The Nation Newspaper

Category: Saturday Magazine

  • ‘My idea of relaxation is spending the day with my husband in a quiet lovely location’

    ‘My idea of relaxation is spending the day with my husband in a quiet lovely location’

    CREATING the best of fashion designs and then striding the length of a runway with an array of top class models is Lanre Da Silva-Ajayi’s natural past time. Youthful-looking Lanre Da Silva as she is also fondly known is the founder of the fashion label ‘LDA.’ And as far as the African fashion industry is concerned, she is a towering personality.

    As an icon in the Nigerian fashion industry, the top fashion designer has been able to elevate her talent to the international fashion scene. With local and international participation in many outstanding shows and exclusive runways: To her credit is the fact that her products are available at notable places outside the country. One of such places being the Dolce & Gabbana Spiga 2 Concept Store in the heart of Milan, Italy, the hubbub of international fashion.

    We met her a few weeks after her successful participation at the wave making ‘Runway Abuja’ held at Transcorp Hotel in Abuja late last year, where she showcased some of her highly rated stuff. It was easy there and then, to understand why the designer with a model-like body features is so admired in the fashion industry and why so many young designers find inspiration in her works.

    “I love creativity, and I enjoy working with my hands,” said Lanre Da Silva in an outright display of simplicity. As a fashion designer, her early life dictated a lot in what she is at present. “Whilst living in England, I became more interested in couture. The fascination for garment making became more established in me. I was quite aware of my flair for fashion designing at a tender age. But I also knew I wanted education. I wanted a university degree since I already had fashion designing as a part of me.”

    So off to Coventry University, United Kingdom, she went for a degree in Business Administration. Not satisfied, she later moved to the University of Leicester for a Master’s degree in Finance.

    Despite her designing talent and creativity, Young Lanre Da Silva was keen on pursuing a career in the finance world. “At the time of study, I was quite good in mathematics and I liked professions that had relations to it.” To prove herself, she worked in the banking/finance sector both in the UK and Nigeria.

    However, her life was to gradually change on arrival in Nigeria. The country had great attraction for her creative talent. And it was a pull which commanded her attention, one that she could not resist. “On getting to Nigeria, I made a couple of outfits for my friends, and felt the public interest in my designs. I decided to pull resources and develop my passion for fashion further. It was not easy to find dressmakers to make the kind of garments I liked to wear for me then. As known, my style is not ordinary. There always had to be an element of character.”

    Unknown to her, the young designer had discovered her path to fame through fashion. “It was the beginning of my label, though I wasn’t entirely sure who will be buying.” However, if there was one thing the young designer knew then, it was that, “I had to define my target audience.”

    Like great brands, Lanre Da Silva started with friends and family as her clientele. She said: “Gradually, word got out there. Fashion definitely has an element of confidence that comes with it. I started off with avant garde pieces. I was really thankful for the feedback I received. Today, I will say that the average Nigerian woman is more confident to show off an avant garde piece as compared to eight years ago when they were not so sure of themselves as regards fashion. Good news for the fashion industry in Nigeria.

    “In terms of my early designs, they were conspicuous avant garde and very much grounded in 1940’s English couture. Some of the designs came as a shock to the average Nigerian woman. However, there were people that understood my early style and the signature of my label and they have stuck around to see me grow to what it is today.”

    But how ready was the Nigerian fashion scene then to receive her new look designs? “At the beginning, the fashion industry was like a new born baby. I had to source for tailors locally, re-educate them and train them as it was difficult for them to understand why I wanted certain patterns in a particular way.”

    Even then, Lanre Da Silva realised that success in her calling was not just going to depend on her creativity alone. Experience had taught her that much. “I knew that media exposure towards fashion had just started, and I thank God for a lot of goodwill from existing clients that helped to spread the word about my works then.”

    “The fashion industry is growing at a tremendous rate.” That much the trend setting fashion designer believes. “I would say it has been so far, so good. It has been very adventurous. And we have a lot to be grateful for, especially for the ban on importation of fabrics from abroad, which enabled us to look inward to source materials.”

