The Nation Newspaper

Category: Glamour

  • My biggest influence and inspiration is my mother—DOLAPO ONI

    My biggest influence and inspiration is my mother—DOLAPO ONI

    Dolapo Marcy Oni is a graduate of Chemistry, University of Bristol, England. Her passion for acting led her to the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts in London. She started her television career as the lead anchor on the MNet show Studio 53 Extra and soon became a force to reckon with. The co-host of the hit TV show, Moments with Mo, has since become a style icon across Africa. She has worked with classical and contemporary materials across all mediums  from stage and film, to radio  crafting her expertise in entertainment. She shares with Adetutu Audu her odyssey 

    Share your experience on Jacob’s Cross with us.

    Jacob’s cross was one of my best experiences. Getting the job was challenging. I was working with Mnet at the time, so anytime I was in South Africa I would take any chance I could to audition. I had the audition in Jo’burg, and after a year I did a Skype audition, then put myself on tape then sent it out. After I had a meeting via Skype, I was offered the part I played. I was really excited as I’ve always been a fan of Jacob’s Cross. I remember when I first moved back to Nigeria that I said that is the show I would love to work on and I was very happy.

    Which do you like the most, soap or stage performance?

    They are two completely different sorts of productions. You cannot get the type of adrenaline rush you get on stage on TV. It’s just completely different. But on the other hand, TV is for life and by that, I mean it’s recorded, because in 20 years I would be able to show my children, and that is something that is really, really exciting. So I’m not sure if I’m able to choose.

    While growing up, who influenced you for good, the bad and the ugly to shape you into who you are today?

    My biggest influence and inspiration is my mother. My mother taught me to work with an independent mind and be thankful I had a great education; and to use that to make something of myself. And that’s basically what I have done. I come from a family of lawyers and accountants, and everyone has pretty regular jobs. It may have been difficult if I came back with the mindset of maybe my parents or siblings could help me with this or that. What I needed mostly was their support and I am very lucky they gave that to me. And I just basically went out there to hustle so that I would get jobs, and luckily I did.

    What would you say is the highest point of your career?

    Highest points of my career are: Jacob’s Cross, Saro the Musical and starting my own production company by being able to create work and offer work to people. And watch this space, because there is something coming to your TV screens very soon (my own personal project).

    What major setbacks have you had in the course of your career?

    I think rejection is a major thing I’ve learnt to deal with. Going to a lot of auditions and not getting the job, I keep my head up and strive for what I believe in. I don’t let it knock my confidence because the next gig might just be mine.

    You recently got engaged, when should we expect the wedding bells? Away from the glitz, who is MDO?

    Expect the wedding bells sometime soon. MDO is a chilled-out, fun loving person and a home buddy. I love to go to the movies, I love shopping love eating out, but most of the time, I love hanging out with my family and friends.

    Fashion item you can’t do without?

    Jeans. I have quite a number of jeans and I love the fact that you can dress them up and dress them down.  I also love shoes. And I don’t just like heels; I like all kinds of shoes…wedges, flats, sandals, as long as they look nice.  I would say I have about 30 pairs.

    Describe your personality and style?

    I am chilled and I can be blunt. If I am annoyed about something you will see it. It’s quite obvious because it will be written all over my face. So what you see is what you get.

    Being in the limelight has its own challenges, kindly share yours with us.

    I would say all jobs have good sides and bad sides. I work on TV, so people know who I am. I can’t complain because I put myself up there. People say things because they feel they know you. So when people say things I don’t like, I just brush it off. I don’t complain about that, because the job comes with lots of perks.

    You effortlessly change your hair dos and looks, what are your beauty secrets?

    Sleep and drinking lots of water to hydrate myself; this I would recommend to anybody.

    As one of the most admired television personalities, what do you think sets you apart?

    I think the fact that I have been trained really helps. Even though I went to drama school, I use those skills in front of the cameras, whether it is for acting or presenting.

     

  • Style, inner expression of a woman’s personality—YEMISI SUSWAM

    Style, inner expression of a woman’s personality—YEMISI SUSWAM

    In the current political dispensation, Yemisi Suswam, architect and First Lady of Benue State, has etched her name on people’s consciousness on account of her charitable works and distinct style. She speaks on these and more in this interview with REMI ADELOWO

    How do you feel on the award conferred on you by the Sun Newspapers?

