Allure 20102013

October 20 , 2013

Bright Colour Trends GHANA FASHION & DESIGN WEEK REPORT

UDY UMONDAK

- On trials and triumphs

CON

T S N E T 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

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TEAM EDITOR REMMY DIAGBARE DEPUTY EDITOR JEMI EKUNKUNBOR ASST. EDITOR YEMISI SULEIMAN CONTRIBUTORS PRINCESS KATE EMIKO BAMIYO ISELEMA EMINA JEROME CODJO-YAOVI ONIPEDE

CONT. EDITOR LATASHA NGWUBE COPY EDITOR DD WILLIAM-WEST CORRESPONDENTS FATIMA GARBA DAVINA AYODELE LAYOUT / DESIGN Gregory Obi PHOTO OSCAR OCHIOGU

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“Fall in love when you’re ready, not when you’re lonely” “Love means giving someone the chance to hurt you, but trusting them not to”

“A silent hug means a thousand words to the unhappy heart”.

From the editor...

I met Udy when she was in her prime. She had just ended KHU DFWLQJ VWLQW ZLWK ¶0LUURU LQ WKH 6XQ· EHHQ )LUVW /DG\ RI $NZD ,ERP 6WDWH DQG KDG MXVW HVWDEOLVKHG ¶&RORXUV· &RORXUV ZDV UHDOO\ FRORXUIXO 6HW XS RQ WKH WRS ÁRRU FRPSOHWH ZLWK UXQZD\ IRU SULYDWH VKRZV DW WKH SRSXODU :DWHU 3DUNV RQ 7R\LQ 6WUHHW ,NHMD /DJRV LQ WKRVH GD\V LW ZDV WKH SODFH WR JR WR IRU JODPRXURXV H[WUDYDJDQW SLHFHV :H ERQGHG HYHQ PRUH ZKHQ VKH ZDV VHOHFWHG WR GHVLJQ D FDSVXOH FROOHFWLRQ IRU 2OXFKL DQG RWKHU URRNLH PRGHOV DW WKH PDLGHQ HGLWLRQ RI ¶)DFH RI $IULFD· ZKLFK ZDV KHOG LQ =LPEDEZH , ZDV DOVR RQ WKDW WULS <RX FDQ LPDJLQH RXU MR\ ZKHQ 2OXFKL ZRQ 7KH MRXUQDOLVW DQG WKH GHVLJQHU KDG VSHQW WLPH HQFRXUDJLQJ DQG WHDFKLQJ WKH URRNLH PRGHO RQ KRZ WR PDVWHU KHU ZDON ZKHQHYHU VKH FDPH IRU ÀWWLQJ 6KRUWO\ DIWHU &RORXUV ZHQW XS LQ ÁDPHV 6KH ORVW HYHU\WKLQJ ² PRQH\ DQG VHOI HVWHHP 2XU FRYHU WRGD\ FHOHEUDWHV WKH WULXPSKV RI D EHDXWLIXO ZRPDQ ZKR KLW URFN ERWWRP EXW ERXQFHG EDFN DQG LV UHFOLQLQJ RQ 7KH 5RFN +HU VWRU\ WHDFKHV WKDW WKDW WKHUH ZLOO DOZD\V EH D VWRUP EXW DIWHU LW LV D VLOYHU OLQLQJ DQG VRRWKLQJ FDOP 6HH SS

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FA S HI O N

BRIGHT COLOUR

s d n e r T

by - Fatima Garba

Poppy red Pop Red is a bright Poppy alm d almost neon red. I love red on its own, but I also love red paired p with blue for a nautical nau utical feeling!

ELLIOT RHODES EMERALD BELT

BCBG EMERALD BLOUSE

TORI BURCH POPPY RED TOTE

Emerald This is not only a huge color for the season but also for the rest of the year. It adds colour to your wardrobe,So \RX ZLOO GHĂ&#x20AC;QLWHO\ EH VHHLQJ a lot of this color all around the fashion circle.

RIVER ISLAND POPPY RED OENCIL SKIRT CAROLINE EMERALDNECKLACE

TOPSHOP LILAC CHIFFON DRESS

ALEXANDER MC QUEEN SKULL NECTARINE SANDALS

Lilac Lilac also known wn as violet colorr is another pastel el that is popular. r.

And above all it is chic and very girly colour and could uld go great with any other pastel, or the pastel blue mentioned.

Nectarine

DIESEL LILAC STRETCH PANTS

Nectarine is very ery similar to the most popular color trend which is tangerine. Except cept nectarine is a lighter toned down ad orange, instead of a bright neon on orange.

MICHEAL KORS YELLOW STRAPBAG

ARDEN B NECTARINE MAXI DRESS

Yellow Instead of pastel yellow, neon yellow is huge this year. Neon yellow is quickly becoming one of my m favorite colors for the season. s A bright yellow bag or necklace can add to DQ\ RXWĂ&#x20AC;W SOX DQ\ RXWĂ&#x20AC;W SOXV LWV nice to hav have a pop of color.

BOLA BALOGUN MONSOON YELLOW DRESS

4

/ October 20, 2013

CAROLINE EMERALDNECKLACE

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Light blue LIGHT BLUE PRADA BAG

/LJ /LJKW EOXH LV WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW SDVWHO co color trend of the season.I think light blue goes perfect thi ect with any wit y other pastel colors, or could be paired with bright ne eon pieces. neon

IQ

IQ by - Fatima Garba

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rancisca Pablo-Amaran is the &UHDWLYH 'LUHFWRU RI OX[XU\ H ERXWLTXH Âą ZZZ SĂ&#x20AC;X[XULHV FRP a joint-venture business she co-owns ZLWK KHU KXVEDQG 3DEOR $PDUDQ 3) /X[XULHV ZDV HVWDEOLVKHG WR ÂżOO WKH YRLG in the Nigerian and African fashion and OLIHVW\OH PDUNHW IRU FRQYHQLHQW OX[XU\ shopping.

Francisca Pablo-Amaran confesses that she was inspired by Natalie Massenet of UK online retail store Net-aPorterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success story and tells us why PF /X[XULHV LV RQH RI WKH IDVWHVW JURZLQJ online shopping empires in Nigeria.

FRANCISCA PABLO-AMARAN - CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF PFLUXURIES.COM

partnership with an international courier company. Their e-commerce solutions make delivery seamless. This is DSSOLFDEOH WR /DJRV DQG VRPH VWDWHV LQ 1LJHULD

In the few months you have been operating SĂ&#x20AC;X[XULHV FRP KRZ KDV WKH FRQVXPHU UHVSRQVH been? :H DUH HODWHG E\ WKH UHVSRQVH WR WKH VLWH VR IDU DQG WKLV LV VWLOO JURZLQJ E\ WKH GD\ 7KDQN *RG :H DOVR KRSH WR convert a lot of the visits to the site to purchases â&#x20AC;&#x201C; actual and aspiration.

:KDW LV SĂ&#x20AC;X[XULHV FRP JLYLQJ WR WKH 1LJHULDQ consumer that your competitors already in the market are not bringing? :H DUH DQ H ERXWLTXH VWRFNLQJ TXLWH D ODUJH QXPEHU RI SUHPLXP EUDQGV IRU NLGV PHQ DQG ZRPHQ DOO XQGHU RQH URRI (YHU\ SXUFKDVH LV SDFNDJHG DV D JLIW Âą WKH 3)/X[H ZD\ Âą ZKLFK ZH DOVR GHOLYHU :H DOVR RĚ&#x2020;HU WKH JLIW FDUGV â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for individuals and corporates â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to reward their talents; WR VD\ WKDQN \RX RU ZHOO GRQH :H KDYH D IHZ RWKHU LQLWLDWLYHV FRPLQJ XS VRRQ ZKLFK

ZH KRSH ZLOO KHOS EXR\ WKH ZD\ ZH VKRS LQ 1LJHULD 3Ă&#x20AC;X[XULHV FRP LV UHDOO\ D FRPSOHWH VKRSSLQJ H[SHULHQFH

IQ Tell us about yourself; early childhood, growing up, education, family life, career history?

