The Nation Newspaper

Category: Saturday Magazine

  • ‘William and Harry get their moves from me’:

    ‘William and Harry get their moves from me’:

    The Prince of Wales has revealed that his sons the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry have inherited an essential quality from their father – a love of dancing.

    Charles joked about his prowess on the dance floor and how William and Harry have picked up the skill during a wide-ranging interview with the magazine Australian Women’s Weekly.

    The heir to the throne also spoke of his joy at the warm reception the Duchess of Cornwall received from Australians last year.

    Charles and Camilla made their first official visit to the country as a couple last November, and the royal described his delight after wellwishers realised she was ‘an incredibly good sort’.

    The royal was first interviewed by the magazine in 1974 when, aged 26, he declared, ‘If I hear rhythmic music, I just want to get up and dance.

     

    Asked by the publication’s deputy editor Juliet Rieden if he still felt the beat, Charles, who became a grandfather for the first time in July, repled: ‘Perhaps, it’s slightly less becoming once you get to my age.’

    He added: ‘I think given half a chance though, the old one-two and the two-step can come in handy. I’m glad to say that both my sons have inherited it, I think.

    ‘They’re very good. They do make me laugh when they get going.’

     

    Harry was spotted dancing numerous times during his Diamond Jubilee tour of the Caribbean last year – especially in Kingston when he visited a charity.

    And when Charles and Camilla travelled to New Zealand at the end of their Diamond Jubilee tour, they both strutted their stuff with different partners on a pop-up dancefloor in Christchurch.

    Asked if he was passing his wisdom on to William and Harry, Charles suggested his sons had learnt from him – but wanted to keep it a secret.

    He said: ‘Well, I don’t know. I hope so. How do you know? You can try, but no, I’ve always believed I just do what I do and I hope that they might notice something.

    ‘I mean, funnily enough, I don’t see what they’re up to when I’m not there, but sometimes I hear back from others that they’re surprisingly similar in some ways (to me). So maybe some things rub off … which they wouldn’t want me to know.’

    Speaking about last year’s Australian visit, which marked the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the prince told the women’s magazine: ‘Before you go, you wonder what is the reaction going to be – it’s always the same. But it was wonderful that they took to her and saw her for what she is – an incredibly good sort.

    ‘She loved it and has such incredibly happy memories of her experience and, obviously, I was thrilled, as you can imagine, for Australians to discover just how special she is … because she’s got the most wonderful sense of humour and has some very good jokes.’

    Charles’ first wife Diana, Princess of Wales made a lasting impression on Australians during numerous visits and the Duchess appears to have also won the affections of many people in the country.

    The first stop for the royals during their tour was the remote outback settlement of Longreach and Camilla endeared herself to the locals by cuddling a 12-month-old kangaroo.

    The prince still has fond memories of his first visit to Australia, made in 1966 when he was aged 17.

    The royal spent two terms in the Australian outback at Timbertop, an off-shoot of Geelong Grammar School in Melbourne, on a private exchange from Gordonstoun.

    During the visit the prince said he plucked up the courage to really talk to the public and learnt to communicate with wellwishers.

    Speaking about the crowds that had come out to see him Charles said: ‘Then, of course, finally, I took the plunge and went over and talked to people, and that suddenly unlocked a completely different feeling and I was then able to communicate and talk to people so much more.’

    While at Timbertop, 100 miles from Melbourne, the prince joined the other pupils who had to fend for themselves and complete expeditions into the surrounding hills.

    He said: ‘There were leeches and snakes, and those enormous bull ants and funnel web spiders I’ve never forgotten. And then waking up in your tent and you’re frozen stiff in the frost.

    ‘I never imagined that would happen in that part of the world – or all these strange creepy crawlies wanting to do you mischief. But it was jolly good for the character and, in many ways, I loved it and I learnt a lot from it. And I certainly discovered what good value the Australians are.’

    Speaking about the issues that motivate him the royal said that we had created a ‘throwaway society’.

    He stressed that nations had to look after the natural world: ‘What I’m trying to say is there is another way of looking at this if we’re going to hand over to our children and grandchildren a planet that isn’t totally degraded and compromised. You can’t push nature beyond a certain limit. We have to look after it.’

    Speaking about his views on balancing conventional medicine with complimentary treatments he said: ‘I know lots of people who find they aren’t benefited in every case by just the conventional, orthodox drug and finally discover that actually an approach – whether it’s herbal medicine or acupuncture or various other forms of complementary medicine – actually does benefit them.

    ‘There’s a lot that can be done on the preventative side. There’s an enormous amount we can do by looking at the whole person.’

    Charles also stressed that he wanted to see if some of his UK charities could link up with Australian counterparts to tackle issues.

    One project already off the ground will see the Prince’s Foundation for Building Community develop the ‘Prince’s Australian Terrace’ in Melbourne.

    The development will be an update to the popular Australian terraced house, combining 21st century Australian lifestyle demands with the technology of today which aims to create a sustainable and eco-friendly living solution.

  • Mohammed Babangida’s latest moves

    Mohammed Babangida’s latest moves

    If the story making the rounds is anything to go by, Mohammed Babangida, son of former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, is cooking something new. At the moment, he is one of the new faces dotting the political landscape in the North and there are serious speculations about his quest to occupy the number one position in Niger State.

    Celeb Watch gathered that he is trying to be very careful because of the current crisis in the PDP, the party on whose platform he intends to realise his ambition. He said to have surprised his friends with the seriousness with which he has been pursuing his ambition. Mohammed has allegedly been moving round the homes of political bigwigs to seek their endorsement of his ambition.

    The polo-loving dude and erstwhile director in Unity Bank plc is also the executive director of El-Amin International Schools, founded by his late mother, Maryam Babangida. He is also the executive chairman of Profile Group of Companies, which comprises companies in the oil and gas industry, security services and estate development.

  • Bella Adenuga-Disu grooves again

    Bella Adenuga-Disu grooves again

    Bella, daughter billionaire owner of Globacom, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr, appears to have staged a return to the social scene after a long absence. After her high-octane wedding a few years ago, she reduced her social outings to concentrate on her marriage to Jameel Disu, the man that means the whole world to her.

