The Nation Newspaper

Category: Weekend Treat

  • MAY YOUR MOTHERS NOT DESTROY YOU! (II)

    DEAR Madam Temilolu,

     

    l commend your efforts to rid the society of sexual immorality, but how many of these teenage girls and young ladies between age 20-25 or even more have access to newspaper or are interested in what you are preaching when majority of them are still battling juvenile delinquency? They have access to different magazines and TV programs which promote immorality, social media handles where sex is loosely paraded, peer influence, environmental influence and so on.

    My sister, with the advent of communication technology whereby everyone has access to smart phones and can do whatever they want with their phones through access to data, even if your godly counsels can work a bit among less-privileged children, I doubt it can make sense to the rich or well to do children who have access to expensive android phones, cable channels etc. They are the ones that get easily corrupted and more often than not have a bad influence on others in the higher institution and in the communities.

    Case study: A friend of mine who teaches in a public school once told me how an 11-year-old girl was caught with her friends watching pornography on a hand set with a memory card which costs about three thousand naira. Hardly would you find girls who are still virgins by the time they are writing their school-leaving examinations. 85% of the teenagers have began eating the ”forbidden fruit” when they are in senior secondary school (SSS1-SS3) due to bad influence and exposure.

    During my NYSC days in 1991, one of my colleagues- a daughter of a Senior Pastor in a world-renowned church said she purposely applied for a course that could only be found in the northern university since all her movement was monitored from nursery school to secondary school and she needed to be free to enjoy herself. She complained all her movement was always between church and home until she resumed back to school again. How about that?

    Also, after a night vigil organised by the youth of another world-renowned church, the cleaners tidying the compound found condoms at the back of the church building even with all the preaching during their youth week. This is to tell you even children of some pastors or elders in the church are promiscuous.

    In a situation where poor parents saw hell just to pay through their nose or borrowed to pay tuition fees for their daughter who just gained admission into the higher institution and on starting school, they can’t afford to buy her handouts, textbooks or food, what do you think would happen? When this type of situation occurs, and being under the influence and advise of 85% of other colleagues that have had a similar experience before stabilising themselves on campus, she will have no choice than to follow suit by ”using what she has to get what she wants!” Who then is to blame?

    The lecturers too are also there to use different tactics to make the students succumb to their amorous advances when lectures are set for unattainable time with unannounced test so that the targeted ladies will miss the lecture and the test. If they can’t buy their way they will have no choice than to give in to the lecturer’s advances! When my daughter was in the university and I was working in the bank, I had to send money to her constantly to ensure she didn’t get badly- influenced or fall into wrong hands. But still does this work in all situations with the advent of serious exposure to technology?

    Most parents have good intentions and plans for their children to succeed in life but 85% of family men in Nigeria are jobless due to retrenchment and closure of many companies! Thousands of unemployed youth are roaming the streets looking for jobs that are not available! The government now solely belongs to the ruling party and the influential! Sad, sad, sad!

    I will implore you to keep up your wonderful contribution to the society! The Holy bible says ”He that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith unto the churches.”

     

    Mr. Niyi Olowu

     

    Dear All,

    Believe me, after reading the submission above, I’m crest-fallen because it is the reality! But for the spirit of the world which too many are submerged in and which is in contention with the spirit of God, I can also tell you that TOO MANY GIRLS/LADIES HAVE HAD TO SUFFER UNTOLD HARDSHIP EVEN WHEN THEY WERE BORN WITH SILVER-SPOON BUT REFUSED TO USE THEIR BODIES TO GET WHAT THEY NEEDED BADLY!

    And I must tell you what determines how a girl would turn out or the path she would choose to follow boils down to her upbringing! Hardly would you find a girl whose parents constantly hammer sexual purity and godliness into her ears and even express it in their daily lives messing around with men! We are an embodiment of our parents and the type of spirit they carry! That’s what practically forms who we are!

    To be continued.

     

    I invite you to follow me on Facebook –TEMILOLU OKEOWO Instagram @ Okeowo Temilolu.

  • Empowering women with energy solutions

    In the past few years, a number of women have made significant strides in business especially in the small and Medium scale sector. There are still a number of opportunities and that was precisely the focus of a recent program by women in renewable energy (WIRE-A) tagged Increasing your sustainable earning through ‘Greenprenuership’ in Lagos recently. Experts and stakeholders in the sector took turns to talk about the potentials, achievements and the challenges for women. Yetunde Oladeinde reports

     

    ENERGY is vital for the survival of any business, Unfortunately, this has been very difficult for many and it increases the cost of production, making good proceed by Nigerians more expensive and almost unaffordable. How can women and other business owners get out of the energy woods? The President of WIRE-A, Chief Anita Nana Okuribido, who has worked in the sector for years, has started to seek viable options because she believes that the solution is in sight. “The promotion of women’s empowerment through the Green Energy access is also important. We need to place a lot of emphasis on women’s energy needs and corresponding economic benefits. What we need are new opportunities for Sustainable development, good income generation, national economic growth, as well as increase in the number of women owned businesses in Africa. When there is electricity, a lot of businesses would spring up.”

    Energy technologies, Okuribido explained, reduces the drudgery of traditional household work. “I have worked in a community in Benue state where the women wake up in the morning and have to walk for about 5km to go and fetch wood and water. I would then look at how tired they are when they come back. Yet, they would still have to cook for the family. Thereafter, they would go to the farm and all through the day, the women are just working and they don’t have any time to rest. Sadly, they have no money at the end of the day. They have worked day and night, but there is nothing to show for it.’