My name is Francisca Pablo-Amaran. I am married to Pablo Amaran. I had a great childhood with my 8 siblings and very fashionable parents. I left banking after 17 years to pursue a career in Human Resources. I have a B.Sc. in Sociology from the University of Ibadan and three Masters degrees; the last being an M.Sc. in International +XPDQ 5HVRXUFHV IURP &UDQÂżHOG 8QLYHUVLW\ /RQGRQ , ZRUN LQ /LQGD %D\ D +XPDQ 5HVRXUFH 6WUDWHJ\ DQG 7DOHQW 'HYHORSPHQW )LUP LQ /DJRV

Your husband is a co-owner of the business. Can you explain yours and his roles in the day-to-day running of the business?

My husband is totally committed to his legal practice. He is RXU VRXQGLQJ ERDUG IRU VRPH RI RXU GHFLVLRQV DQG RI FRXUVH ZH DOO VKDUH D ORYH IRU ZHOO PDGH SURGXFWV DQG DUH FRPPLWWHG WR WKH EUDQG WKH 3) /X[XULHV HWKRV From your experience, what are the pros and cons of running a business with your spouse?

What qualities do they need to make it successful? ,WÂśV DOO DERXW ERXQGDULHV 3Ă&#x20AC;X[XULHV FRP LV D SDVVLRQ LQ addition to our passions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; legal practice and HR consulting. The lines are really very clear and unambiguous and must be so for all business relationships.

When did you decide to start up PFLuxuries.com and why?

3)/X[XULHV FRP LV P\ Âł)RUWXQH 6WRU\´ DW :KDUWRQ \HDU DJR (YHQ EHIRUH WKHQ EULQJLQJ FODVVLF DXWKHQWLF DQG ZHOO PDGH EUDQGV WR 1LJHULD KDG EHHQ D SDVVLRQ :H GHFLGHG WR JR WKH RQOLQH URXWH RQO\ WZR \HDUV DJR ,Q DOO SĂ&#x20AC;X[XULHV FRP KDV EHHQ ORQJ FRPLQJ

Can you shed light on the short-term plan for SĂ&#x20AC;X[XULHV FRP" :H DUH KDSS\ WR WDNH RQH GD\ DW D WLPH 2XU IRFXV ZLOO remain on activities to grow our customer base and LPSURYH WKH 3) /X[XULHV VKRSSLQJ H[SHULHQFH LQ HYHU\ ZD\ :H ZLOO DOVR VXSSRUW LQLWLDWLYHV WR LPSURYH RQOLQH shopping in Nigeria as well as encourage other creative IDVKLRQ WDOHQWV DQG HQWUHSUHQHXUV HVSHFLDOO\ ZRPHQ

Who inspired you to go into online retailing?

Natalie Massenet and her success story have always inspired me and so do those of many men and women PDNLQJ RQOLQH KLVWRU\ HVSHFLDOO\ LQ PDUNHWV VXFK DV RXUV They all inspire me.

How has it been setting up an online retail store in Nigeria? Can you shed light on some of the challenges you have faced so far? ,W KDV QRW EHHQ DQ\ GLĚ&#x2020;HUHQW IURP WKRVH RI RWKHU businesses in Nigeria. I thank God for a great team as well as improved internet connectivity. There is still a lot to be done in engendering trust and increasing acceptance of online business as a way of life and the future.

How have you been able to overcome these challenges?

Taking one day at a time and constantly innovating.

What has been your greatest disappointment when it comes to being an entrepreneur and running a successful business?

1RQH \HW 7KHUH DUH QR GLVDSSRLQWPHQWV ZKHQ \RX understand the market and go into it with modest and UHDOLVWLF H[SHFWDWLRQV

:KDW VRUW RI VWDĚ&#x2020; VWUHQJWK GRHV RQH QHHG WR VWDUW

up a similar business as yours?

6WDUW VPDOO DQG PXOWL WDVN (YHU\ SHQQ\ FRXQWV HVSHFLDOO\ in the early months when sales are typically low.

What has been your greatest disappointment when it comes to being an entrepreneur and running a successful business?

1RQH \HW 7KHUH DUH QR GLVDSSRLQWPHQWV ZKHQ \RX understand the market and go into it with modest and UHDOLVWLF H[SHFWDWLRQV

7HOO XV DERXW SĂ&#x20AC;X[XULHV FRPÂśV KRXUV GHOLYHU\ strategy. How are you able to meet this with so many challenges we face with delivery in Nigeria? Do you work with dispatch companies or everything is done in-house? :H XVH D FRPELQDWLRQ RI RXU LQ KRXVH GHOLYHU\ VHUYLFH DQG

What is the greatest achievement of your life so far?

Greatest achievement? Is there anything like that? I am WKDQNIXO IRU P\ OLIH $OO RI LW , DP VR JUDWHIXO WR EH DOLYH DQG ZHOO Now to fashion, you must have a good eye for style. Tell us about your personal style?

3ROLVKHG FODVVLF ZLWK D FRQWHPSRUDU\ WZLVW VRPHZKHUH Are you a shoes or handbags lover?

1HYHU JLYHQ WKDW D WKRXJKW

What designers do you favour? , DP DIUDLG , ORYH DOO WKH QDPHV \RX ZLOO ÂżQG RQ SĂ&#x20AC;X[XULHV FRP 1R IDYRULWHV )RU HYHU\ LWHP ZH VWRFN WKH EUDQGV WKDW PDNH WKHP DOO VR ZHOO DW QRQ FRXWXUH SULFH Finally, how do you unwind after a hard day at work? +RPH LV P\ KDYHQ $Q\WKLQJ HOVH OLNH D JRRG ERRN D JRRG PRYLH RU D JODVV RI VRPHWKLQJ UHIUHVKLQJ LV D SOXV October 20, 2013 /

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FA S HI O N

GHANA FASHION & DE by - Latasha Ngwube

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s in keeping with fashion weeks around the world, the atmosphere was fast paced and the styles ZHUH Ă&#x20AC;HUFH ,I \RX GRQ¡W know what we mean, we are talking about the recently concluded Ghana Fashion & Design Week held at the 0RYHQSLFN +RWHO $FFUD The show started on the 11th and ended on the 13th, showcasing designers from across the continent as well as a trade exhibition that turned out a host of talented fashion entrepreneurs and their PHUFKDQGLVH 7KHUH were fashion seminars and interactive sessions between top industry heavyweights, budding designers, journalists DQG LQWHUHVWHG VWXGHQWV Of course, wherever fashion is found, Nigerian talent cannot be too far away and GFDW proved to be no H[FHSWLRQ $OOXUH¡V Latasha Ngwube was live on the scene and KHUH¡V D IDVKLRQ UHSRUW on the four designers IURP RXU )DWKHUODQG

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Joan Ibuzo

HOUSE OF MARIE This fashion house is relatively new on the scene EXW KDV JDLQHG D ORW RI JURXQG LQ WKH ODVW \HDU Owned and run by Joan Ibuzo, the collection for the GFDW was feminine and stylish with a hint of $IURSROLWDQ JODPRXU 7KH FRORXUV ZHUH predominantly black and white with infusions of lime green, cleverly tailored laces and creative XVH RI IHDWKHUV DQG VHTXLQV