    Known to be selective about the invitations she honours, Bella put up a rare appearance at popular fun spot, D’place by Papas Entertainment, Lekki, Lagos, penultimate Friday. It was her first visit since the lounge was opened, and she went with a retinue of mobile policemen as escorts in two pickup vans.

    On her entourage were popular singer, Dr. Sid, and Glo ambassador, Chidinma, among others. With an air of charm and grace, Bella sauntered into the venue and was met with looks of admiration that showed how adept she is in the style department.

  • Me and the ‘Community Court’ at Gwarimpa ‘Police Station

    I may have my misgivings about some members of the Nigerian Police Force because of the ugly experiences some people have gone through in their hands. But generally, I like our police officers and I’m one of those who pray that we shall one day have a police force to be proud of.

    So far, I have always had a fair deal with the police in Nigeria. I understand that they want to be treated well and so, I try my best to do just that. I respect every police officer I see, so I get a high level of respect back in return.

    I have had reasons to bail many people at different police stations in Lagos and Abuja at different times and I must say that on all such occasions, I have not parted with a dime to do that. But from experience, if you want to get anybody out on bail, be prepared to go with your pillows and sleeping mat because they can waste a lot of your time in the process. And the smell and heat of most police stations would make you puke if you’re not healthy enough. What about the noise of police officers as they bark at detainees? You wouldn’t want to have anything to do with them. So naturally, I try to avoid going near our stations to help anybody out… That was until I went to Gwarimpa police station in Abuja some weeks ago to bail one of those who work with me. I have been consumed since then to not only visit police stations, but to offer voluntary service at least once in a week.

    This guy, Bashir and his pretty wife had spent the whole of Saturday with me and my family. We had work to do on Monday and needed to get some things ready on Sunday in order to be fully ready. We parted on the note that he would report at my place by noon the following day.

    Noon came and there was no word from him. I tried his telephone lines and both were switched off. I muttered under my breath that he was irresponsible. I was going to take a decision on him when my phone rang – it was his father.

    “Hajia, please help me o. Bashir has been arrested and detained since last night and I don’t have money to bail him. Could you please do something about it?” the old man pleaded on the phone.

    Bashir’s ‘accommodation’ since the previous day had been Gwarimpa Police Station. Prepared to spend long hours there as I had come to accept with police stations, I took loo rolls and enough money for food in case hunger struck. For the smell and heat, I took a hand fan and some peppermint sweets to handle queasiness.

    The first thing that I noticed on entering the station was the quiet and neatness of the environment. R-e-a-l-l-y! The next surprise was the way the officers on duty looked impeccably dressed and courteous.

    It looked like a well-run office rather than ‘usual’ image I have come to identify police stations with. I felt at home around the officers.

    When I asked to see the DPO, they told me it was a DCO they had on duty there. Okay o. I asked to see the DCO and I was ushered to this small office where the latest news I would have missed on cable TV was being aired. R-e-a-l-l-y!

    The sofas in the DCO’s office were clean and visibly not infested by bedbugs. The fan did its work of producing cool air without any noise and on top of the new fridge in the room was a pack of Vitamin C, which I asked if I could help myself with. I got it.

    The DCO of that station, DSP Olatunji Bello is as suave as any gentleman could be – soft-spoken, well dressed and ready to hear all sides of the story before taking a decision over the case before him or advising on the right steps to go.

    As there were many cases before him when we got there, so were solutions. Junior, 18 and son of an air-force officer who died in a plane crash was a guest there after he, along two of his friends were arrested for beating up men of a vigilante group who dared beating up some small boy who were arrested for wandering at 3.00am in the night. High on ‘slows’ Junior was a sight to behold as he was in another world when a high ranking officer came to bail him. Two architects, who had been friends until one of them used his friend’s company profile to get a fat contract.

     

     

     

  • Segun Awolowo in quiet celebration at 50

    Attaining the age of 50 is widely believed to be a milestone, especially in a clime where the average life expectancy is about 45 years. So, when Segun Awolowo Jnr, the first grandchild of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, attained the golden age last penultimate Friday, quite a a number of his friends, admirers and looked forward to a lavish birthday party, but Segun chose a quiet celebration with his family.

    While the reason for his decision not to celebrate his birthday in a big way remains hazy, those who should know told Celeb Watch that Segun did not celebrate because of the death of his late uncle, Chief Wole Awolowo, in London a few months ago.

  • Gambia, Rwanda, South Africa for AKWAABA 2013

    If you have not seen the classical Rwandan dance at the London WTM or at ITB Berlin, then you must be at Akwaaba 2013, as the Rwandan delegation is bringing the party to Town at Eko Hotel for three days,culminating in the Rwanda Day on October 29 by 2pm.

    The 9th Akwaaba African Market, taking place in Lagos from October 27 to 29, will be declared open by the former President of the Africa Travel Association and one of the hardest working ministers of tourism in Africa, Mrs. Fatou Mass Njie Jobe, the Minister of Tourism and Culture from the smiling coast of The Gambia.

    ”As part of our continuous efforts to increase awareness within the sub-regional market, most especially Nigeria, as a strategy to ensure an all-year round tourism destination, The Gambia Tourism Board is pleased to inform you of The Gambia’s participation in this year’s AKWAABA Trade Fair in Nigeria,” said Adama Njie, the Marketing Director of The Gambia Tourism Board in a press statement recently.

    “The Gambia will also organize a Gambian Day on October 28. This day is another platform to showcase what the Gambia has to offer, including serving our national dishes called BENACHI and DOMODA”, he said

    South Africa, the African economic and tourism powerhouse, will be playing a major role in Lagos at the same event. South African Tourism (SAT), the national tourism agency responsible for the marketing of South Africa as a preferred tourist destination, will be participating at the 9th Akwaaba. SAT plans to host its annual trade workshop in one of the available conference rooms on October 28 and 29. This will end with a networking cocktail function on the evening of October 29 at Eko Hotel.