    To take women to a better level, it is important to increase the earning power of our women, men and youth. “We should also increase family education, through electricity, improved health through efficient energy sources.”

    Community based women and children empowerment, Okuribido said are the major priority of her organisation. “We are very concerned about the amount of time women and youths spend collecting firewood and water. This deprives them of sustainable opportunities. Unfortunately, the number of women owned businesses in the rural community is decreasing rapidly. This brings a burden and the impact of lack of income and poverty for many. On our priority list, we would like to establish community based organisations to bring about the change in areas like Asese and Ibara. This would increase the sustainable income of the rural dwellers through their occupational clusters.”

    Okuribido adds: “We need more women to have access to energy supply and in order to achieve this, we must help them with access to finance, technology, quality education and capacity building through CBOs.”

    The energy expert goes on to talk about the organisation’s initiative targeting one child and one solar lamp, which would help every child read with ease.” We started the one child one solar lamp initiative with the children of Seat of Wisdom School located in Mende community in Lagos, by catching them young.”

    Talking about the improved energy options for lighting, efficient stoves and the solar kiosk which she stressed would change the narratives in many communities. “Here the women can do so many things like a salon, viewing center and everyone can be here at night. I strongly believe that this is the time for all stakeholders to take the bull by the horn.”

    On his part, the director of Indonesian Trade Promotion Center (ITC), Mr Bagus Wickasena, opined that the role of women is very important in the economy. They are the most important pillars in the economy. Collaborations,  working  with  government  as well as  the  external  issues  that  would  affect  business  are some of the things he advised  participants to pay great attention to.

    “This is important because   the government would eventually bring empowerment for women. Indonesia has a strong commitment to the sector in 2020 with 21 percent support. This commitment was made by our president in Copenhagen. In Indonesia we have so many councils and communities. They are professional and climate change councils.”

    Next he goes on to buttress his point with a short video clip on the initiative of Tri Munpuni, a female entrepreneur in Indonesia.

    She talked extensively about the opportunities and challenges for women and their communities, as well as the importance of tapping into the needs of the community to make a difference. It also showed how collaborative efforts can transform communities.”

    For her this is the way she pays back God’s privileges. “We have so many communities that do not have access to electricity. Many young people assist their parents in the farmland and they need to study in the night time but electricity is a problem.”

    So, she used the renewable energy opportunities to empower the people through training, as well as collaboration with government. The funds received is also used to improve the local infrastructures to ensure sustainable power through  greenprenuership.

    So, of the takeaways from the clip is the increase of women’s engagement in the sector, tuning to National priorities, looking beyond access to finance, access to technology business skills training, as well as creating an ecosystem for stakeholders.

    For Ms Doyin Fadipe, CEO of Genesis Energy, there are so many opportunities for women in the sector.  “Renewable energy, he stressed, is one opportunity that needs to be harnessed to reduce the high rate of unemployment in the country.  I am passionate about capacity building, whether you are a man or a woman. As you empower women, it is important to empower all the people who fall under their sphere of influence. I believe in empowering from the perspective of renewable energy.  You need to open your eyes and see that within the renewable energy space, you can have a future. That way you would build a sustainable enterprise irrespective of your background.

    Admonishing the youth’s to have a better focus, she tells the story of a 16 year old environmental activist.  “She is a young girl who has autism; she has disabilities and psychological disability which means she cannot focus properly. She can go for days and act mute.  But she found something that she was passionate about at age nine.  That was the environment and about two years ago she went and sat in front of the Parliament in Sweden because she found out that we are in the 6th mould of extinction of the world.”

    Renewable Energy, she stressed, came up as a result of the challenges the Climate was causing due to the damages that had been going on for years. So, she found out as a child that if something is not done about it, all the adults would go and we would go into a world where there is fire, chaos and all that. So, she sat down in front of the parliament and didn’t do anything. A year later, she led the biggest movement on climate change, with 11 million children joining in from all over the world. This is a 16 year old girl suffering a chronic disability.“

    Fadipe also talked about another determined youth, this time around a young man from South Africa originally, but he got the nationality of two or three other countries. “He schooled abroad, dropped out at some point and then he started his entrepreneurship journey at the age of 24 years. Today he owns one of the largest and most credible tech companies in the world. These are just normal human beings but they have the opportunity of knowledge. Some just decided to empower themselves. They didn’t wait for anyone to do it. They did it because they had something in them that made them say I want to do it. My message to you is that you can do whatever you want, if you have the interest.”

    Innovation and business development, she informed are the basic requirements to excel in the sector. “These are the two main pillars that would catapult your knowledge. You must develop yourself, be independent and be able to provide for yourself and your family. We are living in a time where there is a lot of automation, things are changing. The concept of employment is going out of fashion and you find that in most developing world, a lot of young people are not waiting for people to hire them”.

    Fadipe continued: “They are looking to find ways to provide something that the next person needs. That is innovation. Once you understand the background of renewable Energy space, you can begin to think of innovation. We all have the ability to do this. Innovation for me is a new idea, creative thoughts, and new imaginations in form of device or methods. You can go to bed thinking of a problem and wake up with solutions but they never did anything about it. It doesn’t take anything to innovate. It just needs you to be sensitive to your environment and think about how to solve that problem. I encourage you all to have that mindset all the time”.

    Chief Mrs Alaba Lawson’s support and contributions in the sector was recognized with the Green award.