Patricia Onumonu

TRISH O COUTURE 3DWULFLD 2QXPRQX¡V offerings at the GDFW were a breakout from her usual long draped silhouettes and Ankara IHVWV 7ULVK 2 &RXWXUH¡V œ'LDPDQWH 5HVRUW &ROOHFWLRQ¡ was created with the modern, vibrant black ZRPDQ LQ PLQG $JDLQ we saw power laces as well as sexy fringes, tailored trousers and elegant evening GUHVVHV .H\ FRORXUV were black, silver, blue DQG OLPH

FA S HI ON

SIGN WEEK REPORT

TAP DESIGNS This label is the collaborative effort of Adeosun Toluwalase, Thorpe Weyinmi and Patrick ,Ă&#x20AC;H 7KHLU FROOHFWLRQ ZDV \RXWKIXO and bold as the models bared skin via crop tops, baby doll dresses, shorts and plunging QHFNOLQHV 7KH FRQWHPSRUDU\ ready to wear fashion brand also focused on black, white, soft SHDFK DQG OLPH

Yvonne Nwosu

VONNE COUTURE 7KH ODEHO WKDW ERDVWV WR œLQYRNH the daring goddess in every ZRPDQ¡ FHUWDLQO\ JRW SXOVHV UDFLQJ ZLWK WKH œ6KHHU )DQWDV\¡ FROOHFWLRQ 5R\DO EOXH DQG champagne nude never looked so good while we got a good GRVH RI ODFHV DV ZHOO Yvonne 1ZRVX¡V new collection was a colourful departure from her trademark blacks into a feminine and sexy but yet classy catwalk GLVSOD\

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REPORT AGE

UDY UMONDAK - On trials and triumphs By - Remmy Diagbare

S

he has always been colourful. Effervescent and quite often animated. So, when in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;80s, she named her fashion house â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Coloursâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, everyone applauded. Not long after, the applause stalled and all suddenly went silent; the deafening silence of a grave yard.

Udy literarily passed through the valley of the shadow of death. She went through the vicissitudes of life: alone, hungry, humbled, despondent; when the only seeming sensible thing to do was to end it all. But, she says, life was only a phone call away. A call that God used to get her back on a trail that led her to Him and a walk that she jauntily walks, with a bounce and a swing that only a Greater Hand could have directed.

Today, Udy Umondak is celebrated. More than anything, she turned her trials to triumph and is helping others with her television programme â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;HIS WORD MADE FLESHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Come Sunday, October 27, 2013, Udy will roll out a white carpet at the Intercontinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, to mark 6 years of touching lives on television through the God inspired programme and the launch of the special 1o6-episodes DVD of the series. In this interview, Udy talks about the journey and what every woman should know about looking good all the timeâ&#x20AC;Ś

How has the journey been since you started your television show â&#x20AC;&#x201C; His Word Made Flesh?

Starting the programme has been an inspiration.

It shows how God can take you from nothing and PDNH VRPHWKLQJ EHDXWLIXO RXW RI \RXU OLIH ,W¡V D ELW RI personal experience. Fire gutted Colours (my fashion house) and I lost everything.

Then, I went into deep depression. I think at that point, God was taking me somewhere because my reputation was in tatters. I was faced with all kinds of controversies. I lost everything; it was a word from God that kept me. One day, I wanted to just end it all, commit suicide, but a phone call from a friend saved my life.

Then, I realized that a lot of people who have gone into depression, who have attempted or committed suicide have done so out of hopelessness. $W WKDW SRLQW WKHUH¡V QRWKLQJ OLNH KDYLQJ VRPHERG\ HYHQ LI WKH SHUVRQ FDQ¡W KHOS \RX WKHUH¡V QRWKLQJ OLNH reaching out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a touch, a smile, a phone call can actually touch someone in moments like that.

And what better way to have people tell their stories? Where they were, the shame that became fame, how they weathered the storm and how, today, they can tell their stories. Because, you realize that adversity has no gender or race or status; you realize that it cuts across.

What is happening to this person today is happening to someone elsewhere. When you have VRPHRQH WHOO WKHLU VWRU\ RI WULXPSK LW GHĂ&#x20AC;QLWHO\ encourages anyone watching, who is passing through SDLQ RU DGYHUVLW\ 7KH SHUVRQ ZLOO VHH LW DQG VD\ ÂśLI that person went through it and is here today, then I FDQ GR WKH VDPH¡

What could possibly make a person get to a stage in life that he/she wants to end it all?

6R PDQ\ WKLQJV DQG , WKLQN LW¡V SULGH HVSHFLDOO\ LI you get to a place in life where you say to yourself ÂśZKDW FRXOG SRVVLEO\ JR ZURQJ"¡ <RX IHHO QRWKLQJ could possibly go wrong and then you lose everything! , ORVW DOPRVW PLOOLRQ QDLUD LQ WKH Ă&#x20AC;UH DQG DW WKDW time, I did not even have money in my bank account.

Then, I had all those controversies, accusations and scandals. I never thought I would be able to walk VWUDLJKW DJDLQ , MXVW VDLG œZKDW¡V WKH XVH"¡ :KDW¡V WKH SRLQW RI OLYLQJ LI , FDQ¡W ZDON VWUDLJKW" ,I VRPHRQH KDG WROG PH WKDW ,¡OO ERXQFH EDFN IURP WKHUH , ZRXOGQ¡W EHOLHYH LW %XW ,¡YH FRPH WR GLVFRYHU WKDW ZLWK *RG you can go through any situation. And telling people the story, knowing where you were and what God has GRQH LQ \RXU OLIH LW¡V D WHVWLPRQ\ WKDW ZRXOG PDNH people realize that it is God. There are some things you must go through. I EHOLHYH LW¡V D SURFHVV RI JRLQJ VRPHZKHUH ,W¡V OLNH most people want to go to heaven but nobody wants WR GLH <RX ZDQW *RG WR GR VRPHWKLQJ IRU \RX EXW there is a cup you must drink, that is not pleasant, to get the blessing that God wants you to have. But you want to get that blessing without drinking that cup.

Whatever anyone is going through, no matter how bad and terrible the situation is, I say to that person, keep hope alive and see it as a process of going somewhere. If you see it that way, you take it one at a WLPH \RX¡OO JHW WKHUH ,I \RX KDGQ¡W DFFHSWHG -HVXV LQ \RXU OLIH DW WKDW time, what do you think would have happened? <RX VHH DFFHSWLQJ &KULVW LV WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW VWHS 'RQ¡W JHW it all wrong. Walking the walk is a different step HQWLUHO\ <HV , DFFHSWHG &KULVW EXW , ZDV VWLOO GRLQJ DOO

those things. It took me getting into that wilderness to start the walk and that was when it really dawned on me that there is God and every word in the Bible is WUXH 6RPHWLPHV \RX DFFHSW *RG EXW LI \RX GRQ¡W have that experiential knowledge, being born again is just talking the talk; walking the walk is a different thing.

So being born again is not a physical or appearance thing?

Oh No! Absolutely not, because if it is an DSSHDUDQFH WKLQJ ,¡OO EH WKH OHDVW TXDOLĂ&#x20AC;HG <RX NQRZ I always say to people that my God is a beautiful God. There are people who talk Christ to me and when I ORRN DW WKHP , VD\ ÂśLI WKH *RG \RX ZRUVKLS PDNHV \RX ORRN OLNH WKDW , GRQ¡W ZDQW WR NQRZ WKDW *RG¡ EHFDXVH the God I know is a beautiful God. Look at a lot of things God created. Start with the giraffe. See how God painted the giraffe. Look at how beautiful the giraffe is. Look at the eagle, how elegant LW ORRNV ZKHQ LW¡V Ă \LQJ /RRN DW WKH OLRQ KRZ EHDXWLIXO *RG FUHDWHG WKH OLRQ <RX XQGHUVWDQG" /RRN DW WKH peacock. If God can take time to make animals that beautiful, how much more human beings?