    SAT Chief Executive Officer, Mr Thulani Nzima said: “SAT will be bringing around 20 South African product owners, hoteliers, inbound tour operators, provincial tourism boards and our national carrier, SAA”.

    As part of the new marketing partnership between the Kenya Tourism Board and Kenya Airways, the Magical Kenya brand will fly in Lagos at the annual Akwaaba fair, ending with a Kenya Day on on October 28. The Kenya Day celebration will be held to draw attention to the rich offerrings of Kenya.

    The modern resorts, fantastic beaches of Mombassa and the great safaris are Kenya’s drawing power. With its emergent IT savvy, Kenya is positioning itself as a destination and a partner to Nigeria.

    Zimbabwe of the Victoria falls fame has indicated its interest in joining the African Tourism event in Lagos, according to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority. Zimbabwe will want to expose its attractions to the West African audience at Akwaaba as first timers.

    Rwanda, the East African poster boy of emerging markets, will be showcasing its huge tourism products at Akwaaba African Travel Market. Recently, Rwanda was rated as the most improved tourism destination in Africa.

    It is the first country to open its borders to other Africans,a milestone in tourism and intra-African relationship.

  • Models on runway in Ankara

    IT was glam and poise as models in different varieties of ankara catwalked on the runway created by LKA Fabrics.

    It was fashion, music and fun as the organizers, LKA Fabrics, made sure the event got the attention of passengers who were taking a flight out of Lagos.

    The buzz created at the MMA2 Departure Lounge was the unveiling of a new retail store located at the local airport as guests and dignitaries were gathered to see varieties of Ankara, namely Super Wax Hollandis, Java and others.

    LKA Fabrics is the only exclusive boutique store of Vlisco in Nigeria and also the topmost priority in the selection of new designs by Vlisco.

    According to Mrs Kunmi Abdul, MD of LKA Fabrics, Vlisco adds beauty to African culture through quality designs.

    “Our stores are designed to accommodate our customers and special offers are Goody Bags, 5% discount on all sales with competitive prices and online presence making it easy to access us. Also we have been invited by Vlisco to the launch of their new African print in Netherlands,” she said.

  • It’s been one year of sorrow

    It’s been one year of sorrow

    …Parents of UNIPORT 4 relive ordeal

    JUSTICE is yet to be dispensed after a mob at Umokiri Aluu community in Ikwerre LGA, Rivers State, meted out jungle justice to four undergraduate students of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) who were accused of stealing. Today makes it exactly one year when a Geology student, Ugonna Obuzor (18); a Civil Engineering student, Lloyd Toku Mike (19); a Theatre Art student, Chiadika Biringa (20) and a Mechanical Engineering student, Tekena Elkanah (20) were killed by a mob that also burnt their bodies.

    The Nation reliably gathered during the week that even the lead suspect who reportedly raised the alarm that the murdered students were thieves was yet to be arrested. His alarm was said to have attracted the attention of the vigilance group that rushed to the scene to hold the victims and also strip them naked. They later paraded the deceased students naked on the streets of the community until they arrived at the palace of the traditional ruler and were later lynched for allegedly stealing laptop computers and cell phones.

    But after carrying out an investigation, the Inspector General of Police, Abubakar Mohammed, cleared the victims of the allegations levelled against them. At a news conference held in Abuja, the IG said the allegations levelled against the deceased students were false and baseless. The parents of the deceased students had invited the IG to take over the investigations after declaring that they had lost confidence in the police in Rivers State, having failed to rescue the victims from the mob before they were killed.

    The police had claimed that they were over-powered by the crowd, and that before they (police) could reinforce and storm the scene, the hapless students had been killed and burnt.

    Umuokiri community is widely referred to as university village because of its nearness to the university campus, particularly the Delta Park Campus. The community hosts more students of the institution than the other eight sister communities of Aluu because of its proximity to the school. Most of the private hostels are located in the community and the students patronise them more than the ones located elsewhere.

    Incidentally, many of the students in the community alleged that the natives of Umokiri were good at maltreating their tenants. Twelve of the suspects arrested in connection with the incident, including the paramount ruler of Aluu, Alhaji Hassan Welewa, are still in custody awaiting judgment. So also are the victims’ families and the world at large.

    The prosecution opened his case at the last sitting in August. The police officer who led the team that investigated the killing was also in court at the last sitting in August. His evidence was yet to be concluded. He was the first prosecution witness in the matter that has more than 20 witnesses.

    The parents of the victims are agitated. They want justice to be done in the case and very fast too. They believe that justice in the case would ease the pains they are suffering over the deaths of their children.

    Three of the parents who spoke to The Nation on life without their deceased children in the last one year, prayed that justice would soon be done in the case.

    Few days after the killing had elicited public outcry, students of UNIPORT and some members of the teaching staff embarked on a protest march, blocking the East-West Road of the school. The protesters also moved into Umokiri community, destroying houses in protest against the killing of their colleagues.

    To keep the memories of their deceased loved ones alive, the parents of the Aluu 4 plan to launch a foundation known as Four Friends Dream Alive today. According to them, apart from immortalising the deceased students, the foundation would form a platform for campaign against insecurity and insufficient hostel accommodation on campuses, among others, with a view to preventing a re-occurrence of the fate that befell their children.

    For fear of arrest after the incident, the community was deserted by its residents for several months, leaving only members of the Joint Military Task Force (JTF), who were drafted to secure it against the angry UNIPORT students.

    Following the students’ protests, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joseph A. Ajienka, shut down the institution and ordered all the students to vacate their hostels and go back home until peace returned. The school was under lock and key for close to one month to forestall complete breakdown of law and order which could lead to the destruction of properties in the school.

    Most of the students refused to vacate the school. Few days after the shut-down, a student and a youth corps member were shot by unknown gun men in front of the school.

    Parents of the four victims, popularly referred to as UNIPORT/ALUU 4, relived their agonies in separate chats with The Nation.