  • ADENIKE ADEYEMI: Inspiring and mentoring dairy farmers

    In the developed parts of the world, dairy farming has been long practised providing not just milk but also conversion to butter, cheese and other dairy products which are sought after in the market. Information about getting knowledge about the business, how to source for the capital, their feed and other needs were some of the issues discussed at the third International Dairy Summit which took place in Lagos recently. Yetunde Oladeinde reports

     

    ADENIKE Adeyemi is a woman of many parts. She takes you into her world, opening up on her passion for dairy farming and more. “Honestly, life in the sector is interesting but very tasking because you need to multi task. I am a farmer, a lecturer, mother, as well as the president of the Netherlands Alumni Association. It is a lot of work but I enjoy it all.”

    Life as a dairy farmer, she informs, is exciting and challenging. “That explains the interest and my passion for the sector. I lecture at the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology in Ibadan. I talk to farmers and do a bit of extension work because you need to go to the farmers and encourage them on what you need to do with them. That makes it a bit tasking and then sometimes I have to travel to Netherlands, Africa and so many other places, all because of my dairy work and also being the president of the association.”

    On the job, Adeyemi has learnt a number of lessons and well as impacted on the sector because it is something that she is really passionate about.

    “It’s been three years now since I became the president of the association and the experience has been awesome. All through this period, we have been able to do the Dairy Summit in three states. In all of the three states, we thank God that a number of dairy farms are springing up. In Oyo State, where we had the first Dairy Summit a number of opportunities came up. Now, we have ten to fifteen farms. In Osun State we have El Shaddai farms and other farms coming up in Osun State. Even recently in Lagos State, they are looking at the things that we can do together to help dairy production and help dairy farms spring up in Lagos State.”

    Ask about the challenges and she admits that there are so many challenges but this does not deter her and her team because they have a focus that drives them to push on. “We have many challenges because we need a lot of support, especially grassroots support. We are not talking about money alone but support to those working in the sector. We also get to these farmers and we are like an umbrella for gathering these people together.”

    To make the necessary impact, Adeyemi said it was important for all hands to be on deck. “We need the support of the government especially in terms of the wealth of experience of the stakeholders. We also need support in the skilled personnel and adding our own to it.”

    Another major challenge, according to the dairy expert, is for the people also to know that dairy farming is not restricted to a geographical location. “We need to convince people that it can be done in Lagos, Osun and Oyo states. It is not a northern thing alone. So, we have that challenge, but we thank God that this is being broken because people have seen that dairy farming is working.”

    She discloses her experience and inspiration in finding and initiating the Dairy Summit: “It is because of the exposure I got travelling and seeing the way things were done in places like Europe, East Africa and Kenya. “The things I saw inspired me to see what we can do here and improve dairy production in the country.”

    For Mrs Akeredolu, an animal scientist who represented the Honourable Minister of Agriculture at the Summit tagged Innovation in Diary Value Chain for Economic Development in Nigeria, there are so many untapped opportunities in the sector. “As the state coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, we appreciate the Netherlands government for cooperating with the Nigerian government. I appreciate the interest in the dairy industry in Nigeria. The federal government of Nigeria has done a lot of things for the sector. They have been doing a lot to support dairy farmers.”

    She added: “We are also aware that the FG is cooperating with CBN, giving a one-digit loan to farmers. The dairy industry in Nigeria is not fully developed due to so many challenges, especially the stocks they have.”

    Former Kaduna Commissioner and stakeholder, Mr Daniel Maigari, stressed there are so many untapped opportunities in the sector. “If you look at the issues that we battle with in terms of nutrition and population growth, you would see a relationship. But we have not approached farming seriously and the reason why we have not been able to do that is simply because we have not brought knowledge into farming. Without knowledge, we would continue to use the diagnostics of farming used 300 years ago. Life has moved far beyond all that.”

    He went on to give an overview about some of the successes recorded in his state this way: “Cattle rustling and forestry was under me then. People were coming from outside the country and outside the state to understudy our grazing reserves. We went round and got a framework. We took samples of our four grazing reserves and we introduced this. Within six weeks, milk production shot up from 0.5 to 33.5 litres in each of the centres. Even though Kaduna State had the most technology, the focus was on the centres where most of the processing plants were. We worked on the centres which were community-based and these people were able to pay back their loans in less than ten months.”

    President of Animal Science Association of Nigeria and M.D Ursla Nigeria Limited, Taiwo Adeoye, describes the livestock sector as a goldmine, but many are yet to tap from the opportunities available. “There are enormous potential in agriculture, especially in the livestock sector. I would say that the inconsistency of government policy is not helping issues. Also we need to bring together the relevant potential.

  • What’s the big deal about wedding rings?

    With Vera Chidi-maha

     

    SEASON’s greetings my people!  Hope we are having moderated fun? It is important that we stay safe while celebrating the Yuletide and planning for the New Year. Wishing us all a productive 2020 ahead.

    When I got married years ago, my hubby’s wedding ring never left his finger, not even when  asleep. I tell you, it was wonderful. I adored him for it.

    It gave me a sense of security (You know the kind of feeling that assures one that other women would definitely keep off).

    Just two years into our union, my bobo suddenly started forgetting to wear his wedding ring. For many days, I kept reminding him. Of course, each time I reminded him, he would snatch it from me and quickly put it on.

    After playing the role of the constant reminder for some time, I had to give up. It finally dawned on me that this man does not want to wear the wedding ring anymore.

    Many thoughts went through my mind. Could it be that he was having an affair and his new girl does not like his putting on his  wedding ring? Each time I tried to bring up the subject, he would shout me down. ‘What’s the big deal about putting on a wedding ring? Why do you like making a mountain out of a mole hill? Does the absence of a wedding ring negate my feelings for you? Listen, if you must know, the girls out there prefer to date men who spot on wedding rings’.