    “With the popularity of our own ankara, for instance, we have been able to create and re-create fabulous designs that have challenged us sometimes beyond ourselves. There have also been a lot of support for the designers through the media, the ever faithful clients and definitely individuals and companies that have aided the industry to where it is today and all the international runway shows, Omoyemi Akerele of Style house files, has helped a lot of designers through the shows and exhibition platforms. Not forgeting, Mr Kola Karim who facilitated the coming of Franca Sozanni and Roberto Cavalli to Nigeria, and so many others.

    “So the industry is daily growing, and that is something to be proud of. There have been contributions into its development from all sides. It is something to give thanks to God for. Nigerian fashion designers have indeed contributed their quota to see the industry grow here at home and also outside the country. We have worked hard. It is something to be proud of because our works our making a lasting impression outside this country too.”

    Lanre Da Silva is a designer that enjoys what she does. She cherishes the passion that creates each of her work, just as much as she believes that designers in Nigeria are doing very well. However, according to her, she does not see any challenge to her works coming from any of the other designers. She is happy to see that designers in the industry are up and doing and, “this is good for the industry that more and more designers are coming up. This does not pose any threat at all to the existing designers. There is always room for more.”

    We asked her what special moments in her work and life so far has left a lasting impression in her? Her response expressed the joy she enjoys in her work. “Every moment in my career has been a milestone for me, all the runway shows both locally and internationally. However, I will like to particularly point out that showcasing at the pitti imagine W held in Florence Italy, through style house files, which has led to the LDA brand being the first African fashion label to stock at the Dolce and Gabbanna multi concept store in Milan, was definitely a proud moment for me. I am very grateful to God for the success.”

    For an acclaimed established designer that she is, we asked Lanre Da Silva what expectations she has for each of her creative works. And over the years, what impact she has seen it have over her clientele. The designer was quick to reply thus: “An LDA woman can be described as bold, confident and classy. I use a lot of colours and being African, you see the blend of my African roots merging with the signature English couture in the garments I create. Like any established fashion designer in the world, I forecast trends based on history and seasons in fashion. My designs evolve continuously as it is important to keep the label fresh and interesting all the time.

    “I work with almost every known fabric from silks, velvet, lace, wax prints, sheer, aso oke, just name it. That is the power of couture, being able to turn simple fabrics into beautiful creative work.”

    Her personality, success and popularity immediately put her in a class of her own. And so do imaginations run riot about what her clientele may look like. True, Lanre Da Silva may be upscale and caters to high profile clientele, but she is also quick to let you know that, “my clientele cuts across all the classes. I cater to the high earners, the middle class earners and the low-income earners. What you require to be done for you could be different from what another person wants. Taste differs from one person to another.”

    For one who brings out the best designs for each of her clients, Lanre Da Silva’s personal style speaks for itself through the clothes she wears. Blessed with a figure that stands out, she believes that style is individual and a stylish person is one who accepts herself. She loves clothes and materials that flatter the body. “Style does not need to be forced, it comes naturally,” she said.

    Being married is a source of joy to her. “I am happily married with two children.” The designer added that she is naturally a home maker despite her passion for her creative work. Much as she has been a career woman over the years, she remains particular about enjoying the comfort of her home and family life. “I love cooking for my husband. My idea of relaxation is spending the day with my husband in a quiet lovely location. I also do enjoy spas and reading too. My husband has been wonderful and supportive.”

    Does she have anything that she would rather not do without? Yes she does! “The essential items I can’t do without are my blackberry, sketchbook, pencil, an oversize leather hand bag. I also cannot do without my lip gloss, lip stick, a pair of heels and sunglasses!”

    The top designer also has a pattern for spending her money. “I spend a fortune on buying fabrics and trimmings. I love to shop in Italy. I believe Italians have a keen sense of style!”

    As a parting shot for upcoming designers, Lanre Da Silva says “the sky is wide enough for all birds to fly!” And they should learn from her lifestyle. “I don’t see anything as a challenge. I am blessed and grateful to God to be doing what I love most!”

  • Daisy Danjuma dumps politics

    Daisy Danjuma dumps politics

    At a time many of her ilk are gearing up for 2015, Senator Daisy Ehanire Danjuma is thinking of quitting the game. If the reports coming from her camp are anything to go by, she has indeed thrown in the towel and bade farewell to the trade that conferred the title of ‘Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’ on her.