     

    I have memories of my burning son each time I see fire —Lloyd Mike’s Mother, Mrs. Jane Mike Toku

    “But for the grace of God, I don’t think I would still be alive today,” said Lloyd Mikes’ mother, Jane. “What happened was so sudden and devastating. Every Friday seems like a black Friday for my husband since the incident happened. The moment it is Friday, he slips into a kind of mood that seems like the world is standing still for him.

    “For me as the mother, it has not been easy for me either, because Lloyd and I were very close. There were things he could tell me which he would not tell the father. Going to the kitchen has not been easy since my son’s death, because I watched a little bit of what happened to my baby.

    “I saw how he was beaten again and again, and how he was tortured, torn and burnt. So, each time I go near fire, it brings back the memory. I go to the kitchen and feel a little bit of heat. It takes me back to that incident and the next thing is that I will begin to cry and walk out of the kitchen.

    “For this one year, to tell you the truth, it has not been easy. What would I say about his younger ones? No day passes without they remembering him. All they do is to sing and play his music. We had to move away from where we were living for this place to see if we can forget. There, it was as if his presence was everywhere around the house. As you moved from one part of the house to the other, it was as if he was around, and the next thing you remember is the pain he went through.

    “People die every day. If he was sick and died, there would not have been any problem. But the torture, the pain he went through is what has refused to leave my mind. The moment it is 3 am, my eyes are dried of sleep. All I do is to think about my boy and his three friends and what they went through.”

    She said her boy’s growing up days were good. According to her, although Lloyd was a bit stubborn, he was obedient and respectful.

    “He swept the house, bathed his younger ones and assisted in other house chores. But he did not know how to cook. Lloyd was the only child in the family for 11 years. My husband and I had already resigned to fate that we might not have another child. But when we least expected, the others came.

    “So, for a very long time, he was the only child we had. You can imagine the kind of love and affection that were poured on him. Even after the other ones came, our love for him did not wane. Lloyd was like my husband. Most people did not believe that he was my child.

    “My son had great dreams for us the parents and the younger ones. It was his desire to finish school quickly and start making money so he could send his younger ones overseas to study. He had always told them that the Nigeria school system and environment were not good enough, and that they shouldn’t worry, he would send them abroad to study.

    “You could imagine the kind of joy that overwhelmed my heart when I overheard him telling them that. My husband and I were not around. I just walked in when he was talking to them. I was like thank God, this boy is already making plans for his younger brothers. If so, then we had a shoulder to lean on tomorrow, I concluded in my heart.

    “The father was very optimistic of him, and kept challenging him to graduate quickly so he could begin to take responsibilities for his younger ones. But like a candle in the wind…”

     

    Life without my son is like food without salt, says Chiadika’s mother

    For Chiadika Biringa’s mother, Chinwe, one year without his late son is an experience she does not wish even her enemy.

    She said: “Honestly, I did not know that I could still be alive till today. This informed the reason for my giving praises to God Almighty every day. Life without Chiadika is like food without salt. But I won’t question God. He gave Chiadika to me. If He did not permit Chiadika’s death, He would have averted it. Since it pleased Him, I give glory to Him for my life.

    “I have always believed that jungle justice is not good. Nobody is guilty until he/she is found guilty. All I want now is justice.”

    She described her late son as awesome, brilliant, gentle, friendly, respectful and compassionate.

    She said: “I will always remember him for his care, love and observance. Chiadika was a child that each time I made my hair and stepped into the house, he would be the first to observe and admire me. When the father shaved his hair, he would be the one to observe first and commend it.

    “What am I talking about here? What can I say about my gifted son? There are lots of things to remember him for every day. He would rather go without food for his younger brothers to eat, if there was shortage in the house.

    “He loved me so much. You know he was my first son. So, we were very close. He was very instructive and took every piece of good advice given him.”

    Suspecting mysterious connection in the death of the four first sons of their parents, she asked: “Why must they be first sons, of the same age bracket? It is only God that can tell, and I want Him to unravel it.

    “He grew up with hard work and discipline. He attended Staff Nursery and Primary School, Federal Government College, Rumuokoro, and later proceded to the Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Borokiri, both in Port Harcourt, and then UNIPORT where he was in second year Theatre Arts before he was abruptly caught off in cold blood.

    “My son was a brilliant chap for whom no heart quaked on whether or not he would pass his examinations and very well too, because he was above average in class. My child was in ‘B’ brain category. He went into Theatre Arts because of his passion for acting and dancing.”

     

    The vacuum created by Ugonna’s death can’t be filled —Father, Mr. Messiah Obuzor

    “One year without Ugonna has been quite difficult for the family. It is something that we didn’t imagine could happen. The vacuum created by Ugonna’s absence cannot be filled. I still have not actually come to terms with the fact that the boy is not there, because on a daily basis, the thought of him is there. Not just with me alone but with the other siblings. Words cannot capture it. We grieve over it every other day. It has happened. We look up to God.”

    Recalling the growing up days of his late son, he said: “Ugonna grew up under my own tutelage. The only time he had left my immediate environment was his early years in secondary school (junior secondary school). Thereafter, he came back and lived with me until he left secondary school.

    “He left my immediate environment again when he entered the university for two years before he was killed.

    “I knew him well enough. He never lied to me, irrespective of the situation. We were not just like father and son, we were like the best of friends. He was as tall as I am. He didn’t have any major lack that someone should tag him a thief and kill him. Well, I know that God knows the truth.”

    The soft-spoken father explained why the bereaved parents decided to float a foundation, which would be inaugurated in honour of the victims today.

    According to him, “We cannot continue to sorrow for life. What happened to us could have happened to any other child that is exposed to a similar situation in the university environment.

    “We have the feeling that if we just let it go, it will still continue to be happening. The essence for setting up the foundation is to fill some gaps within the university communities in order to forestall a re-occurrence of what happened to us.

    “We are of the view that if we float a foundation, we can intervene in certain areas where students are exposed to risk in the university environment, so that what we will not be able to do, the foundation can.

    “We are going to build hostels in the university, so that students will no longer live off campus to face what our children faced when they were killed.