    Before I could find my voice in response to his outburst, he continued, ‘Ladies, these days prefer dating married men. They know we are more caring than this small, small boys,

    ‘So, my darling wife, for the last time, stop making this ring an issue in this house. Ring or no ring I love you, it is you I chose to marry and that settles it’.

    Read Also: How to deal with confessions in a relationship

     

    Hmm, to say I was dumbfounded would be an understatement. I simply walked into the room and slammed the door. I mean, how could he justify what is wrong? Since we got married, my two rings have never left my finger (the wedding and the engagement rings). Why do I have to be the only one putting on my wedding ring? For me,

    the ring means more than a wedding ring. It is more than that. It makes me feel responsible, owned. All I know is that it makes me feel complete. When I remove it, I feel like a lot is missing.

    I sought to know the reason why some men had suddenly stopped putting on their wedding rings. The first person I spoke with was my boss in the office; it took him a few minutes before he could respond ‘my wedding ring? I simply don’t like wearing jewelleries’. (What an excuse!) So, a wedding ring blessed by a priest has suddenly become a mere  jewellery? Another respondent said, he is just wearing his ring to please his wife. (Hello, so the marriage is now one sided Abi? Hmm men!) When further asked where his ring was right now, he said it was in his pocket!

    Another respondent claimed that he lost his wedding ring while driving. He said that the ring fell off as he was steering his wheels (Readers, if you believe this, you will believe anything!) he said he has not had the time to visit the goldsmith for another one.

    Yet, another respondent claimed his ring suddenly became too tight for his finger, when he started adding weight and that he would fix it soon via expansion. (Since when did we start adding weight on our fingers?) Our men are never short of excuses.

    Anyhow sha, we as wives wish our men good luck. Whatever it takes, we will not stop spotting on our wedding rings. We love you and we are proud of you. I want to use this medium to give accolades to our husbands out there that still proudly spot their wedding rings; the world appreciates you. Please do keep it up, you do make us proud. Cheers! Once again, Seasons Greetings!

  • Dealing with invasive questions from family on Christmas holiday

    With Rois Ola

     

    It’s not new for some of us that have family members who cannot resist asking you questions about your love life. It is yet another holiday season of celebration( even if you don’t feel like it)and you have to rekindle your relationship with various members of your family and friends, extended family members are not left out of this.

    It is that time to make up excuses for intentionally ignoring the several WhatsApp messages, phone calls and sms you didn’t respond to or missed some time back in the year.

    Not to even mention the endless messages harassing your peace about your love life and sometimes sex life.

    To help you maintain your composure this Christmas without going crazy, here are a few things I would personally like to advise you to try in order to deal with the awkward feeling of inadequacy of self-confidence that may befall you while being bombarded.

    Joke, when will you find a partner and settle down?

    It is your responsibility to explain to your family and maybe friends that it is ‘your liking’ that you be single. They need to understand that settling down isn’t only about when you do it but also who you do it with.

    You can reassure them that you appreciate their love and that they should not rush you into a relationship before you are ready.

    Aderemi, can we set you up on a date?

    Since they feel you should not be alone, your family members will try to hook you up, with or without your permission If you are ok with it, you can go on the dates but if you don’t want to be set up on dates without your permission, then you may need to set up boundaries.

    You need to let them know that piling pressure on you to settle down isn’t making it any easier, but only complicating it for you and causing more confusion.

    Read Also: How to survive a broken relationship

     

    Segun, how about that your  ex-girlfriend, Funke?

    There are times you may bring your partner to meet your family for the first time, it is embarrassing when they, your family, keep bringing up your ex every now and then into the discussion, most especially if they were fond of your ex.

    It would be prudent if you gave your family, beforehand, the limits within which to keep their small talk, let them know you are bringing someone and explain to them boundaries of such discussion so that you don’t embarrass yourself or partner.

    Even if they say they are cool, listening to your family talk about your ex will sure make your partner uneasy, especially when they are doing it second after second, that may end the relationship as well. So be prepared!

    Gbemi, why did you and Dotun even break up sef?

    There are times we don’t like talking about breakups that we have invested a lot on especially when we are still in the healing process.

    Breakups generally make people sad and your relative or family friend constantly making reference to your breakup won’t be nice at all. Just tell them that asking or talking about your ex causes you more pain and you need support to heal and not to worsen the pain.

    Facing a firing squad is not funny and every one’s space should be respected. facing questions like when will you get married? This new relationship we hope it will last? but Femi is better than this new guy, what did you even see in him? How come you let Omolara go, wasn’t she good enough for you? The thing is self-assured answers will go a long way in getting nosy family members off your back.

    So Bisi, anyone special in your life, or don’t you know you are not young again?”

    This statement repeated year after year by mothers, grandmothers, and over sabi aunties, sometimes even uncles the world over.

    Of course, there are definitely relatives out there desperate to see you quickly married, they take your lack of a spouse and children personally, and who can’t understand why you haven’t found “The One” yet, most especially when they feel you are getting old.

    Just try to keep the annoyance in check, knowing that they may be truly concerned, an ideal answer will be God’s time is the best right? 

    What you should say: The tactic here involves a quick, honest, and upbeat response, followed by a change of subject.

    With a breezy tone of voice, offer a simple statement like “I have a great group of great friends, and I feel really blessed to have them, and of course you, supporting me all the time.” Then ask mum or grandma about her next church women’s meeting. Clean, clear, and drama-free change of topic.