    Of course I feel very grateful to God Almighty and the organisers of the award. I also feel very humbled. I’ve watched a few of the past awards with admiration with no expectation that I would one day be honoured by the organisation. And the good thing about it all is that the award is not price tagged. I just saw my name like every other winner and that is quite humbling and heartwarming. Of course, my humble contributions to ensuring that my husband’s administration is endeared to the people of Benue State have not gone unnoticed and I give God all the glory.

    You have won many awards in the past, so which one would you consider as the most remarkable?

    The truth is that I’m always very skeptical when it comes to people or organisations conferring me with awards. The greatest award one can have in life is serving God and humanity. If I could recall, the first award I got was shortly after I got married; that was around 1996 before my husband became the governor. I also got an award from the National Council for Women Society (NCWS). Then I also cherish the award conferred on me by my professional body and all these did not come with any monetary condition. Of course, that is not to say that the awards I’ve received as a governor’s wife are not appreciated. These awards too are very important. In 2008, the European Market Women Union based in Belgium conferred an award on me alongside the former National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, in France. Then there is also the African Leadership Award which was organised by the European Research Marketing Company, African Achievers Award which held in Kenya. Other awardees include a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and former Minister of Petroleum Resources, the late Alhaji Rilwan Lukman of blessed memory.  No doubt, I appreciate all of these awards.

    Not a few Nigerians have described you as, unarguably, Nigeria’s most stylish first lady. Is that something you consciously set out to achieve?

    I feel shy and humbled if people say that about me, but, honestly, it’s not something that is deliberate. I don’t even think about it; I just do things as directed by God. I believe that I’m a vessel that God uses for certain purposes and that is all that matters to me. What has also helped me is that because my husband is a governor, a lot is expected of him and the time he spends with me is quite minimal…

    (Cuts in) I’m sure that is a huge sacrifice for you

    Of course it’s a big sacrifice, because as a married woman, you expect your husband to stand by you when the situation demands it. But I can understand, because he must attend to public calling. So, what I do is to spend my time on charitable works which I find very rewarding.

    Still talking about style; is it a virtue that is innate or something you imbibed along the line?

    My belief is that style is an inner expression of a woman’s personality. My mum is quite a stylish person and she is now 86. We learnt a lot from her. If you also meet my siblings, you see that in them. But above all, looking stylish is all about the glory of God.

    Your NGO has done a lot in the areas of empowering women and tackling the scourge of HIV and AIDS in Benue State. So, what has been your most significant achievement as Benue’s First Lady in the last eight years?

    In terms of our intervention in HIV and AIDS prevention in Benue State, I’m very proud of what we’ve been able to achieve. Some years ago, many people in the state were dying in huge numbers, but the situation is different today, because of the awareness and sensitisation we have done in the 23 local governments in Benue State. Now, people are equipped with adequate knowledge on how to know their status and live a positive and productive life. This is quite heartwarming for me. The first baby that we had in one of our HIV clinics, who tested negative, is the biggest excitement for me. That child is about four years now and still tests negative. The fact that we are getting rid of HIV among the next generation, for me, is something to cheer about. Before our intervention and in collaboration with Action Committee on AIDS and other agencies, Benue State, which recorded 12.8 percent in 2010, has dropped dramatically to 5.7 percent in prevalence scale. So, instead of being first on the prevalence scale, Benue State now ranks number nine. I’m so excited about this, because that simply shows that all our humble efforts have not been in vain.

    Your tenure as Benue first lady would be winding down come May 28, what has been the most impactful lesson you’ve learnt in the last eight years?

    The popular adage that says all that glitters is not gold is very true at least from my personal experience. People erroneously believe life is all rosy for elected public officials and leaders…

    (Cuts in) but is it not all rosy?

    I tell it’s not rosy at all. There are a lot of sacrifices to make; there are a lot of risks to take on behalf of the people you lead. Before you get into public office, you dream of doing so many things, but when you get there, you are confronted with severe limitations that would constrain you from making things happen. As a leader, there are some circumstances that are just beyond your powers to change or influence. And that is why we have to educate our people on making unnecessary demands, because the truth is some of their requests are just ridiculous that you wonder whether they think you are God. The expectations are just so many. In public office, I’ve also learnt a lot about people, because it gives you the opportunity to see the good, the bad and the ugly. As a public office holder, you learn every day.

    Do you sometimes get sulked in or carried away with all the fawning and sycophancy of people around you?

    I don’t ever get carried away and that is the truth. I’m always a bit jittery when people say nice things about me and always on guard. I’m not God, and so when you say nice things about me to my face, I cannot see your heart, so you have to be very discerning and also be imbued with a lot of wisdom to really read people’s motive.