When people see the way I look and I start talking about God, I like the surprise (on their faces). Before God gave me this vision for the programme, I went to him in prayer. I asked if I should change the way I look EHFDXVH LQ WKHVH SDUWV SHRSOH ZLOO GHĂ&#x20AC;QLWHO\ FULWLFL]H WKH ZD\ , ORRN *RG VDLG WR PH Âś, VDZ WKH SHRSOH \RX said I should use but I decided to use you because I want to use somebody like you to reach people like \RX ¡ I mean, people tune in to my programme to see fashion but they hear me talk or they listen to a story and they no longer remember the shoes they wanted Oct 20, 2013 /

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REPORTAGE P\VHOI , H[HUFLVH OLNH ² KRXUV D GD\ , KDYH EHHQ ZRUNLQJ RXW VLQFH , ZDV WZHQW\ DQG , HQMR\ LW , ORYH food. I eat all the wrong things and the right things too. , HDW LFH FUHDP FDNH JURXQGQXW EUHDG ² DOO WKRVH WKLQJV EXW , DOVR WU\ WR EDODQFH LW , HDW DOO WKRVH MXQN foods, maybe like two weeks and spend the next two eating healthy. When I turn 60, in the next four years, I DP JRLQJ WR UHOHDVH H[HUFLVH YLGHRV How do you manage with your grandson? :KHQ , ZHQW WR VHH P\ GDXJKWHU \RX ZRQ¡W EHOLHYH thisâ&#x20AC;Ś I always say to people that there are things I FDQ¡W GR ² OLNH VFKRRO UXQV EDWKH D EDE\ IHHG D EDE\ %XW GR \RX NQRZ WKDW ZKHQ , ZHQW WR YLVLW P\ JUDQGVRQ DQG ZKHQ KH FDPH KHUH IRU WKH SHULRG , ZDV WKHUH DQG ZKHQ KH FDPH KHUH , EDWKHG KLP IHG KLP DQG KH slept beside me. I look forward to seeing him most of WKH WLPH 7KHUH LV QRWKLQJ OLNH KDYLQJ D JUDQGVRQ <RX ZLOO Ă&#x20AC;QG RXW WKDW ZKHQ \RX KDYH D JUDQGVRQ \RX DFWXDOO\ WHQG WR ORYH \RXU JUDQGFKLOGUHQ PRUH WKDQ \RX ORYH \RXU FKLOGUHQ

to look at. So, it takes something to draw people in.

What does it take to hear from God? It takes you staying still. When you are going through that wilderness journey, you get to a point ZKHUH \RX VLW RQ WKH à RRU \RX FRPH GRZQ WR WKDW OHYHO RI VLWWLQJ RQ WKH à RRU <RX QHLWKHU ORRN OHIW QRU ULJKW EHFDXVH \RX NQRZ WKHUH¡V QR RQH WKHUH <RX ORRN XS and when you look up, God has your full attention. %HFDXVH LQ WKH FDFRSKRQ\ RI YRLFHV \RX FDQ KDUGO\ hear God speak to you. And you hear him from your heart.

6RPH SHRSOH VD\ WKH\ KHDU *RG , KDYH QRW KHDUG D SK\VLFDO YRLFH , JXHVV *RG VSHDNV WR HDFK DQG HYHU\ RQH RI XV GLIIHUHQWO\ %XW IRU PH , KHDU KLP LQ my heart. He speaks to me in my dreams, from his ZRUG DQG WKDW¡V KRZ , KHDU +LP What was it you had in mind when you started the programmes 6 years ago and has it achieved that purpose? <HV LW KDV 7KH ZKROH LGHD ZDV WR JLYH SHRSOH hope. So many people are going through stuffs, so PDQ\ DUH JRLQJ WKURXJK LVVXHV WKDW WKH\ FDQQRW HYHQ tell the next person. So many people are going through things that they are ashamed to share. One thing this programme has done is that, it has brought people to a point where they realize that they are not DORQH WKDW ZKDWVRHYHU LW LV WKH\ DUH JRLQJ WKURXJK VRPHRQH KDV JRQH WKURXJK WKDW RU HYHQ ZRUVH <RX KDG WHQ FKLOGUHQ \RX ORVW WZR 6RPHERG\ KDG WZR DQG ORVW WZR <RX DUH GLYRUFHG RU \RX¡UH D ZLGRZ 7KHUH DUH VR PDQ\ LVVXHV LQ WKLV OLIH VR KDYLQJ SHRSOH WHOO WKHLU VWRULHV ZLWKRXW VKDPH HQFRXUDJHV RWKHU SHRSOH WR NQRZ WKDW LI *RG GLG LW IRU this person, he will do it for me.

When I walk through airports or when I go out, SHRSOH ZDON XS WR PH DQG VD\ œ2K <RXU SURJUDPPH LQVSLUHV PH ,W HQFRXUDJHV PH <RXU SURJUDPPH LV VR ZRQGHUIXO ¡ 7KLV LV WKH UHDO FKXUFK WKDW PDNHV PH smile.

How have you managed it for so long?

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What would you advise women who want to look good as they are aging to do?

Some Nigerian women, as they get married and KDYH FKLOGUHQ WKH\ EHOLHYH WKH\ KDYH IXOĂ&#x20AC;OOHG WKHLU OLYHV¡ GUHDP WR DQVZHU 0UV 0HQ DUH PRYHG E\ ZKDW WKH\ VHH ZRPHQ DUH PRYHG E\ ZKDW WKH\ KHDU 6R HYHQ LI \RX KDYH WHQ FKLOGUHQ \HV \RX ZRQ¡W EH DEOH to retain your shape the way it was before you started KDYLQJ FKLOGUHQ 7KHUH DUH VRPH OLJKW H[HUFLVHV \RX FDQ GR SXW \RXUVHOI RQ D GLHW , UHDOO\ GRQ¡W WDON GLHW EHFDXVH , DP WKH ZRUVW SHUVRQ ZKHQ LW FRPHV WR GLHW EXW RQH WKLQJ , know is that I work out. Some of our women would UDWKHU GR DVR HEL MHZHOOHU\ HWF DQG IRUJHW DERXW WKH body. But there are people you see who make genuine effort at losing weight, looking good. , GRQ¡W ZDQW WR EH VNLQQ\ , OLNH WR KDYH D OLWWOH ELW RI Ă HVK 7KDW LV ZK\ , GRQ¡W GLHW DQG H[HUFLVH WR D VNLQQ\ stage. Nigerian women should make a lot of effort in looking good. A lot of them are trying these days. I tell SHRSOH \RX KDYH WR EH D OLWWOH YDLQ 9DLQ LQ WKH VHQVH WKDW LI \RX FDQ VWDQG LQ WKH PLUURU DQG ORRN DW \RXUVHOI ZKHQ \RX¡UH DOO GUHVVHG XS DQG \RX VD\ Âś0\ WXPP\ LV SURWUXGLQJ¡ WKDW¡V ZKHUH \RX QHHG WR ORVH ZHLJKW /RRN DW \RXUVHOI VHH SDUWV RI \RXU ERG\ \RX GRQ¡W OLNH and start doing something about it. Buba, kaftans, all WKRVH WKLQJV GRQ¡W KHOS , GRQ¡W ZHDU DOO WKRVH WKLQJV 6RPHWLPHV , DGG ZHLJKW ZKHQ , JR WR YLVLW P\ GDXJKWHU , WDNH ORWV RI LFH FUHDP :KDW , GR LV , WDNH D GUHVV , UHDOO\ OLNH ² WKDW LV PD\EH VL]H ZKLFK LV what I wear). I buy it and hang it and say (to myself) I PXVW Ă&#x20AC;W LQWR WKLV GUHVV 7KHQ , VWDUW ZRUNLQJ WRZDUGV LW ,I \RX ZDQW WR ORRN JRRG \RX KDYH WR EH GLVFLSOLQHG <RX ZHUH RQFH D Ă&#x20AC;UVW ODG\ 6KRXOG WKH\ GR PRUH WR present themselves to the public?