    “Again, the foundation intends to carry a campaign that will sensitise the police enough such that if there is any activity going on within the school environment which the students are not comfortable with, they can reach out to the police. If any of the students had called or reached out to the police when they were killing our sons, maybe the police would have got there before they were killed.”

    On Ugonna’s unfulfilled dreams, he said: “As a young man, Ugonna dreamt of becoming a great man. He actually wanted to read Civil Engineering, but when that didn’t appear to be what he was realising, he opted for Geology. But he still kept his dream of becoming a civil engineer alive. He would always tell me that after his course in Geology, he would still go back to read Civil Engineering. And for his age, I assured him that he had no problem; he could still go on if he wished. And because he was an intelligent child, I knew he could do it. Unfortunately what happened just happened.”

    Eighteen persons, including the paramount ruler of Aluu community, Alhaji Hassan Welewa, a retired police sergeant, a woman and three students of the university were held and charged to court in connection with the killings.

  • Guardians of style who clothe the rich

    Guardians of style who clothe the rich

    Deola Sagoe The creator of House of Deola Sagoe brand is one of the pioneers of contemporary fashion in Nigeria. She is a fashion revolutionary brought to national prominence when she designed her mum’s label, Odua, for about 10 years. The Ondo State-born daughter of Elizade Motors boss, Chief Michael Adeojo, is an haute couture fashion designer with specialisation in women dresses and menswear like jeans and polo.

    Deola studied at the University of Miami and University of Lagos, with a Master’s degree in Finance and Management. She describes her style as “globally appealing” with a mix of traditional African fabrics and hand-crafted details with Western contemporary style. She is regarded as one designer who sources all of her raw materials from Africa and uses local people for the intricate details.

    “I always incorporate indigenous fabrics. I love the look of Aso Oke and have developed a unique system where the fabric actually looks like it has been embroidered, but it is all done by hand on looms. I also love to teach innovation and employ people to develop new ways of working. My customers like attention to detail and the craftsmanship in my pieces,” she said.

    Sagoe is influenced by her parents whose fashion style rubbed off on her. She has found success dressing the rich. “My regular ladies who do the party scene love to dress up,” she explains. “Some of them even say to me: ‘I want to look the best and be the centre of attention’. So, I hope that I achieve that for them.

    “I try to fuse African cultural style with a modern approach to design. I love the dynamism of creating modernity out of something that is steeped in history. I think it is what gives my collection such a cultural mix.”

    Prominent among Sagoe’s customers are Nigerian beauty queen-turned-business woman Nike Oshinowo; Aisha Babangida; Agbani Darego and others in the high society. Interestingly, her three daughters, Teni, Aba and Tiwa, have followed in her footsteps as they recently launched their own label called CLAN.

    Her career highlights include a notable presence at the New York Fashion Week when Kofi Annan’s wife, Nana, wore her designs. She has been acknowledged by André Leon Tally of US Vogue as the African designer most likely to be successful in this millennium.

    Deola Sagoe has several laurels to show for her achievements in fashion. They include the “Africa Designs” and the MNET/Anglo Gold African Designs 2000 awards. She has famous fans such as Oprah Winfrey and Will Smith.

     

    Clement Mudiaga Enajemo (MUDI)

    Clement Mudiaga Enajemo’s story aptly captures the ‘grass to grace’ phrase. From apprenticeship under a roadside tailor, Mudi, as he is now famously known, has invested more than 18 years in the fashion industry to surpass the expectations of his clients by providing them with outstanding and world class designs.

    He founded MUDI AFRICA LTD with a vision to become the most sought after brand name in fashion. “At MUDI, we believe that every fabric has its unique language and that the ability to understand the language of the fabric makes a designer, resulting in the creation of a masterpiece. It is, therefore, only fitting that our designs are a limited collection with only four pieces of each in production to guarantee Exclusivity. A major focus at MUDI AFRICA is customer satisfaction, which we achieve based on the powerful and unique designs that our clothes represent,” his profile reads.

    Mudi’s clientele consists of high profile individuals ranging from musicians and actors to business men and politicians. Notable among them are John Fashanu, Ramsey Noah, Desmond Elliot, Olu Jacobs, Salif Keita, Youssou N’dour and John Kufuor (former president of Ghana), to name a few. The dynamism in African culture, affluence and bold personality of the African man is expressed through Mudi designs. With offices around the continent and branches in Abuja, Accra, Dakar, Johannesburg and Nairobi, Mudi Africa is living a timeless dream with multiple awards to his credit.

     

    Lanre Da-Silva Ajayi

    Lanre is not only a household name in the fashion industry in Nigeria, her brand, LDA, is filled with collections most of which are worn by Nigerian celebrities. Founded in 2005 with iconic 1940’s couture signature designs – a result of what has evolved into a much more modern and cutting-edge brand and a full-blown fashion house, the label’s collection includes couture, prêt a porter, and accessories such as hairpieces and statement jewellery.

    Regardless of the label’s strong historical design roots, LDA’s creatively combines pattern, print, exquisite and even traditional fabrics to produce day wear, evening wear, gowns and cocktail dresses that bridge time and make the label successful within and outside Nigeria.

    Lanre Da Silva is arguably one of Nigeria’s biggest ambassadors. Much into modern silhouettes in relatable designs, LDA is the favourite of the media, celebrities and fashion lovers.

    An LDA woman is seen as the personification of sophistication, femininity, brilliance and boldness, which are the inspiration for each of her collections. Lanre says: “Couture, colour and boldness with an edgy twist are the signature of my designs.”

    LDA was one of the designers selected from Nigeria to present her Autumn/Winter 2012 collections to buyers across Europe. The brand has also been featured in L’Uomo Vogue, May-June 2012- “Rebranding Africa” issue dedicated to Africa to show how the continent is moving and developing while trying to get out of a difficult situation of poverty and illness.

    Lanre had showcased a capsule collection during the Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week Fall 2012/13 at the initiative “Fashion 4 Development” that supports the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and the unprecedented global effort: “Every Woman Every Child “. The brand is also stocked at the flagship boutique and at Temple Muse both in Lagos.