    It was gathered that her decision to quit politics was predicated on her resolve to address the demands of her businesses. The 61-year-old Benin chief is the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors of South Atlantic Petroleum (SAPETRO).

    The law graduate of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria joined politics in 2003 when she resigned her chairmanship of SAPETRO to contest and later win the seat for Edo South Senatorial District. She lost her bid to return in 2007. She made another attempt to return in 2011 in either Edo her state of origin or Taraba, the home-state of her husband, Gen. T.Y. Danjuma, but also failed to secure the ticket. She has since gone into private business.

    Daisy Danjuma began her career as a state counsel in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice (Department of Public Prosecutions) and was a pioneer legal counsel to the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria before working for the investment bank, Nigerian Acceptances Ltd. (NAL). She spent the next decade as Company Secretary/Legal Adviser to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) before she moved into private practice.

  • Visiting Calabar’s Suya plaza

    Visiting Calabar’s Suya plaza

    SUYA is a Hausa steak delicacy. It is common in the North than any other part of the country. However, for lovers of the delicacy, the experience may not be complete without visiting the Suya plaza, located in the heart of Calabar metropolis. The place has become a popular hang-out for local and visiting tourists in the city.

    Many have made the annual trips to Calabar during Yuletide to be part of the fun and festivities of the December festival in Cross River State. Many have also had first hand pleasant experiences of the now popular Calabar carnival. But these days, one area of the town that has become popular with tourists is Slaughter Street. It is probably the only street in the country that is officially dedicated to serve the interest of lovers of the local delicacy. The area is also known as Bogobiri, a settlement for people of Northern extraction in the heart of the city. For those who don’t know, Suya is a thinly-sliced meat pierced with a stick and spiced with pepper and powdered groundnut.

    It is no doubt that Calabar city has carved a niche for itself as Nigeria’s foremost tourist destination for locals and in-bound tourists desirous of relaxation and fun during the Yuletide.

    Another area that the reputation of the city precedes it is in the area of culinary expertise. For food connoisseurs and those who want to indulge in culinary adventure, the place to be is Calabar. The variety of fresh vegetable meal, seafood and many more are best experienced than talked about.

    Before now, Calabar has never been noted as home for Suya. But all that has changed, as Calabar is gradually assuming the status of the best Suya zone in Nigeria.

    The plaza is a stretch of building with about 30 shops. While approaching the area, you are first confronted with the smoke from the makeshift barbecue containers drifting towards the sky. You are amazed at the number of exotic cars parked along the streets. And as you try to make meaning of this, you see both the young and old sauntering out of their vehicles and heading towards the row of Suya sellers along the road.

    The shops have inner and outer parts. In the inner part, heaps of pieces of meat are placed on slabs. The meat is sliced thin-sized with dexterity to get the normal. There are other workers that put the sliced meat on stick and then lace them with the powdered pepper and groundnut after which the meat is then placed on barbecue fire. It should also be noted that the Suya is prepared in a clean and hygienic environment. The sellers have access to clean water, and the area, just like Calabar, is generally clean and tidy. That must have influenced the caliber of customers that come to patronize the sellers.

    How did the story of this area that has become synonymous with tourists and Suya begin? According to a source from the Cross River State government, the Hausa Suya sellers, prior to their relocation to Slaughter Street, operated from the Mary Slessor roundabout. He said: “The place, as a result of that, was a bit rowdy and unorganized. The level of hygiene was also not encouraging. The government decided that it was best to relocate them form the place to a conducive and hygienic area. That was why the government built the place and provided the sellers with every facility that would assist them to provide Suya delicacy to their teeming patrons. Slaughter Street was chosen because, first, its proximity to where they were before and close to the Bogobiri area where most of the Suya sellers stay. Thankfully, it has turned out to be a win-win situation for everybody. The area has become very popular with people.” Interestingly, one of the conspicous banners at the complex reads ‘University of Suya’. This is the shop of one of the sellers by name who goes by the name, Hassan Taku. He described Suya as ‘Imoke Suya’, which according to his poster, is the best.

    According to Hassan, who is an iindigene of Zamfara State, he relocated to Calabar about 12 years ago.