7KH RIĂ&#x20AC;FH RI D Ă&#x20AC;UVW ODG\ OLNH WKH\ VD\ LV QRW FRQVWLWXWLRQDO %XW ZKHQ \RX DUH WKHUH \RX FDQ¡W MXVW VLW GRZQ DQG IROG \RXU KDQGV DQG VD\ EHFDXVH LW¡V QRW FRQVWLWXWLRQDO \RX ZRQ¡W GR DQ\WKLQJ :RPHQ ORRN DW you and they want to emulate what they see.

7DNH IRU LQVWDQFH ZKHQ , ZDV Ă&#x20AC;UVW ODG\ RI $NZD Ibom. I attended a fashion show and I said to the ZRPHQ Âś<RX FDQ¡W WLH ZUDSSHU <RX FDQ¡W ZHDU ERRERR *R DQG ZHDU WURXVHUV DQG VNLUWV¡ , PDGH VXUH WKDW LW ZDVQ¡W MXVW DERXW UXQQLQJ WKHLU KRPHV RU WDNLQJ FDUH RI WKHLU FKLOGUHQ , PDGH VXUH WKDW LW ZDV also about them.

6R LW GHSHQGV RQ ZKR WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW ODG\ LV <RX FDQ¡W JR there and not be part of what is happening as a JRYHUQRU¡V ZLIH :RPHQ LQ WKH VWDWH ZLOO VHH \RX DV D V\PERO EHFDXVH DW WKDW SRLQW *RG KDV SXW \RX LQ D SRVLWLRQ ZKHUH \RX KDYH D YRLFH WR VSHDN RXW IRU WKH ZRPHQ RI WKH VWDWH 6R WKDW LV WKH SRVLWLRQ <RX KDYH WR XVH LW WR \RXU DGYDQWDJH DQG WR WKH EHVW RI \RXU ability.

* His Word Made Flesh DVD, is available at Glendora.

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Cape Wine Lands Tour: More Than Wine Tasting by - Jemi Ekunkunbor

D

ay two of our wine lands tour began with a visit to Overhex where we were supposed to have wine tasting and light lunch.

The weather once again had dipped when we took off that morning from Kleine Zalze our hotel. But it did not mar our excitement as we all seemed ready for more adventure. At this point, having had one full day of wine tasting, we were already IHHOLQJ OLNH VRPH H[SHUWV LQ WKLV PDWWHU 6QLIĂ&#x20AC;QJ and swirling the wine and then drinking. With that always at the back of our minds, we were to do better in the wineries yet to be visited.

As our tour Van tore through the highway, we were once again treated to the beautiful mountainous landscape and the greenery that always spread out below the mountain. One never gets tired of looking at this beautiful work of nature.

We go to Overhex where we were received by Liezle de Jong, marketing and Sales Manager, international markets. She was warm with a huge VPLOH WKDW FRQVWDQWO\ à DVKHG DFURVV KHU IDFH 6KH was very hospitable as she welcomed us with cups of hot delicious cappuccino. After a formal introduction, we then went into the tasting room ZKHUH /HL]OH EULHIHG XV RQ WKH FRPSDQ\¡V DFWLYLties.

Like many other wineries, getting South African wines into the Nigeria market is the focus of Overhex. The company which started in 2006 is already distributing its products in Ghana and hopes to enter Nigeria in December, says, Lisle.

Overhex produces wines from entry level to premium brands. But for Christmas, it will introduce its sweet wine, Nexus into the Nigeria market. Leizle made lunch enjoyable and her hospitality extend when she presented each one of us with two nicely packaged bottles of wine. We were in good spirit when we said good bye hoping we would one day see her in Nigeria.

Our next port of call was to Robertson Winery.

Although we had had so much fun but a glance at our tight programme shows we may never get a chance to do a little shopping before we left this beautiful country. We thought if we skipped the formalities, we could buy close to an hour for a bit of shopping.

Our host, Marinell Basson, clearly understood us, made her presentation brief and allowed us to ask relevant questions.

Established in 1941 by a Scottish minister, Dr. William Robertson, Robertson Winery is the 3rd ODUJHVW SURGXFHU RI ZLQH LQ WKDW UHJLRQ ZLWK Ă&#x20AC;YH GLIIHUHQW Ă DJVKLS ZLQHV ,QWHUHVWLQJO\ RQH RI WKHLU wines the Chapel Range was named after the chapel built by the Scottish priest. The cute white chapel which lies just in front of the Robertson tasting room has since become a wine celler!

Unfortunately, Marinell could not tell us how the Scottish priest shifted his focus from his calling DV D Ă&#x20AC;VKHU RI PHQ WR EHFRPLQJ D ZLQH SURGXFHU nor how a sacred place as a Chapel, became

THE CHAPEL NOW TURNED STORE HOUSE FOR WINES

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MARINELL BASSON EXPLAINING A POINT

WALLIE DE TOIT WITH MADI AND ATUANYA

a store house for wines. One thing however is certain with Robertson winery-the company has a long standing tradition of dedicated grape- growing families, some of whom are 7th generation growers. Today, they have no less than 35 families cultivating about 2,400 hectares of vine and exporting wines to the following African countries; Angola, Botswana, Ghana, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

From Robertson Wines, we took off for Napier Winery. The sun was already setting when we arrived but bright enough to have a quick tour of the vines that had long been harvested. Walking WKH VOLJKWO\ KLOO\ URDG ZDVQ¡W HDV\ DV VRPH RI XV struggled to catch up with our host, Wallie Du Toit.

7KH VOLJKWO\ FKLOO\ ZHDWKHU GLGQ¡W KHOS PDWWHUV From the grape vines, we were taken on a tour of the tanks and cellers. The procedure was pretty much the same as with other wineries. Although Napier sells to 23 countries and has started the Nigeria leg of the business in 2012, countries like

France and Spain whose wines have dominated the market for years remains a big challenge but HIIRUWV DUH JHDUHG WRZDUGV Ă&#x20AC;QGLQJ D QLFKH IRU themselves in this great emerging market.

We were joined here by Eric whom Wallie had invited to meet us. He is also a wine producer whose wines the Montino Rose is already doing well in the Nigerian market. He too was excited to meet journalist from Nigeria whose market has become the new bride for South African wine producers. Beyond his hearty smile, he turned out to be a man with great sense of humour as dinner with him proved.

Back in the house, Wallie, welcomed us in the native way with a string of bead which he wore for each journalist. With our eyes lifted to the setting sun which by the way cast a lovely, glow as it disappears behind the mountains, he prayed for each one of us to see the sun set tomorrow.

Over dinner, conversation shifted to Nigeria and the emerging market. We talked about the wine tasting that WOSA organized in Lagos prior to this tour and the hospitality of the Nigerian people. We also talked about the many night clubs the possible places where their wines could be sold and the spending capacity of Nigerians who love to entertain. Eric who had been to Nigeria seems to agree. Then our friend Konye popped the question that left everyone in stitches afterwards. She had asked Eric, if while in Lagos, he had got a â&#x20AC;&#x153;goodie bag?â&#x20AC;? Eric laughed hard in understanding not saying yes or no. Then the searchlight beamed on Wallie as more people pressured him to tell them if he would like a goodie bag when he eventually makes his trip to Lagos, the City of Excellence.