    LDA has also created four different collections for international Dutch wax print giant, Vlisco-Urban Beat, Gallery of Poems, Reflet de Lumie`re, Tresor Brillant and Delicate Shades.

     

    Waheed Shonibare

    As Waheed Shonibare underwent all the pains and rigours of getting himself trained in Pharmacy, it would not have crossed the imagination of anyone that this Ogun State University graduate would jettison the business of drugs for the fashion world. Twice As Nice (TAN), founded by Waheed, took off around Year 2000 with a mini shop at KOLEX Hotels in Fola Agora Area of Lagos. Now it is running up to 27 serviceable outlets in Nigeria and beyond.

    TAN deals in British formal and casual shirts like the Tom & Keith London Shirts, Fred Thomas Shirts, Richard Spencer, T.M Lewin Shirts, Hawes & Curtis, Hanz, Bell & Dave, and High View, among others. It is also involved in Ties, shoes, belts, cufflinks, boxers, pocket squares, silk knots, socks, collar bones, T-Bars and so on. Most of TAN products are consumed by the middle and the upper class income earners. Top executives at top echelon of multi-national companies, banks and other institutions are ready customers of TAN.

    According to Waheed, TAN is perceived as a frontliner in the retail sector, having received recommendations and awards from entertainment magazines and private organisations.

    He said: “To mention a few, there are the City People Elegance & Style Award for Best Clothier 2011; Encomium Award for Best Clothier 2013; VConnectGlobal Services Award of Excellence for the Best Business of the Month (in Cloth & Accessories Category) and Most Outstanding Fashion Boutique of the year in Fashion & Style Digest Award 2010. Our growth index indicates that our products are well received, considering the quality of our product brands, the style and how affordable our products were,” Waheed said.

     

    Folake Folarin-Coker

    It has been argued in many quarters that ‘Tiffany Amber’ is not Nigerian. Many are of the opinion that this highly successful fashion power house is of foreign extraction. But it was Folake Folarin-Coker, a Nigerian-born in Lagos, who founded this world famous brand in 1998.

    Folake’s entry into the fashion world was as dramatic as her rise to the pinnacle of her vocation. Here was a young woman who was full of dreams and aspirations on account of which she dedicated a lot of her youthful life to studying Law in Switzerland and even bagged a Master’s degree in Petroleum Law.

    As she relocated to Nigeria to pursue her professional dream, fate played a fast one on her before she could settle down to take up a job perhaps in the legal department of a Nigerian upstream or downstream company. Her passion for fashion reigned supreme and the next thing was that she became a household name on the lips of the people who constitute the members of beau monde.

    Having spent most of her childhood in Europe exploring different cultures, she successfully translated her passion into one of the foremost fashion brands in Africa with outstanding global recognition. The brand’s success comes from striking the balance between local flavour and international appeal. She has since become one of the many fashion and design brands giving Africa global accolades.

    The year 2008 saw Folake extend her creative borders by adding two more lines under Tiffany Amber Nigeria (TAN) by Tiffany Amber (Diffusion Line) and Folake Folarin (Couture Line). In the same year, she showcased at the Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week in New York.

    The collection was heralded by such rave review that Folake was invited to showcase for the second time, making her the first African-based designer to showcase for two consecutive seasons at the New York Fashion Week. Folake Folarin-Coker won designer of the year at the African Fashion International (AFI) in 2009 in Johannesburg. The AW 2011 Fearless Luxury collection won “Fashion Brand of the Year” at the Arise Magazine Fashion Week. Thirteen years after launching her label, Folake has become a mainstay in the fashion industry as she continues to develop a strong design philosophy by staying true to her vision of a true woman.

     

    Korede Roberts

    Korede is the fashion aficionado behind the much-talked about FUSION, an upscale men’s fashion store in Ikoyi, Lagos. This graduate of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management from the University of Lagos has established himself as a clothier to be reckoned with, to the pleasure of Nigeria’s high society.

    He chose fashion ahead of working in banks and oil companies after graduation. This son of a retired army officer could have been sorting out human resources issues in the four walls of some corporate outfits, but he chose to proffer solutions to the clothing needs of humans with his creativity and enterprise. The business of making even the meanest looking men model has not only earned Korede fame, fortune has equally smiled on the young man whose bourgeoning fashion empire annually turns over millions.

    Korede Roberts’ love of clean cuts and intricate lines is clear in his range of bespoke designs and apparels. He flaunts an enviable understanding of clothing. This much he depicts when he explained the secret of the success witnessed by him so far: “To stay ahead of competition, I buy from every part of the world as far as my brand/quality standard is met and my clients, who are the most important people in the supply chain, are happy with it. We do London, Paris, Italy, New York, Copenhagen, Japan, Spain, Korea, and so on.

    “We are authorised re-sellers for GLOBETROTTER suitcases from the UK, Giuseppe Zanotti Homme shoes From Italy, Givenchy From Paris, Wooyoungmi from Korea, Dita Eyewear From Los Angeles, Cutler &Gross Eyewear from United Kingdom, Alfredo Beretta Luggage Company from Milan, Christian Westphal from Copenhagen, among many others from all over the world.”

    Fusion’s stocks are lined up with very expensive fashion apparels and accessories that cater exclusively for high net worth individuals.

     

    Lisa Folawiyo

    Invention and re-invention are two words that aptly define Jewel by Lisa. Its Creative Director, Lisa Folawiyo, is one of Nigeria’s hottest designers the fashion world cannot ignore at the moment. With no formal training in fashion, this Law graduate has built designs that have captured the high society. Lisa has perfected the art of wearing the ankara fabric through the use of ornate embellishment.

    Jewel by Lisa has succeeded in creating a global print and turning the label into a coveted luxury brand. Incorporating texture with this culturally established tradition has been the key to Jewel by Lisaʼs success, creating a conceptual and global design hybrid. Jewel by Lisa is a multi-faceted global women’s wear and accessories collection. Each Jewel by Lisa garment boasts a handcrafted and unique history from inception to construction.