    “Dupe, don’t you think it’s time to rethink your priorities?”

    In this case family members want to know why finding a partner hasn’t taken precedence over every other activity in your life.

    Although they sometimes mean well, but when they ask you these questions, it makes you want to run and hide What you should say:  The fact is you don’t owe anyone an explanation for Whatever happens in your life.

    Although you may feel tempted to dive into a long discussion or explanation, about your most recent dating disasters and the fulfilling nature of your career, it’s not necessary. Just respond with “I am very happy with my priorities at the moment”

    A pleasant but firm tone, confident body language and solid eye contact, with a warm facial expression read as friendly rather than hostile, so it doesn’t make you look defensive, it helps you assert yourself with maturity and respect. I wish you all the best.

  • Behold celebs’ Yuletide photo-shoots

    Kehinde OLULEYE reports

     

    The Makuns
    The Makuns

    Some years ago, most celebs would keep their immediate family members far away from prying eyes.  Things have, however, changed today.

    Toyin Lawani
    Toyin Lawani

    Photo shoots are quite popular  and not just on birthdays. And these days, festive photo shoots are now as popular as birthday shoots.

    These shoots are now so popular that celebrities jostle to share the best yuletide season photos with their adoring fans.

    So, it’s not a surprise that Nigerian celebrities mark festive seasons with dazzling pictorials that added much to the colours of those seasons,

    Anita Okoye
    Anita Okoye

    especially  Christmas and New Year.

    So, as their wont, celebrities flooded the social media  in this year’s Yuletide with loads of photos showing them in different dresses and postures.

    Some of our celebrities launched their pictorials shortly before Christmas,

    Mercy Aigbe
    Mercy Aigbe

    while others waited till the very last minute to do their photo shoots, sharing some truly stunning and daring images.

    So, this week, we bring the best of the Yuletide photo shoots shared by your best celebrities. From family Christmas

    Simi and Adekunle Gold
    Simi and Adekunle Gold

    photos to solo ones, our best picks range from stunning AY Makun and wife to Joseph Yobo’ family matching oneness; Toyin Lawani and son’ nun and pope photos and sexy Mercy Aigbe and son’s cute ensemble!

    The Bellos
    The Bellos

    Photo-shoots require a great deal of time and effort; you have to pose for the photos, look over them in the editing stages, and finally, sign them off.

    Take a look through these photos and see what the celebrities rocked for their Yuletide photo shoots and cards.

    Simi Esiri
    Simi Esiri

  • Linda Osifo: Acting came naturally to me

    She is a Nigerian actress and television host. She was first runner-up Miss Nigeria Entertainment Canada 2011 and 2nd runner up Miss AfriCanada 2011 beauty pageant. In 2015, Linda Osifo became a Nollywood talent to be reckoned with when she was nominated for the ELOY awards for her role in the hit TV series, Desperate Housewives. In this interview with Omolara Akintoye, she speaks on why she relocated from Canada to Nigeria and challenges.

    Why did you relocate from Canada to Nigeria when others are moving the opposite direction, seeking greener pastures?

    I like that question. In life, a lot of people have choices and many also don’t have choices. I was amongst those people who had a choice to either stay in Canada and pursue the so-called greener pastures or to come to Nigeria and pursue my passion, which was to be an actor. So, I made the choice of pursuing my passion and losing my greener pastures of what I wanted to do: to be an actor in Nigeria.

    Did you encounter some challenges along the line?

    Of course I did. Who doesn’t have challenges in life? I definitely had my challenges to the point where I asked myself was I sure about this? Have I made the worst decision in my life? I was on the verge of either moving forward or going back. I had the challenges of either relocating back to Nigeria as a whole, adjusting to the society, the culture, and to a lot of things that I was not used to for such a long time. I had challenges in my field of course trying to breakthrough, trying to make people see my talent, trying to find opportunities; challenges of discrimination, setbacks, gender, and even individuals trying to take advantage of someone.

    How did you cope with these challenges?

    Well, I always had to remind myself the reason why I came here; that I’m not here to play, that I had options, so it wasn’t a do-or-die affair. However, I didn’t put these options on my forehead, but I knew inside of me that I had options. So, I wasn’t willing to do the worst things that could possibly come my way, I was not willing to be desperate for many things. That, iatself, was a way that I can cope with a lot of temptations, distractions. One major thing I did was to put everything in God’s hands. I’ll definitely say that spirituality has helped me a lot. Mentally, it has given me strength, it has made me overcome being depressed, feeling weary and doubtful about what I said I wanted to do.

    What are the things that you treasure most in life?

    The things I treasure most in life starts with my family. Secondly, the opportunity to be alive each day and achieve my dreams. Also another thing I treasure most in life is being able to do whatever I want to do at any point in time. I’m thankful for that.

    What and who inspired you to go into acting and entertainment industry?

    Well, let me start that at the age of 13 years I had my first school theatre play where I played the role of Mary in a school Christmas Show. And at that age I was deeply involved in church youth group; I was the vice president in the youth department. I was one of the coordinators of the drama and dance department in my church. So, these were things I grew up with. However, I felt that acting came naturally to me and I discovered that I’m happy whenever I’m in the presence of people; I was never shy, always outspoken. And for the likes of people such as Genevieve, Rita Dominic, Ini  Edo, Omotola, Kate Henshaw, I always looked up to them that I wanted to be like them. So, it was a passion from the beginning.

    How was growing up like, your family background and how has it contributed to what you are today?