We had so much fun, so much laughter that my FROOHDJXHV FRXOGQ¡W KHOS EXW UHPDUN WKDW LW ZDV WKH most fun evening of the trip.

The food and wine tasting went smoothly with wise cracks to create fond memories of the beautiful Napier and the Naija spirit well registered. ,I :DOOLH GRHV FRPH WR 1LJHULD DV SURPLVHG , DP FHUWDLQ FXULRVLW\ ZRXOG GULYH KLP WR Ă&#x20AC;QG RXW DERXW â&#x20AC;&#x153;goodie bagsâ&#x20AC;?

October 20, 2013 /

11

HOW IAAN SUMMIT AIMS AT EMPOWERING NGOs IN AFRICA, CARIBBEAN AND LATIN AMERICA - $ &21)(5(1&( 5(3257 by - Remi Diagbare

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he International Association of African Non-Governmental Organisations (IAAN) Summit which held recently at the Hilton Hotel, Rockville, Maryland, USA, was an opportunity for NGOs in Africa, /DWLQ $PHULFD DQG WKH &DULEEHDQ WR UHĂ&#x20AC;HFW RQ LVVXHV DĚ&#x2020;HFWLQJ 1*2 DFWLYLWLHV LQ WKHLU YDULRXV FRXQWULHV DQG WR SURĚ&#x2020;HU VROXWLRQV ZKLOH comparing notes with what obtains in the GLĚ&#x2020;HUHQW UHJLRQV IAAN is an umbrella voice for thousands of NGOs in developing nations that are doing JUHDW FKDULW\ ZRUN 7KH DVVRFLDWLRQ FUHDWHV global awareness for its member NGOs through networking regionally and internationally while assisting them in enhancing their programmes DQG DFWLYLWLHV 7KLV LQFOXGHV UHVWUXFWXULQJ WKH 1*2V LI QHHG EH IRU JOREDO FRPSHWLWLRQ The conference also provided an occasion where women and men from around the world met and interacted with government, consular and business leaders from various countries as well as local community leaders in the 0DU\ODQG :DVKLQJWRQ '& DQG 9LUJLQLD DUHDV The theme of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summit was â&#x20AC;&#x153;Empowering NGOs through Awareness in the $JH RI *OREDOLVDWLRQ ´ 7KH &RQIHUHQFH RSHQHG on September 5 with a formal endorsement UHDG E\ WKH 6HFUHWDU\ RI 6WDWH RI 0DU\ODQG 0U -RKQ 0F'RQRXJK ,Q D OHWWHU RI FRPPHQGDWLRQ SUHVHQWHG WR 0UV -R\FH +DOOLGD\ ([HFXWLYH Director of IAAN, he said his government was VROLGO\ EHKLQG WKH ,$$1 LQ LWV HĚ&#x2020;RUWV WR EULQJ together international donors and African 1*2V WR D SDUOH\ Âł:H FRPPHQG \RXU HĚ&#x2020;RUWV DQG HQGRUVH WKH 6XPPLW Convener of the summit and president RI ,$$1 0UV -R\FH +DOOLGD\ VDLG ZKLOH making her opening statement: â&#x20AC;&#x153;NGOs are at the centre of sustainable social and economic development, poverty reduction and HQYLURQPHQWDO SURWHFWLRQ :KHQ 1*2V DUH HPSRZHUHG VRFLHWLHV EHQHÂżW ´ ,QGHHG LQ WRGD\ÂśV FRPSOH[ ZRUOG LWÂśV increasingly important for NGOs, the private sector and governments to work collaboratively to help meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as they relate to issues FRQFHUQLQJ ZRPHQ DQG FKLOGUHQ 1*2V LQ developing nations face major challenges in WKHLU HĚ&#x2020;RUWV WR PHHW WKH 0'*V ODUJHO\ GXH WR ODFN RI UHVRXUFHV DQG IXQGLQJ 7KHVH 1*2V DUH typically founded by individuals who, despite WKHLU ÂżQDQFLDO FKDOOHQJHV DUH GRLQJ WKH EHVW WKH\ FDQ WR EHWWHU WKH OLYHV RI WKHLU IHOORZ PDQ œœ In order to create a platform where these issues are treated, the summit strove to create global awareness for NGOs to harness

12

/ October 20, 2013

THE SECRETARY OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MR. JOHN P. MCDONOUGH AND NGOZI

BOLA FASHOLA & REMMY DIAGBARE

resources internationally in order to enhance WKHLU VHUYLFHV 7R DFKLHYH WKLV WKH FRQIHUHQFH brought together NGOs, the private sector and political leaders from various parts of Africa, Caribbean and Latin America and philanthropists to engage in discussions on how to work collaboratively to help meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as they pertain to issues concerning poverty in GHYHORSLQJ QDWLRQV The conference also featured international speakers with a variety of topics, ranging from human rights issues to global health, information systems technology, climate FKDQJH DQG VXVWDLQDEOH WHFKQRORJ\ 7KHUH ZHUH two keynote speakers from the three regions DQG $PHULFD )URP 1LJHULD ZHUH WZR ÂżUVW ODGLHV 0UV 2ELRPD /L\HO ,PRNH RI &URVV 5LYHU 6WDWH DQG 0UV )ORUHQFH $MLPREL RI 2\R 6WDWH ,Q KHU NH\QRWH DGGUHVV )RXQGHU RI Partnership Opportunities for Women (PSRZHUPHQW 5HDOLVDWLRQ 32:(5 0UV Obioma Liyel-Imoke, called on heads of government in Africa to engage with NGOs and other civil society organisations as partners in WKH GHYHORSPHQW RI WKHLU UHVSHFWLYH FRXQWULHV

MR. TED LOZA

DR. ELSIE OKOBI â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PROFESSOR SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY

She advised NGOs in Africa to move from being mere conduits for Western aid and advocates for policy change to taking the lead in providing practical solutions as a way of achieving sustainable development and economic growth LQ $IULFD She challenged NGOs to wean themselves from total dependence on Europe and America for funding and, rather, look inwards for UHVRXUFH PRELOLVDWLRQ 7KDW ZD\ LQWHUQDWLRQDO donors, according to her, would not force their DJHQGD WKURXJK WKH WKURDWV RI $IULFDQV She described Africa as a metaphor for everything that is good, regretting however that the continent has been bedeviled by all kinds of challenges including poverty, hunger, wars, IDPLQH GURXJKW DQG +,9 $,'6 Quoting the Vice President, the World Bank Group, Africa Region, Makhtar Diop, 0UV /L\HO ,PRNH VDLG ³$OWKRXJK SRYHUW\ LV declining, Africa has the highest poverty rate in WKH ZRUOG ZLWK SHUFHQW RI WKH SRSXODWLRQ OLYLQJ RQ D GD\ 7KH\ DFFRXQW IRU SHUFHQW RI WKH ZRUOGœV SRRU ´ She observed that NGOs in Africa have the onerous responsibility to reverse it as a critical

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part of the development process of the African FRQWLQHQW 0UV /L\HO ,PRNH VDLG KHU KXVEDQG WKH Governor of Cross River State in Nigeria, consciously engaged NGOs and international donor agencies as partners in the development of the state as a creative funding option in realization of the limitation of oil as a major UHYHQXH HDUQHU In a presentation titled, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Educate A Rural &KLOG´ WKH ZLIH RI WKH *RYHUQRU RI 2\R 6WDWH 0UV )ORUHQFH $MLPREL VDLG WKDW WKHUH LV D ZLGH gap in rural and urban school children output LQ 1LJHULD SDUWLFXODUO\ LQ 2\R 6WDWH

