiman In case you missed, these were the most Interesting pictures and stories on Instagram last week as posted by your favourite celebrities.
Seyi Adura debut with Koma Gbon London-based Nigerian musician, Oluwaseyi Mercy Adurasanmi Omotayo also known as Seyi Adura, has released a Yoruba single, tittled; Koma Gbon, on Friday September 13. Seyi has a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and has also worked in the industry before opting to establish herself in the ever evolving Afro Beat industry. The promising artiste announced the release of Koma gbon on her Instagram page, to register her presence in the Nigerian music scene. Produced by StGthaprodigy, “Koma Gbon” is now available on all streaming and downloading platforms.
The Adeboyes celebrate 52years of marital bliss General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor E.A Adeboye and his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye, recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary. The revered man of God fondly called Daddy G.O by members of his congregation, took to his Instagram handle to express his gratitude to God. He posted this beautiful photo with the caption: “Thank You Jesus, It’s been you all these 52 years.” Congratulations to them.
All about Bambam and Teddy A Last week, social media was agog with the wedding tales and pictures of Former Big Brother Naija housemates, Bamike Olawunmi better known as Bambam and Tope Adeniyan aka Teddy A. The Reality show stars who started dating as housemates while in the BBNaija house, took their relationship a notch higher last week, with a traditional wedding ceremony. The wedding ceremony reportedly took place at the bride’s family home in Ibeshe, Ilaro in Ogun State. The ceremony came, two weeks after the lovebirds broke the news of their engagement on Instagram. They were joined by close friends and family members including fellow housemates from the BBNaija ‘Double Wahala’ season including; Nina, Cee-c, Lolu, Leo Dasilva amongst other celebrities. Bambam and Teddy A, also known for their impeccable style, did not disappoint fans as they had at least three outfit changes for the ceremony, as congratulatory messages poured in from friends and fans.
Style Inspiration Looking for style inspiration for the week? Look to Nollywood star Chika Ike, who inspired our casual chic dressing in this utterly, chic bandage dress and complementary hairstyle. We love the look.