    I wasn’t born with a golden spoon. My parents were hardworking; they had made sure that they created a comfortable environment for me to be raised in. They ensured that I saw what hard work and sacrifice looked like; and I was able to have the right environment for me while I was growing up. This, no doubt, has contributed a lot to my life because it has made me to be who and what I’m. It has disciplined me and I know how to work very hard. I was born in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. I moved to Canada at the age of 16 but I spent most of my adult years in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, before relocating to Lagos, Nigeria, to pursue my acting career. I’m the first daughter and middle child of my family. After graduating from St Thomas Aquinas High School, I obtained my Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology from York University in Toronto Canada in 2013. Because I knew where we came from, I was raised in Benin and I knew the kind of background that I had while growing up and I knew all the dramas that I went through in my childhood. So my parents had ensured that they work extremely hard so that we have a better life than they actually did. So that has been a very important impact that has made me Linda Osifo.

    When was the turning point for you?

    The turning point for me was in 2015 when I got my first big break with the TV Series called ‘Desperate Wives Africa”. It was a turning point for me because I felt I had started living my dreams. I felt that I got an opportunity to be able to express and display my talent and at that moment I was being recognised as a new face in Nollywood; that was the turning point for me.

    You studied Psychology but you never practiced, why?

    I studied Psychology at a university in Canada. However, I never got to practice it why because I relocated to Lagos, Nigeria, immediately after I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. I didn’t want to pursue it further to get my doctorate because at that point I had made up my mind to relocate back to Nigeria and follow my passion of acting.

    I had my debut acting role in 2012 when I starred in Family Secrets in New Jersey. Upon my return to Nigeria in late 2013, I starred in my first Nollywood film, King Akubueze. I also featured in the popular Nigerian soap opera Tinsel as ‘Nina Fire’. In 2017, I played the role of Adesuwa Dakolo in EbonyLife’s spin-off drama series, Fifty and Africa Magic’s television series Jemeji, playing the role of Noweyhon; the list is endless.

    What is your definition of style?

    Style, to me, is being yourself, defining yourself, being comfortable in whom you are and how you decide to express yourself. Style, to me, is your personality and being able to express yourself without talking.

    What are the things you won’t do in the name of fashion?

    I love fashion very much. However, I won’t go naked in the name of fashion.

    Any plan to go into politics?

    I’ve never been asked such questions before but never say never; youth are tomorrow’s leaders. All I would say is never say never.

    Do you believe in mentorship and do you have any mentor?

    Yes I do, we all need to be inspired, we all need to learn; to be motivated. There is nothing as good as looking up to individuals who have gone through a path or journey that you are aspiring to go on or that you are in at the moment. As per whether I have specific mentors, well I wouldn’t say that I have any particular name but I look up to good people, beginning from my mother to those people around me who are workers and to great icons like Oprah Winfrey. I look up to men and women who are generally doing great in their field, breaking barriers and conquering their own industry.

    What is your advice to upcoming artistes?

    My advice is that they should trust the process. In other words, have faith in what you are going through at the moment. It may not be easy, you may not even see yourself making any progress but if you can trust the process, the journey, the moment, yourself and the Almighty God, what you are doing at that moment will surely pay off; you would overcome everything and you would get there. Even though it takes long and it seems so difficult, or nobody is giving you any opportunity, just trust the process.

    What has life taught you?

    Where do I start from? I would say we learn everyday and I’m still learning, but one thing I know that life has taught me is not to worry too much about the things that I cannot solve with the strand of my hair. Life has taught me not to worry about tomorrow that we just don’t know.

  • Celebs who made bold fashion statements in 2019

    Kehinde OLULEYE Reports

     

    If you are at an event and want a good view of your favourite celebs, the place to stake out is the red carpet. From plunge-shoulder bearing pieces to mesh smash statements jumpsuits and queenly ruffles, the red carpet plays host to a glittering array of fashion and fads every week.

    On the red carpet, celebs strut, fawn and try to put up a good pose for the paparazzi.  At most celeb-studded events, the red carpet is the place where the action starts.

    Every celeb worth his or her name knows that you cannot afford to put a foot wrong on the red carpet, especially if you plan to share your photos with your fans and the quick-to-lash audience that fill up every space on social media.

    Below are some of the stylish and famous celebrities, who made bold fashion statements and influence fashion trends in 2019.

     

    Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD)

    Nigerian actor and former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta, Richard Mofe- Damijo’s fashion statement definitely is not about wearing the coolest trends or something that everyone likes. Mofe-Damijo is simply in a class of his own. He doesn’t really follow the trends; he is a trend maker. He is never afraid to step out of the box and try new things.  Richard is a risk taker in the fashion sense. Therefore, he is without a doubt one of the most fashionable male celebrities  in the outgoing year.

     

    Betty Irabor

    She is the forever young publisher and founder of Genevieve magazine. That this author is beautiful is not in doubt. She is a fashion expert and icon. And the fact that she knows what counts in current fashion despite being above 60 is not contestable. For as long as anyone can remember, Betty has been a trend setter in style. Age has also not taken a toll on her beauty!

     

    Rita Dominic

    It’s hard to list the stylish and fabulous ones in Nigeria without mentioning her name and you can’t help but take a bow for her. Popular Nollywood thespian, Rita Dominic, has remained a constant feature on the style and social scene. A sucker for classy costume, she is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to fashion and style.

     

    Mai Atafo

    Mai Atafo, as he is well known, is one of Nigeria’s foremost modern fashion designers. Artistic Mai woke us from our slumber a few years ago to the world of classic and vintage-inspired outfits. His outfits are distinguished by their diverse fusion of glitz and class.