    Your husband’s status as governor has denied you of his full attention, now he is going to the Senate. How do you feel?

    I rest my case (general laughter).

    Are you returning to your architectural field once you are done with public service?

    Do you know how long it took me to get qualified as an architect? Will you now advice me to abandon all of that? That is impossible. A professional remains a professional any day. Up till today, I still design for people…

    (Cuts in) Do you get paid for that?

    Sometimes, a few people are magnanimous to pay me, while others feel I don’t need the money. But by and large, architecture is a very rewarding profession.

    What is you most cherished possession?

    The Holy Bible! If you don’t dwell in that word, you will regret any step you take.

    I know you have two boys, any plan of adding a girl?

    (Laughs) I have a daughter and by God’s grace, I will have more.

  • JIMMY JATT – ‘I’ve not had day off in 25 years’

    JIMMY JATT – ‘I’ve not had day off in 25 years’

    Jimmy Adewale Amu, popularly known as DJ Jimmy Jatt is, one of Nigerian’s hottest DJs. Jatt is revered for his role in setting the pace for hip hop music across Nigeria. DJ Jimmy Jatt has also graced the same stages with Usher Raymond, Shaggy, Eve, K-CI and Jojo, Naughty by Nature, Caron Wheeler, Magic System and David Lynden Hall, Sean Paul etc. He is also the official DJ for the Play Safe National Campus Tour in Nigeria, poised at warring against unprotected sex. He shares his journey to the top with ADETUTU AUDU.

    How would you describe the journey so far, 25 years is huge as a DJ?

    I am grateful it has been God so far. Most people around me know that I am not a loud person, but the only reason I was convinced to do this was because it’s 25 years of relevance and consistency. There has not been an off day for me in the past 25 years. I have never been found wanting in the industry for the past 25 years. I hear a lot of people celebrate 10 to 15 years but within that period, there are times when they take a break for a couple of years. But in my own case, I have ever been present. I felt for once in my life that I should really celebrate my achievements.

    What would you describe as the high and low moments of your career?

    To be honest with you, there are a whole lot of experiences, may be at the beginning it was hard. But since it is something I am passionate about, I can’t say which was high or low moment.

    Between producing your own music and disc jockey, which is rewarding?

    For me, disc jockey has been more rewarding.

    What motivates you?

    People who love you should motivate you because they are the ones that appreciate your work and give room for great improvement. For me, my motivation changes. In the beginning, the driving force was the negativity of people towards what I do. Some people in my neighbourhood warned their kids to stay away from me because I was a DJ. So, for me, at that time, the motivation was to prove such people wrong. Then it got to a level where I got married and I felt I owed it to my family to be responsible. It also got to a point when I attracted young people into the business of DJ and they all were looking up to me. I owed them a duty to lead the way. These have been my motivation. Finally, it got to a point where people started celebrating me. At this time, my fan base cut across all generations. Today, I am one of the very few entertainers that dominate discussions among three generations in Nigeria. I am a brand that cuts across everybody. So I always have all these at the back of my mind, and it keeps me going.

    What are those things that influence you in life?

    Well, like I said, it is family. In terms of everything I want to do, I always feel how would my family feel about this; how would my dad, mum, brothers and when I got married how would my wife take it, how would my children feel? So, for me, that has been a driving force in taking any step.

    Despite the sweet stories, I know there were also challenges. How were you able to surmount them?

    The challenges are always there, but you know when you love what you do with passion, sometimes those challenges come as hurdles you have to scale through to move on. It is like when you have a hundred metre hurdles race you know you would meet hurdles on the way, but you have to skip them and skip them till you get to the finish line. They are there to make you stronger and strive harder to attain results.

    It seems DJ is the in-thing now. What sets you apart from others?

    I wouldn’t know. I think it’s just me being myself; I am not trying to be another person. I work like a rookie; I mean I work like an upcoming DJ.  I don’t work like I am anywhere yet. I feel like there is always room for improvement to be better than where you are, so I try to be better every time and you know that would always amount to something good.

    What is the future of DJing in Nigeria?

    The future is bright and unimaginable, just like the music and entertainment industry. Now we have DJs from rich backgrounds – children of wealthy people wanting to be DJs and being supported by their parents. It was not like that before.

    Going forward, a lot of changes are needed today. There needs to be more appreciation for the trade. I mean corporate bodies and big party organisers consider hiring DJs as the last choice when planning an event and we are the least paid despite the fact that we make the parties worthwhile.