    He said: “The government relocated us to this place about four years ago, and it has been nice ever since. It has become the number one spot for those who want to buy Suya.”

    Asked why they have lots of patronage from people resident in Calabar, he said: “Well, here in Calabar, there is no place like here. We prepare all kinds of Suya using ram, goat or beef. We also have smoked chicken meat. I think one reason people come to this place is the quality of the meat. They are good and of high quality. I am sure people appreciate what we do here, and that is why they keep on coming.”

    Speaking on the patronage, he said , “ We are getting a lot of patronage from people during the Yuletide, especially before, during and after the carnival. However, after the festivities, there is a bit of lull in sales, but it quickly picks up now that the students of the university have returned to school.” Asked whether there was other places like the Slaughter Street in Calabar, he said no, only that some isolated sellers do attach themselves to drinking joints or sell by the roadside.

    He praised the Calabar environment, saying it was the conducive nature of the place that has made it possible for them to settle down and do business. He said: “Like I told you, I am from Zamfara State, and I am here with my family. The state as a whole is very peaceful and conducive to live in. That is why there are so many of us here.”

    During the Calabar Festival, it was normal to see different groups of people sitting and savouring the delicacy with cold drink around the plaza.

    A man who gave his name as Benson Ariyo, who was having a good a time with a group of friends, spoke to this reporter. He said: “This is a good place to have a nice time. I eat Suya, but I select the area where I buy them. But this is the most organised Suya spot that I have come across. The quality is high. I think this is another thing other states and cities should learn from Calabar. Even if you don’t like eating suya, the setting of the place will make you want to taste it. The hygiene is also another thing that makes the place attractive to people. You can see people from all strata of the society trooping here to come and buy Suya. I am sure if the hygiene level is not high, many would not patronize them. I just suggest that the government should continue to monitor their activities to make sure that the hygiene is maintained.

    So, for those visiting Calabar, it is just proper to tell them that their experience in this foremost destination in Nigeria may not be complete without tasting the Calabar Suya at Slaughter Street.

  • Kafilat Ogbara resurfaces

    Kafilat Ogbara resurfaces

    It is that season again when everyone with an ambition takes advantage of any available platform. And Lagos big girl, Kafilat Ogbara, has been doing this with utmost zeal and consistency.

    Smarting from a blow dealt on her by an unfortunate fire accident that saw her taking many medical trips to Europe in 2012 and last year, the University of Lagos alumnus recently appeared on a Lagos-based television station where she showed the viewing public that she still possesses some social and political magic.

    Besides her enchanting beauty, Kafilat displayed depth in her appraisal of Nigerian politics and its intrigues. She also spoke glowingly of former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his party, the PDP. She also heaped praises on Governor Ibikunle Amosun for delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Ogun State.

    Already, results have started trickling in for the fair-complexioned politician. A few days ago, maverick businessman, Jimoh Ibrahim, appointed her as the Managing Director of his publishing outfit. It is also being discussed in hush tones that she has been nominated for a board appointment by the Federal Government. The truth in this, however, remains yet unascertained.

  • ‘We’ll exorcise power demons’

    ‘We’ll exorcise power demons’

    Continued from page 45

     

    and make money will come in.

    So, we are just showing that there is a big boom for the future of solar energy in Nigeria and that rural communities, agrarian communities, local manufacturers, small and medium enterprises in the rural areas, they can all benefit and be fully powered whether or not they are connected to the national grid. We want to open the door to the private sector because they will move faster.

    Is it feasible for Nigerians to have 24 hours uninterrupted power supply?

    Yes. It is possible but it will take time because of our population. It is like university, you design a hostel room for two people and two students will pay the required fees. And they will invite two more students to stay in the same room. The invited two may even invite others to join them in the same room. As a former Vice Chancellor, I know this as a norm. At the end of the day, a room made for two people is occupied by 10 human beings not pigs, not chickens.

    What do you think will happen to the toilet? Will you be able to breathe as you pass through there? The facilities were not designed for that. Our population is huge. Previous administrations did not take the bull by the horns. So there was a cumulative deficiency. The gap is huge. But now, this current administration is doing everything possible, widening the scope, extending the scope in transmission substantially. And now, having handed over to the private sector distribution, we have insisted that they must reduce losses and expand their own facilities.