    Ebuka Obi-Uchendu

    Lawyer and media personality, Ebuka Obi- Uchendu, is one of the most successful showbiz personalities of his generation. Suave and debonair, Ebuka often appears on the list of the country’s best-dressed men.

     

    Mimi Onalaja

    This TV presenter, fashion and travel blogger, Mimi Onalaja, mixes streetwear and designer with ease!

     

    Toke Makinwa

    Whether it is jumpsuits or maxi dress, the Nigerian radio personality, television host, vlogger, lifestyle entrepreneur, author and creative genius, Toke Makinwa,  knows how to dress.

     

    Nancy Isime

    There is no denying the fact that Nancy Isime is one of the industry’s most stylish and hottest actresses and OAPs. She churns out amazing styles all year round. She is known for her unique styles  and creating fashion statements of timeless style attitude.

     

    Mercy Aigbe

    Beautiful and bold, Nollywood star, Mercy Aigbe, is unique for two reasons. She has a commanding presence and an exquisite taste in fashion. She has kept on confounding people by upping the ante with her unique styles.

     

    Bamike Olawunmi (aka BamBam)

    The Nollywood actress and former BB Naija Double Wahala housemate, always hits the nail on the head.

     

    Jennifer Osei(aka theladyvodka)

    Jennifer Oseh, popularly known as theladyvodka, is effortlessly elegant.From flirty dresses to pant suits, Oseh can wear it all, flawlessly.

     

    Uti Nwachukwu

    Uti Nwachukwu , popularly known as Sir Uti, always looks nice. His relaxed, vintage style never fails to impress and one person we always look forward to seeing.

     

    Genevieve Nnaji

    Genny’s red carpet style has won the Nollywood thespian a place on the list. She’s a fashion ‘chameleon’, who is able to switch from stylish casual garbs to Nollywood glamour with ease.

     

    Iyabo Ojo

    These days, self-style actress, director, producer and mother-of-two, Iyabo Ojo,  delivers the wow factor every time.

     

    Chika Ike

    Whilst we wouldn’t adjudge actress, television personality, producer, business woman, philanthropist and former model as the best, she’s one of the most red carpets worthy ambassadors.

     

    Ini Dima Okojie

    Nollywood actress, Ini Domain Okojie, avoids being boring with daring and ever-changing cuts and make-up looks.

     

    Denola Grey

    Freelance fashion consultant and writer and an on-air multimedia personality, Denola Adepetun, popularly known as Denola Grey’s relaxed and vintage style never fails to impress.

     

    Osas Ighodaro

    Since Nigerian American actress, presenter, humanitarian, ex- beauty queen (Miss Black USA Pageant, 2010) and The Joyful Joy Foundation founder Osas Ighodaro, emerged on the scene, she has continued to surprise with daring and colourful red-carpet looks.

     

    Ik Ogbonna

    Ik is many things; an actor, director, model, TV personality and a damn good dresser. The Nollywood star not only knows how to rock a suit, he’s also good with traditional apparels.

    Noble Igwe: Nigerian blogger and the founder and Chief Executive Officer of 360 Group, can rock a great suit, but he’s also proved he can make comfortable, casual clothes look fit for a red carpet.

     

    Toyin Lawani

    Like it or not,Toyin is one of the masters of the red carpet having carved out a niche for herself with her unique designs. She struts the red carpet with high quality and exquisite fabrics, showcasing the beauty of chord, chiffon, satin, etc.

  • How to celebrate Christmas with kids

    Our Reporter

     

    IT’S that time of the year again. Christmas is right around the corner and the whole world is in the mood for celebration! How are you going to spend your holiday season with your little ones? Well, if you’re looking for ideas, you’ve come to the right place!

    There are some Christmas-time practices that remain universally beloved. Christmas-time is rife with activity ideas for you to have the best time with your little tots! Let’s get into it!

    Making dessert

    Chocolate

    Chocolate, cake, and warm drinks are a must-have for the end of the year. In many countries, it gets cold this time of the year — and there just isn’t a better way to keep warm than with a comforting cup of chocolate. Try this microwave-brownie recipe with your children! Easy, child-friendly, and delicious, this is one recipe you’re going to want to save!

    Fruit crafts

    Looking for a healthier option? You got it! Christmas dinners typically serve many fruit based dishes — fruit cakes, fruit-infused pudding and fruity drinks. An easy-to-prepare snack is a fruit platter! Cutting fruits out into shapes (under adult supervision) and arranging them in patterns will be great fun — plus, you get to eat it!

    Snowflakes

    Snow topped Christmas trees and winter have become a staple in Christmas symbolism. Did you know that all snowflakes are six-pointed, and that no two snowflakes are alike?

    Read Also: Another Christmas celebration in Nigeria

     

    When putting up your Christmas tree this year, throw in a couple of homemade ornaments! Instructables has an easy step-by-step tutorial that helps every little crafts-person produce beautiful snowflake patterns!

    Christmas lights

    Missing brightly coloured Christmas lights in your home? Invite the kids to light up, not only on the Christmas tree, but the whole house with their own little fingers!

    Welcoming Santa

    What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Christmas? For us, it’s our all-time favourite Santa Claus!

    Around the world, Santa takes many names and forms. In Europe, many countries teach their children of St. Nicholas, a saint in red robes who brings gifts to children each year in December. Some know the Christmas gift-bringer as Father Christmas, Father Frost, and Sinterklaas. The most popular, though, is Santa Claus, a jolly old man with his memorable white beard, his red winter clothing, and his magical flying reindeer.