    Lisa Folawiyo, founder and creative director of Jewel by Lisa, studied Law at the University of Nigeria. Jewel by Lisa has shown its collections on international platforms – from Johannesburg, London and Paris, to New York at New York Fashion Week (SS10 & SS12) as part of the Arise Magazine collectives at the Mercedez Benz New York Fashion Week Spring Summer ‘10 & ’12 collections, and Lagos at the celebrated Lagos Fashion and Design Week (LFDW).

    Additionally, the label presented its AW ‘12/Resort ‘13 collection at the prestigious Pitti W Tradeshow in Florence via Lagos Fashion and Design Week, with Nigeria as guest nation. Most recently, the label showcased its Spring Summer 2013 collection in Milan at the Vogue Talent Exhibition in collaboration with Vogue Italia. The brand has also been well received and worn by the likes of British Actress, Thandie Newton and singer Solange Knowles, Tasha Smith, Kelis, Eve and many others.

     

    Adeolu Adeboye

    Deolu, as he is fondly called by friends and admirers, had already registered his arrival on the highly competitive London fashion industry with his Wisemen Apparel before he looked homewards. The son of the respected General Overseer of the Redeemed Christians Church of God, Pastor Ezekiel Adejare Adeboye, his idea was borne out of frustration from excessive distribution of poor quality formal and casual menswear collections in Nigeria. This gap created an inspiration and desire to launch a high quality fashion and affordable men’s boutique.

    No top executive in Nigeria could be said to have a complete wardrobe without pieces from Wisement Apparel. As a leading men’s boutique in Nigeria with high quality branded formal and casual collections, ranging from Italian to British designs at affordable prices, Wisemen Apparel retails suits, shoes and other accessories for the upper class.

    Its brands include Without Prejudice, William Hunt, Circle of Gentlemen, Profuomo, Churches Shoes, Rodrigo, Prada, Rodolfo Zenganrini, Moreschi, Moschino, Stemar, Messori, Cesare Paciotti, Dolce and Gabbana, Baldinini, Pollini, Vanni, Etro, Armani, Florentino, Versace, Gucci, Zampiere, Lagerfield and Wisemen.

    “At Wisemen Apparel, we just don’t clothe men but distinguished Individuals and confident gentlemen,” he said.

     

    Yemi Osunkoya

    Yemi Osunkoya is the award-winning designer behind the Kosibah label. Kosibah was established in London in 1991. It specialises in contemporary and elegant couture bridal, evening and formal day wear, using luxurious fabrics and sumptuous embellishments.

    Yemi’s signature use of corsetry and boned bodices cleverly recreates the classical and elegant hourglass figure, producing gowns that curve, shape and flatter the wearer. All gowns are made to measure and made to order. Celebrated clients include Louise Rose, leading actress of Universal film Life & Lyrics; Alesha Harvey; Sheila Ferguson formerly of the Three Degrees; Hollywood actress Indra Ové; former Miss World, Agbani Darego and singer Stephanie Benson.

    Kosibah’s clientele is truly worldwide, though particularly represented in the UK, Nigeria and USA. Among the awards that Kosibah and Yemi have won are International Designer of the Year, City People, Feb 2012; 100+ Black Achievers, July 2010; Fashion Diversity, Nov 2009; Excellence Award, Gathering of Africa’s Best; Diamond Recognition from National Weddings UK, Sep 2005; Bridal Designer of the Year, 2002 and 2004, Mahogany Bridal Awards; Highly Commended, National Wedding Show, March 2002. Yemi has been featured as one of the top designers in Britain.

  • InterContinental Lagos opens in style

    InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has opened its first hotel in Nigeria and the  company’s first InterContinental hotel in West Africa.

    The 358-room InterContinental Lagos is located on Plot 52, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, the Nigerian business and diplomatic hub, home to numerous embassies and multinational companies. Close to Lagos Creek, the 23-storey hotel offers guests stunning panoramic views of the Gulf of Guinea. Lagos is the largest city in the country, as well as one of the biggest and fastest-growing cities in Africa.

    The hotel is set to appeal to local residents and international travellers alike with four restaurants and stylish bars on offer. Ekaabo, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, serves up a blend of Nigerian and international cuisine and overlooks a majestic waterfall, while Milano offers contemporary Italian cuisine. For those after Far Eastern fare, the hotel’s Chinese restaurant, Soho, is the ideal option.

    At the hotel’s poolside restaurant, PS/SP, guests can choose from a variety of healthy lunch and dinner choices and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, while seated next to the hotel’s Zen Garden.

    For event planners and business travellers, the hotel offers state-of-the-art facilities. Its Grand African Ballroom can seat up to 1,400 people with an additional six other meeting rooms, a boardroom and business facilities. The hotel also features a luxurious health and fitness centre which includes a sauna and steam room, and Club InterContinental.

    The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who was joined by other eminent persons from all walks of life, performed the grand opening of the hotel at a colourful ceremony characterised by glitz and glamour.

    Fashola, in his speech, commended the promoters of InterContinental Lagos for their vision, saying the building of the hotel was a welcome development at a time Nigeria was yearning for foreign direct investments to grow the economy. He noted that continuous investment in the local economy was the answer to creating more jobs for the teeming unemployed Nigerians.

    “It is clear that there is growth on the African continent. But growth is a cycle as economists will tell you, and if we do nothing with the cycle of opportunity, it will move on. It is here now, but we are dealing with growth without enough jobs. There is no miracle about it. The answer lies in continuous local investments, continuous pushing of the frontiers of commitment, continuous investments at home and emphasis on the possibilities that lie here”, he said.

    Fashola, who commended the Milan Group and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) for the multi-billion naira investment in the state, specifically saluted the courage of Mr. Ramesh Valechha for the bold move, even as he assured willing investors of his administration’s commitment to the growth of the tourism and hospitality sector as well as foster an environment that can enable investments thrive.

    “The Milan Group and InterContinental Hotels Group did not make this investment because the Lagos State Government went to look for investors. They made this investment because the environment was enabling. I salute the commitment and the belief of the Milan Group in the Lagos and the Nigerian economy.