    Are you satisfied with the funding in the power sector?

    I don’t think anybody will be satisfied with the current funding and the huge challenge is the funding. But again, that is why privatisation took place because the fund is going to come from private people. But with the Transmission Company of Nigeria, the government has now engaged international financing agencies, World Bank, EXIM Bank of China, EXIM Bank of the US, to some extent Africa Development Bank, French Development Bank and even Japan. And then there is a huge fund coming in from the sale of NIPP plants. And so, at the end of the day, we will have a robust national grid that will be ready for the expansion in stages and spots of generation.

    As the generation is done and expanded, the distribution people know that the only way they can make more money is to give electricity to more people so they will begin to now find money to send distribution lines to where it didn’t exist before. And where it is going to take a long time to do, we will meet through our solar and wind and biomass renewable energy system. So, I don’t think any ministry will sit down and say we are satisfied with funding. Oil thieves have done us a huge harm because you cannot fully realise what you have in the budget. The money is just not there.

    Have you been able to deal with the devils you alluded to as plaguing the power sector on your assumption of office?

    Yes, you know the devil comes as human beings. We are fighting them on a daily basis. What do you think of the oil thieves? They are demons in human forms. What do you think of those who vandalise our gas pipelines? They are demons and we are dealing with them. I engaged the services of the National Security Adviser, who engaged the services of the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps and also the Army. And that is the reason that there has been a substantial improvement in the security of our transmission and distribution infrastructure.

    What we have today is whenever you hear of theft and stealing and vandalism it is so much less than what it used to be before. The major problem is the oil and gas pipelines. People actually go to gas pipelines and blow them up, not to get anything but to punish Nigeria. Are they not demons? So I am doing everything to drive them out, using all kinds of legal, military and also prayer, because some of them are so demon-possessed we have to exorcise them. Somebody who will punish himself, punish his mother, punish his father, punish his children and punish the whole country for nothing. Is that not a demon? Is he a real human being? So my brother, there are demons there and I am still dealing with them.

    Is there an enabling law against vandals or are you thinking of sending a bill to the national assembly?

    We have told our policy people to do that. You know, when I was in the university, it is the same problem we had with cultists. There was no enabling law to really deal with them until recently. You catch an armed robber, he will tell you ‘I’m not an armed robber, I’m a cultist.’ You take him to court and deal with him as a cultist and there was nothing that is there to enable you to really punish him. But we worked very hard and started making sure that some states started having laws against cultism. I’m sure you know when I was at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, I banished cultism. It is a feat that almost no vice chancellor has been able to do in Nigeria.

    Five years of my stay there, there was not a single cult war and I didn’t lose a student to cultism. Two years before I became vice chancellor at UNN, cultists murdered the Chief Security Officer of the university. A year before I became vice chancellor, cultists murdered the Dean of Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty. Cultists will take over the university and literarily announce that they are now in charge, confiscate all the walkie-talkies of all the people there. That was why that place was called National War College Number 2 before I came there. Five years, it didn’t happen.

    And again for five years, I was able to keep the university away and they didn’t get involved in any ASUU strike. We need that law, we need to engage all the parties, executives, legislative, judiciary to work together to make sure some things don’t continue to happen. I believe that vandalism, by the time we get the legal framework completed, people should be punished. In fact, they can be punished under Miscellaneous Act because this is a sabotage of the entire national economy. And the people who do this should be made to pay dearly for it.

    Do you have time for relaxation?

    I have a wonderful wife and wonderful family. So whenever work allows me, we share a lot of time together and we pray a lot, we gist a lot and we take our walk together where we can, especially when kidnappers are not there. We share a lot of time together in the things of the Lord. We do a lot of church work. I am an evangelist by the way and I am an archdeacon in the Anglican Church.

    Do you do any sporting activities?

    I used to but right now I haven’t found the time. When I was much younger, I played soccer, I played cricket. And I think Golf is for big men.

  • Who’s afraid of Ibidun Ighodalo?

    Who’s afraid of Ibidun Ighodalo?