    Letter to the North Pole

    How will Santa know what you want for Christmas? You’ll have to tell him! Let’s sit down, think this through, and carefully write a polite letter to Santa telling him about how your year was and what you want for Christmas.

    Christmas songs

    To prepare for Santa’s arrival down your chimney, let’s learn songs to welcome him!

    Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer speaks to every child who’s special in his own way. A sweet jingle, that reminds us that the qualities that make us different are meant to be embraced, is the perfect song for the holidays.

    Christmas fun facts

    This holiday season may seem similar all around the world because of the bright lights, festive feasts and the general air of cheer. There are actually plenty of differences that distinguish each community during this time.

    Christmas songs

    You may be familiar with the classic Christmas songs, but do you know some of the popular Christmas songs in other languages? Check them out in our earlier Christmas blog post.

     

  • Should spouses tell each other everthing?

    By Vera Chidi-Maha

     

    HEY People! Happy New Year to us all!  Hope we all had fun with our spouses? Hope we were able to use the holidays as an opportunity to add some spices to our relationships.  I’m sure we did.  I’m wishing us all an exciting union this 2019.

    Secrets! Everybody has secrets. You know that one or two things happened in your past that you’d rather not talk about.  It could even be business plans, investments that you don’t want another to know about.  It could also be that shameful act that you were once involved in, and I tell you this, a lot happens to and with an individual when no one is watching.

    So, now that we all get the gist of where I am going with this, what then happens when you are married.  Is it ideal to keep keeping secrets secret? Are you meant to keep everything close to your chests hoping your spouse will never find out? Could our past come to hurt our relationship in anyway  or is it just safer to bottle it all in?

    Do you have limits on what you will and won’t share? Should you tell your man if another man makes a pass at you in a bid to be open.

    Should you tell your wife if another woman catches your fancy or flirts with you? If, as a lad , you have the opportunity to buy some plots of land and can also afford to put up a structure or two, should you confide and carry your man along or keep him in the dark?

    If, as a man, you are spending more money outside the home to support a friend or family member, should your wife be in the know. Or do you feel that as a woman, it is really none of our business?

    Speaking generally, in most circumstances, it is good to be open and honest with your spouse.  Honesty breeds trust, and trust makes for a happy, healthy home life.

    Unfortunately, according to research findings, there are things you just cannot afford to tell your spouse.  Meaning that some secrets will just have to follow you till death do you part!

    Some things are really better left unsaid.  Reason is because, there are pieces of information that can destroy rather than mend your homes.

    Things that are to be left unsaid are issues like saying ugly things about your in-laws.  Saying ugly things about your spouse’s friends is one thing, doing so regarding in- laws is considered a cardinal sin, one for which you could pay dearly for.

    This could last for as long as the marriage.  Another, no go area is  when you begin to recount old and good memories of your ex.

    One thing that can make a spouse boil is hearing the mention of an ex in a good light.  Even if everyone doesn’t admit it, every married person hopes deep down that all the exes your spouse might have had, should not be compared to them.

    This is especially true about things that go on in the bedroom. Just don’t go there! Details about your past relationships to your spouse will only end up destroying the home you have both laboured to build.

    Never ever tell your spouse certain things about your sex life.  A few things are trickier or more of a touchy topic between couples in a marriage, that is the topic of sex.

    This is because everyone likes to think that he or she is great in bed…better than anyone else. That he or she is a huge turn on for his or her spouse.

    If anyone of these are not true, pointing it out to your spouse is likely to cause not just a rift, but a rend in your marital relationship.

    A better approach will be to teach him or her how to please you in bed.

    A neighbour of mine once told me how she taught her spouse how to make love to her. She said at the earlier part of their marriage , her man would just pounce on her and in no time, he was done.

    For months, she was very dissatisfied, but being a newly wedded bride, she found it difficult to express her hurt, neither did she desire to puntcure her husband’s ego.

    Read Also: Eight ways couples can sustain love

     

    So, rather than verbalize her utmost dissatisfaction in bed, she decided to use actions.  She taught him where to touch, where to nibble, and how to make her happy.  Naturally, she touched him too in order to make him happy and stay a little longer.

    She even gets him herbs to help.    Today, she’s so happy, and, of course, when the woman of the house is happy, everyone is happy.  Right?  It might be really productive.

     

    Secondly, I have heard of women who will buy parcels of land and keep their husbands in the dark until the completion of their projects. In my opinion, it is totally unacceptable! Many women, unfortunately, are into this.  Sad but true.  Also do not disparage your spouse’s friends.  It could come back to haunt you.

     

    In conclusion, there are secrets meant to keep harmony in the marriage, not as a first step towards lying.  However, honesty and openness are still a better approach.

    Do not discuss your fantasies with your spouse.  Hmmmm. Fantasies.  It is said that having fantasies is healthy.  I will say it is healthy if you keep them to yourself.

    Yes. Regardless of whether they are sexual fantasies or just wishful thinking, keep them to yourself, lest your spouse sees you as promiscuous, dissatisfied.

    Years back, there was a huge messy divorce involving some celebrities.  The cause of their divorce was because of his ‘crazy’ sexual fantasies.

    Often times, he would compel her to have annal sex with him. Today, their marriage is history.  Some have fantasies that cannot even begin to appear on the pages of a newspaper.

    So, you see, some crazy fantasies should be kept to yourself.  Period!

    That said, there are, however, things I feel should be told to one’s spouse without hesitation.  Things like your investment.  I promise you, no spouse will settle for less. Your spouse is your partner in progress, don’t forget.