    DJs abroad own private jets because it is big business. It has gone beyond just performing at shows. The entertainment industry, of which DJs are a subset, needs to grow bigger. In the conference I attended in Japan recently, I met artistes, musicians, songwriters and music producers who appreciated our (Nigerian) songs and some of them are not performing artistes. They are okay with releasing their songs and making a lot of money from it. In Nigeria, one of the reasons you see artistes perform in the living room of the rich is because there are no other means of earning a living other than performing. Nigerian artistes need to make much money as well, aside live performances. This is part of the growth we want – piracy being dealt with and laws that protect intellectual property

    What has fame robbed you of?

    Privacy, mainly; a lot of ordinary things I would like to do on my own but you know some of them come at a cost now. If I wasn’t really into entertainment, I am not better than other guys that probably my neighbour would take note of. But the popularity of being into entertainment, showbiz, DJ, has robbed me of my privacy.

    Let’s talk about fashion. How would you describe your style?

    Simply put, my style is my own style. I tend to wear things I feel comfortable and good in, it doesn’t matter if it is not trendy. I am not someone that likes to go with what the trend is right now. I look at things, I try it and if it fits, I am good to go.  I do things people would not want to do, like I wear cap on native. In fact, I wear cap pretty much on everything. Some people would tell me you don’t wear cap on this kind of thing, but I do it and get away with it every time. Nobody has condemned it, not even the fashion police.

    What is the fashion accessory you cannot do without?

    At this point, I would say it is obvious and it is the cap. I wear cap every time.

  • Forget controversies I’m a good girl—HALIMA ABUBAKAR

    Forget controversies I’m a good girl—HALIMA ABUBAKAR

    Nollywood actress, Halima Abubakar, is one of Nigeria’s finest acting talents. Having spent over a decade in the industry, she has grown a large fan base over the years and has received national and international recognition for her work. The Kogi State-born actress shares her passion with Adetutu Audu

    YOU have really had your fair share of controversies; people would have expected you to go under, going by all the scandals.

    Some people would have built ten houses out of those controversies. Well, I don’t know if I am controversial. I am a very good girl. I don’t set out to bring controversy to myself. I just go about my life in a normal way. If you think that is controversial, I don’t have anything to say to that.

    You are also crazy about tattoos. Apart from your chest region, where else do you have the tattoo?

    A couple of places. I am sure you don’t want to find out.

    How impactful would you say you have been in the industry?

    Of course I am treasured; my contribution is highly felt. You can ask my president and my fans can tell. I have contributed in discovering a lot of stars, we don’t need to go into the details because we all know, and I don’t need to be the highest paid actress to know that you have touched lives but knowing that you have is a joy you have within, I can’t share it.

    You are passionate about charity. Why?

    Halima Abubakar Foundation for the poor. Actually, it focuses on people that don’t have food. My concern is that a lot of people are hungry, so aside from giving them money, we can buy a bag of rice and share it to them. Food and water generally is my interest because I was hungry once, so I know a lot of people are hungry too.

    Your family was affected by the Boko Haram insurgency recently. How do you feel?

    I do not support any crisis from any angle at all. They have business with the government, not the individuals, so I think they lost focus of what they are doing.  I am still pained; my business and family were affected. We are just going to pray to God to keep guiding and protecting everyone.

    What is your most expensive fashion item?

    My wristwatches. I love wristwatches. And rings; I love rings. It’s amazing when you hear the amount some of these rings cost. I love accessories a lot.

    What dictates your dressing?

    I like being different. I want people to look at me and say “yes, she has a style”, even if it’s weird. I don’t have to come out wearing a mini skirt like every other person. I can’t come out wearing something that won’t allow me breath well in order for people to look at me and say, “oh, she’s a fashion icon.” I’d wear 16 colours if I choose to, as long as I’m happy about it. I love colours. Look around, there are always colours. See, I painted my house purple. I was almost going to paint the gate red but then people stopped me.

    How lucky have you been with your relationships?

    I have had very few relationships; I had a boyfriend that died in 2003, and after that I think I have been in two solid relationships. People might say that it is a lie, but if anybody knows of any other one, he or she should come out and say it. I have had only two relationships, and I realise that these days people are getting headaches over when I will marry and all that, are they going to live with me when I get married? Are they going to put food on my table when I get married? Will they come and live with us? So, I won’t get married because of what people are saying. Some of them don’t even have a relationship. They just hate us because we are actresses; is it our fault? So, you don’t bring your frustrations into my own name. Most of the rumours on the internet are all lies. Some don’t even read the interviews before they comment; when they just see someone’s name, they just scroll down to the comment, and they don’t even know what you are saying on the internet.