    “And if you want to know how deep that belief is, you need to take a turn to the basement of this building. You will see that persistence and conviction expressed in several metres deep of concrete and steel and it shows you how difficult it was to get this project under way. But they did not give up because they were convinced that this was the place to put their money”, the governor said.

    Fashola also enjoined Nigerian entrepreneurs to tap the opportunities created by the current deficit in key sectors such as hotel, road infrastructure and other utilities that could create economic growth, jobs and make life better for the people as he declared InterContinental Lagos as a ‘’life-defining’’ infrastructure. He urged Nigerian professionals and entrepreneurs to continue to be the drivers of more landmark projects of this nature.

    Speaking on behalf of the owners of InterContinental Lagos, the Chairman of Milan Group, Mr. Ramesh Valechha, disclosed that the newly opened first luxury five-star hotel in the history of Nigeria has created 650 direct employments and scores of indirect employment in the hotel value chain.

    ‘‘We note with a high sense of satisfaction that we have created 650 direct employments for some Nigerians and indeed scores of indirect employment for others connected one way or the other to our hotel value chain as suppliers and service providers. This is part of our noble contributions to the economic environment within which our businesses are set,’’ Valechha said.

    The chairman disclosed that the architectural design and construction of the 358-room and 23-storey magnificent hotel were executed by Nigerian professionals, while the financing was undertaken by two local banks – Skye and Wema.

    He stated that the successful completion of the hotel, despite the challenges associated with projects of this magnitude, underscored the greatness of the vision of the owners and the belief of various people involved in the project.

     

     

     

     

     

    ‘‘Like all large construction projects, we had our share of challenges associated with projects of this magnitude. But members of our team have done their utmost to make certain that we are ready for our opening day! This kind of loyalty has been truly inspiring and makes us proud of the people of this great country and their unbroken spirit in the face of challenges. In spite of these challenges, we have made it, and you are all here to celebrate our success with us’’, he said.

     

    InterContinental Lagos, he added, was purposefully built and reflected the highest international standards while assuring consumers of value for their money. According to Valechha, ‘‘we have, in our own little way introduced some positive narratives that will form the basis for new conversations about Nigeria at the global stage. I am confident of one thing; this iconic structure opened today will form the topic of new positive discourse by International business and leisure tourists who will have cause to visit Nigeria from now on.’’

     

    In his remarks on behalf of Nigerian professionals that worked on the design and construction of the magnificent hotel, the Managing Director of Design Group and the lead architect who designed the building, Arc. Bayo Odunlami, said the complex was a testimonial of the high professionalism of Nigerians. While expressing gratitude to the promoters for their confidence in Nigerians, he said ‘‘this edifice is an outstanding testimonial that Nigerian professionals have come of age‘’. He added that it was also a boost for the country’s perception.

     

    On his part, the Managing Director of Skye Bank, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, commended the resilience of Mr. Valechha and his team for seeing the project through despite the challenges. He said apart from changing the Lagos skyline, InterContinental Lagos was ‘‘a hotel of the future’’ for Nigeria. His Wema Bank counterpart, Mr. Segun Oloketuyi, described the project as ‘‘a landmark and destination hotel’’, noting that it would impact the nation economy in terms of direct employment and several value chain benefits.

     

    Veteran architect, Mr. Robin Johnson, whom Mr. Odunlami acknowledged as his professional trainer and mentor, saluted Mr. Valechha for making his vision to become a reality and expressed joy with the high quality of work done by the local professionals whom he said had helped the owners ‘‘built their dream exactly the way they wanted it.’’

     

    Earlier on, a media interactive session was held by the Milan Group and InterContinental Hotels Group managements during which they spoke on the hotel project and its offerings. According to them, some of the state-of-art facilities at InterContinental Lagos include 260 superior rooms, 61 club or business rooms, 36 suites and a presidential suite all totalling 358 keys.

     

    Other facilities are seven different types of restaurants and bars that serve continental, Nigerian, Chinese, and Italian cuisine, a 1000-seat ball room, eight meeting rooms, a business centre, a board room, and a health floor consisting of most modern gymnasium, swimming pool, sauna, spa and steam rooms. There is also a swimming pool deck floor with an open space for seating 1200 or more guests in an open area for cocktails, leisure and after work relaxation.

     

    General Manager of InterContinental Lagos, Mr. Didier Coeln said, “Given its excellent location, InterContinental Lagos is perfectly placed to give our guests access to central business areas, pristine beaches, and some of the best entertainment options in Lagos,”. “We also understand that our guests value authenticity and want to experience the local culture. Our concierge team looks forward to sharing their local knowledge of Lagos so guests can enjoy an authentic and enriching stay with us.”

     

    The grand opening event was attended by eminent persons among whom were Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; his predecessor, Chief Joseph Sanusi; Lagos State Commissioners for Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Sola Oworu; Mr. Kayode Opeifa (Transport); Engr. Taofiq Tijani (Energy and Mineral Resources); Group Managing Director of Milan Group, Mr. Rajesh  Valechha; Executive Director, Milan Group, Mr. Vikram Valechha; General Manager, InterContinental Lagos, Mr. Didier Coeln; Regional General Manager Africa, IHG; Mr. Maher Nasr and Regional Director, IHG; Mr. Karl Hala.

     

    Also present were former Managing Director, Skye Bank, Mr. Akinsola Akinfenwa; Managing Director, Wema Bank, Mr. Segun Oloketuyi; former Managing Director, Zenith Bank, Mr. Jim Ovia while the royal fathers present included the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu; Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo and the Oniru of Iruland, Oba Abiodun Idowu Oniru. Other dignitaries were former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Inuwa Wushishi (retd.) and Chief Executive Officer, Guardian Press Limited, Mrs. Maiden Ibru among several others.

     

    InterContinental Lagos is the sixth InterContinental hotel in sub-Saharan Africa. Over the next five years the hotel is due to be joined by an additional two InterContinental hotels in Senegal and Uganda.