AMBASSADOR OF ST KITTS AND NEVIS TO THE UNITED STATES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; HER EXCELLECY JACINTH LORNA HENRY MARTIN & ANNIE EKPE LEWIS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; IAAN DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA & EVENT PLANNING

conference later broke into workshops with a SDQHO RI IRXU WR ÂżYH H[SHUWV IRU HDFK VHVVLRQ Issues that were treated through the three days and several workshops ranged from: Â&#x2021; 5HVWUXFWXULQJ WKH $IULFDQ &DULEEHDQ DQG Latin American Health Â&#x2021; &KDOOHQJHV LQ 3URYLGLQJ (TXLWDEOH (Ě&#x2021;FLHQW and Universal Primary Health Care in these regions Â&#x2021; *OREDO +HDOWK +,9 $,'6 GLDEHWHV DQG QXWULWLRQ PDWHUQDO DQG LQIDQW KHDOWK

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IURP WKH GHOLYHU\ RI FDSDFLW\ EXLOGLQJ $UHDV of focus included: Capacity building for longterm planning of adaptation or mitigation actions; barriers encountered and overcome in the delivery of capacity building; role and engagement of stakeholders in the delivery of capacity building; NGOs and social accountability; manage like you own LW 7KH SDQHO IRFXVHG RQ OHDGHUVKLS DQG PDQDJHPHQW VNLOOV The speakers also looked at how to build a team of leaders for greater impact and increased revenue; understanding leadership positions in the big picture and what that means; learning how to manage up, down and across; getting the most performance and productivity from your disconnected WHDP DQG KRZ WR EH PRUH HĚ&#x2020;HFWLYH DQG HĚ&#x2021;FLHQW GDLO\ DQG EH PRUH YDOXDEOH DQG SURÂżWDEOH LQ WKH HQG An award dinner held on the last day, with 1*2V WKDW KDYH VKRZQ H[FHOOHQFH WKURXJK WKHLU HĚ&#x2020;RUWV LQ LPSURYLQJ WKH OLYHV RI WKH SRRU receiving awards and grants to enable them FRQWLQXH WKH JRRG ZRUNV $PRQJVW WKRVH ZKR ZHUH JLYHQ DZDUGV ZHUH 2\R 6WDWH )LUVW /DG\ 0UV )ORUHQFH $MXPREL DQG 0UV 2ELRPD /L\HO ,PRNH RI &URVV 5LYHU Other speakers at the conference were: Â&#x2021; &RQIHUHQFH FKDLU 0V -D\H $ /RZH (VT Â&#x2021; 'U $JRURP 'LNH 3UHVLGHQW $IULFDQ Caribbean Christian Leadership Council, :DVKLQJWRQ '& Â&#x2021; )UDQNOLQ 0RRUH Âą 'HSXW\ $GPLQLVWUDWRU USAID Â&#x2021; 'U 6DUDK 1 -LEULO Âą 6SHFLDO $GYLVHU WR WKH President of Nigeria on Ethics and Values,

PROFESSIONAL BASKET PLAYER â&#x20AC;&#x201C; RENSO, VARGA ARIAS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FUNDACION ACADEMIA DE BELONCECTO DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. JOYCE ROGERS HALLIDAY, DR MICHAEL BARRY DIRECTOR CANCER TREATMENT CENTER OF AMERICA.

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MS. JAYE LOWE, MS. DOLLY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ABC FOUNDATION, PASTOR DIKE AGOROM AND JOYCE ROGERS HALLIDAY.

Also, the panels looked at the impact of QXWULWLRQ LQ FRPEDWLQJ GLVHDVHV Â&#x2021; +XPDQ 5LJKWV JHQGHU LQHTXDOLW\ YLROHQFH DJDLQVW ZRPHQ KXPDQ WUDĚ&#x2021;FNLQJ 'HVSLWH increased attention and commitment to gender equality and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s empowerment, progress in translating these commitments into operational standards and practice KDV EHHQ PRGHVW 7KHUH LV VWLOO QHHG IRU knowledge, skills and capacities to integrate gender dimensions and to engage women LQ HFRQRPLF GHYHORSPHQW 7KH SDQHO looked at strategies for achieving womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic empowerment, equitable access to education, assets and services (land, water, technology, innovation, banking, ÂżQDQFLDO VHUYLFHV HWF 7KH SDQHOLVWV DOVR discussed gender equality in infrastructure development and barriers in employment DQG RWKHU FKDOOHQJHV ,Q DGGLWLRQ WUHQGV and policy issues surrounding violence DJDLQVW ZRPHQ DQG KXPDQ WUDĚ&#x2021;FNLQJ ZHUH GLVFXVVHG

Â&#x2021; 'U +HUQDQ 'LPLWULY 3DUHGHV )RU]DQL Âą 3UHVLGHQW &HQWUH IRU 3URPRWLRQ 'HYHORSPHQW RI 1*2V 'RPLQLFDQ 5HSXEOLF Â&#x2021; 'DQQ\ 6ULVNDQGDUDMDK Âą 6HFUHWDU\ *HQHUDO CIVISCUS, South Africa Â&#x2021; 'U (OVLH 2NREL Âą 3URIHVVRU 6RXWKHUQ Connecticut State University Â&#x2021; 'U ,MHRPD 2WLJEXD Âą 3URIHVVRU 0RQWJRPHU\ College and Special Adviser, Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s task force on HIV/AIDS The IAAN conference was sponsored by the following organisations: Â&#x2021; ,QWHUQDWLRQDO $VVRFLDWLRQ RI $IULFDQ 1*2V (IAAN) Â&#x2021; $ULN $LU Â&#x2021; $OOXUH 9DQJXDUG 1LJHULD Â&#x2021; 86 &KDPEHUV RI &RPPHUFH Â&#x2021; :DVKLQJWRQ '& 0D\RUÂśV 2Ě&#x2021;FH RQ $IULFDQ $Ě&#x2020;DLUV Â&#x2021; 0DU\ODQG &KDPEHU RI &RPPHUFH Â&#x2021; 'HSDUWPHQW RI +HDOWK DQG +XPDQ 6HUYLFHV 2Ě&#x2021;FH RI 0LQRULW\ +HDOWK Â&#x2021; $IULFDQ &DULEEHDQ ,QVWLWXWH Â&#x2021; $IULFDQ &DULEEHDQ &KULVWLDQ /HDGHUVKLS &RXQFLO Â&#x2021; 86$,' Â&#x2021; 86'$ Â&#x2021; $IULTWDON Â&#x2021; &LW\ 6ROXWLRQV

Â&#x2021; &DSDFLW\ %XLOGLQJ IRU 1*2V 7KH SDQHOLVWV spoke on good practices and lessons learned October 20, 2013 /

13

A weekly column

by LATASHA NGWUBE

SIDETALKS&CATWALKS You have something to say to me? Send a text to 07069599985 Ff me on twitter @latashangwube

Yippee!!! Its LAGOS FASHION AND DESIGN WEEK Â&#x2021; /$7$6+$ <9211( Â&#x2021; 587+ 2%,+

How Accra Stole My Heartâ&#x20AC;Ś

7KH VHDVRQ¡V RIIHULQJV RI DOO WKLQJV IDE DQG IDVKLRQDEOH RSHQV RIĂ&#x20AC;FLDOO\ DV 7KH /DJRV )DVKLRQ DQG Design Week returns with a bang and also a brand QHZ VSRQVRUÂŤ*7 %DQN 7KLV ZHHN /DJRV ZLOO SOD\ KRVW WR WKH *XDUDQW\ 7UXVW %DQN /DJRV )DVKLRQ DQG Design Week from Wednesday the 23rd of October to the Saturday the 26th October; at the Ocean View *URXQGV 9LFWRULD ,VODQG /DJRV )RXQGHUV RI /DJRV Fashion and Design Week, Style House Files will host the Fashion Business Series during the week.