    A few weeks ago, speculations about Ibidun Ighodalo’s health ruled the rumour mill, with many attributing her purported ill-health to pregnancy. But Celeb Watch can confirm that all the stories of her ill-health were false. The former beauty queen is indeed in good health.

    Investigation revealed that while the former Miss Lux has been off the social radar for some time, her absence has nothing to do with any health challenge. She has been busy running her chain of businesses.

    Unlike those days when her attention was only set on event planning, beautification and domestic care, Ibidun now goes to different parts of the world for her buying and selling business. Her mentorship project is also said to be consuming a lot of her time. The wife of the Senior Pastor of Trinity, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, is kicking and dutifully alive to her entrepreneurial and domestic responsibilities.

  • Olamiju Akala marries Okoya’s daughter

    Olamiju Akala marries Okoya’s daughter

    In a move seen by many as a union of two wealthy families, Olamiju, son of former Oyo State governor, Alao Akala, last Sunday tied the nuptial knot with Hadiza, daughter of billionaire businessman, Alhaji Rasaq Akanni Okoya. The wedding saw a section of Nigeria’s high and mighty gathering at the magnificient Oluwa Ni Sola compound of the Eleganza boss. Twenty-five-year-old Hadiza, who only recently returned to her father’s house after sojourning in the UK for many years, and her heartthrob had been the subject of discussions at social circles around Lagos in recent times. The traditional wedding put paid to all the rumours that had been flying around that the proposed wedding had been called off.

    First, it was speculated that theirs was a mere friendship without any emotional attachment. Then the rumour flew around that their romance had broken up because Olamiju was becoming uncomfortable with the overbearing disposition of the Okoya family towards the relationship. But all that later proved to be nothing more than a figment of the imagination of rumour mongers who were ignorant of the depth of the lovebirds’ feelings for each other.

    While their relationship was said to have once been threatened by some stormy issues at the early stage, the storm was later calmed as they grew together in love.

  • Design label launches African print children’s wear

    Design label launches African print children’s wear

    Award-winning children’s wear brand, Isossy Children, continues to be the forerunner in global clothing for kids with the launch of Isossy Babies this Spring Summer and true to form it is a deliciously “bubblelicious” collection.

    The collection is made for fashionable “Bambino Babies” and it includes the Fifi romper in African prints and contrasting cotton satin with shirred detailing and some gorgeous 2-piece shorty sets like called “Outsie Cutsie” and “Mianna”.
    The collection reflects the designs featured in the Isossy Girls collection whilst using a softer palette of contrasted honeyed tones.

    Tones of peaches and cream, reminiscent of our favourite ice cream flavours make these clothes look good enough to eat.

    Features like mock epaulettes in contrasting soft colours and mock welt
    stitching on panelled dresses showcase the attention to detail that Isossy
    Children prides itself on.
    The boy’s range has been expanded to include suits, shirts and trousers for children 3 – 24 month.

    The brand is honored to stand by its “Made in England” manufacturing ethos, combined with influences from African, Asian and Western cultures.
    The feel of the sumptuous fabrics from these cultures is evident within this vivacious collection, making it a global collection for Isossy
    Babies.

  • Slit above the Knees

    Slit above the Knees

    IF you’re one those that follow trends in the fashion circuit, then it’s not a new thing for you to know that slit party dresses is the ‘IN’ thing now. Slit is seen in all kinds of dresses now; from a midi dress, mini and maxi dresses, including skirts of various length. A slit in a dress can either be side slit or double slits. A slit dress can be worn as both formal and informal.

    A dress with a very short slit is what you can wear to the office or any official outing while those dresses with a long slit above the knees are best worn to parties like dinner, red carpets, banquets and so on. One of the favourite things about a slit dress is the dramatic visual effects it gives when worn with the right accessories.

  • Go the short way

    Go the short way

    THIS is a 20th century style that has been in existence till date. It is a semi-casual attire worn by both men and women. A Bermuda short hit just above the knees and the hem can be cuffed or uncuffed around one inch. The short is so versatile that it can be worn as both formal and informal.

    They are available in variety of colours. So many designers all over the world have used different kinds of materials for this style and the most beautiful thing about this short is the stylish look it gives the wearer. It is also the perfect style for warm weather.