Some of the speakers include Francesca Toro from the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), Simdul Shagaya CEO Konga, Folake Folarin Coker DQG 6LPRQ %XUVWHLQ &(2 RI %URZQV /RQGRQ 2QH must give credit to Omoyemi Akerele, the creator of this project, who tireless vision and doggedness has brought life to a brand that is fast proving it is here to stay.

For me, Accra was completely live last weekend as the Ghana Fashion & Design Week kicked off over a three day period. From the moment we touched down in $FFUD DW .RWRND ,QWHUQDWLRQDO DLUSRUW WR WKH Ă&#x20AC;QDO QLJKW¡V Moet et Chandon VIP party held at the lavish Villa Monticello Hotel and Spa, it was simply fun, fashion and fantastic food all the ways. My travel companion was Yvonne Nwosu of Vonne Couture, who also showed at the event. We had real life last minute fashion disasters, Oh-my-goodness moments and enough laughter and fashion highs to power a small colony. The fashion week was a blast and I can tell you there are some designers to look out for in Ghana! 1981, Jil Boutique, TrishO Couture, Emefa Cole and so many more shut down the runway. Shout out to Em Smith who was our personal tour guide, go-to-girl, runner, translator and google map without whom we would have been lost, Efya and her Gingam crew who came through and showed us love.

Of course, the production crew of the GFDW who did an amazing job, the good waiters of the Movenpick who made sure our glasses stayed wet and all the fantastic new friends we made. I almost did not return but well WKDW¡V D VWRU\ IRU DQRWKHU GD\

Congratulations Ruth!

Friday night was super glamorous as Ruth Obih, CEO RI ,QYHVW /LPLWHG KRVWHG WKH HGLWLRQ RI LWV SUHVtigious Real Estate Unite Awards at the Civic centre.

7KH DZDUGV ZHUH WKH JUDQG Ă&#x20AC;QDOH RI D WZR GD\ EXVLness conference that gathered the African real estate WKLQN WDQNV XQGHU RQH URRI 7KH WKHPH IRU WKLV \HDU¡V HYHQW ZDV ´$GYDQFLQJ 1LJHULD¡V 5HDO (VWDWH IRU (FRnomic Growthâ&#x20AC;? and the gala night saw twelve winners and a great performance by ???*(gift attached to this answer) *. Ruth has really created a niche for herself LQ WKH LQGXVWU\ DQG LV VWHDGLO\ ULVLQJ LQ KHU SURĂ&#x20AC;OH ,¡P happy to see many young ladies doing so well and WKDW , KRSH WKDW PDQ\ PRUH DGRSW WKHQ ÂśFDQ GR¡ VSLULW

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Barely Alive From Hennessey Artistry

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Birthday Shout out!!!

Two of my very special peeps became a year older WKLV ZHHN $OOXUH¡V RZQ IDVKLRQ FRUUHVSRQGHQW Fatima Garba and Omowunmi Imoukhuede, CEO Urban Dice and initiator of the Creative Focus project (this young lady is a go-getter who inspires me to be EHWWHU )DWL SLFNHG XS WKH )$% $ZDUG IRU œ)DVKLRQ :ULWHU RI WKH <HDU¡ HDUO\ WKLV \HDU DQG VKH KDV JURZQ VR PXFK DV D IDVKLRQ MRXUQDOLVW ,¡P VR SURXG RI KHU 6KRXW out also to my cousin Ogochukwu Ngwube, fashion retailer and business chic to boot. You ladies are all so beautiful and I love you to pieces!

6R WKH +HQQHVVH\ DUWLVWU\ Ă&#x20AC;QDOH ODVW QLJKW ZDV DQ DEVRlute blast as I predicted it would be. One of the things I love in this town is the ability to throw a darn good party DQG DV /DJRV SDUWLHV JR DQG WKLV ZDV QR H[FHSWLRQ )URP WKH IDVKLRQ WR FURZG¡V HQHUJ\ GD]]OLQJ SHUIRUPDQFHV E\ $IULFD¡V .LQJ RI VKRZPDQVKLS 'EDQM 6H\L 6KD\ 2ODPLGH DQG RWKHUV WKH SDSDUD]]LV¡ GD]]OLQJ OLJKWV DQG RI FRXUVH FRSLRXV DPRXQWV RI WKH HYHQLQJ¡V FHOHEUDQW +HQQHVVH\ It really was a great evening and Allure will have full on coverage from the spectacular event next week.

GIVEAWAY!!!

Tell me the name of the artist that performed at the Real Estate Unite Awards for a chance to WIN a fabulous AUROE GOODIE BAG. I have another one of these to give a lucky reader. . Send a text like this: #SIDETALKSANDCATWALKS /FULL NAME/ANSWER by 12noon tomorrow. Good luck!

P EO PL E “ O N E PA RT Y AT A T I M E ! ”

WHEATBAKER HOSTS FELICIA LEATHERWOOD By - Oscar Ochiogu Felicia Leatherwood, hair expert and stylist to Hollywood stars like, Jill Scott, Viola Davis and Sanaa Lathan, brought her renowned hair workshop to Nigeria. The high profile event held at the Wheatbaker Hotel in Ikoyi. The hair work shop covered hair tricks, tips on maintenance for different hair types, styling and hair product advice. It was a learning experience for attendees of the event.

FELICIA LEATHERWOOD

ADELUKE OBISAN

AISHA BELLO

HAOWA BELLO

KEMI

LEILANI LAWANI

HELLO! MAGAZINE LAUNCHES IN NIGERIA By - Yemisi Suleiman

DAME ABIMBOLA FASHOLA

DABOJU OGBORU LOLA MAJA-OKOJEVOH

EUNICE EFOLE

MAYA OLUWAFEMI

ADAEZE IBECHUKWU

ALMA CHUKWU

AKI

MO ADEGBOYE

It was a glamorous evening, penultimate Sunday, as celebrities and other important dignitaries gathered at the Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, to herald the launch of Hello! magazine in the Nigerian and English-speaking West African markets.

According to Zanzile Blay, editor of the newly introduced premium magazine, Hello! Nigeria is a scandal-free publication fashioned to celebrate Nigerian icons, royalties and celebrities on a global platform. She informs that it will help to rewrite the Nigerian story and engender positive perception of the country by the global community.

Speaking at the event, Group Managing Director, True Tales Publications, publishers of Hello! Nigeria, Anne Omezi, said Nigeria is working hand-in-hand with the owners of the franchise in Spain and will ensure the premium standards that go into the publication of Hello! franchises in more than 22 countries is brought to bear on Hello! Nigeria.

As part of its objective towards supporting African and African-related businesses, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc is partnering with True Tales Publication to bring to Africa a one-of-a-kind magazine.

Hello Nigeria! will be distributed in four English speaking West African countries to give advertisers maximum value and further help in fostering the cultural integration of the sub-region.

RONKE

DESMOND ELLIOT

FIFE

BENNIE IRONTA

QUEEN ANNE

DOLAPO ONI

L-R MOZEZ PRAIZ, LAWRENCE NWOKO, CHARLES ANAZODO, MUDI AND BASORGE JNR

AGBANI DAREGO

FRANCISCA ADEBAYO

NEWTON JIBUNOR AND AUGUSTINE IWELU

CHRIS IBEAJI

TOLA AKINYELE

GREG AND ALICE MBADIWE

October 20, 2013 /

15