    Do these things get to you?

    No, there are things that I do that I would appreciate a commendation, but people don’t do that. You find out that the good things you do, people don’t read about them; what they want to read about is an actress dating this and that, an actress smoking. When you say this person is doing charity, they don’t get to highlight that. They highlight the rumours they hear, and not what they see or know. If they don’t see pictures, they complain; when they see, they say you are advertising what you are doing. So I have given up on convincing people, I’ll keep on doing what I want to do and forget about what people think. I see a lot of people fighting over my age, and it is silly, because at this time people don’t lie about age. How old was I, when I came in, how old am I now? People say Halima should keep quiet; she is older than she is claiming.

    You hugged stardom with a picture baring your cleavages. How do you feel looking back now?

    It was just an advert; a picture I took for a laundering company advert. It was just an audition picture where I was wearing a bikini. Back then, it was big deal in our society, but nowadays, it’s a common thing, because ladies put pictures like that on their DP and nothing happens. I actually did not know the press was aware of the picture in Lagos because I spent most of my time in Kano then and those magazines hardly circulate in Kano. It was my father who saw the write-ups and you can guess what that would have meant for me. Funny enough, I ended up not getting the job for which I snapped the picture because of the controversy that surrounded it. It got to the level that people were using the opportunity to ask me to do nude scenes in the movies. Many producers were now writing scripts based on nudeness for me but I refused. I knew if I started that trend at that point in time, I won’t go back. I have seen one or two movies that people are becoming daring and all that. I just look back and laugh when I think about all the things I have gone through in life.

    Would you say it affected your career?

    Oh yes, it did. A lot of producers didn’t want to work with me. They used to see me as a very decent quiet girl. For them to see those pictures, it was very shocking to them. It took me some years to convince them that I can act very well. I am not all about snapping pictures and modelling. I am still trying to convince some of them. I refused to quit the industry, like I told you before. That consistency sort of helped me out. I have built relationships again.

    Where did you develop your passion for acting, knowing that most people from your religious background would not?

    I started acting when I was in my teens. The awareness then was not that much. People didn’t really know much about movies up north then. It was after the millennium that people started taking note of the movie industry. In short, when I started, I didn’t have a problem until people started making a big issue out of nothing; even things that should not elicit any reaction. But because of the way those things were blown out of proportion, people were forced to take note and that brought controversies and bad comments from people. Basically, I don’t think it is a problem. When you are given a job to do, I guess you are supposed to do it very well.

    So how has the journey been so far?

    It’s been rough but we thank God; at least I’m still here to tell the story. I’m very grateful for all the decisions I’ve taken, the struggles, the pain, the rejection, but I’m glad I went through all that because I appreciate it more.

    What lessons have you learnt over the years?

    That things are not as easy as people make you believe and to be good to people. Consistency, prayer and being focused. Focus is the main thing

    Which is your most memorable movie so far?

    I can’t choose because they all define me at the end of the day. Choosing one particular one won’t be fair to the other producers.

  • Fashion is not a display of wealth

    Fashion is not a display of wealth

    Ovire Peggy Enoho is a Nollywood actress, model and fashion entrepreneur. The Delta State-born beauty queen won Miss Galaxy International Nigeria pageant in 2007 and Miss Tourism Delta. The fast rising actress who also runs a fashion business, Hugs Couture, shares with Adetutu Audu her journey to fame and why fashion is not a display of wealth.

    HOW has winning Miss Galaxy impacted your life?

    As a student in Delta State University, I emerged winner of the Most Beautiful Girl on campus in 2003. That was a stepping stone to other pageants. I went for Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria in 2005 and emerged as the third runner up. That took me to Miss Tourism Delta, which I also won. The last pageant I won was Miss Galaxy International, Nigeria. I am not thinking of doing more pageants. I have decided to move forward. Life is in stages. I have left the stage of pageantry. Winning Miss Galaxy changed my perspective about life, it helped me to be more coordinated, get a wider view about life; it has impacted on my life positively. I leveraged on the crown to achieve greater heights, which include being the face of top Nigerian and international brands such as Bacchus tonic wine, featuring in Nollywood movies, my first being ‘Best of Enemies’, and running my boutique (Hugs Couture), amongst others.

    What gave you edge above others?

     God, confidence, beauty and brain.

    Did you engage in any pet project during your reign?

    My pet project during my reign was ‘Help for the African Child’, where I visited children lacking in rural areas and supplied them items, food especially. You would be amazed at how happy a N20 pack of biscuit can make a hungry child.

    It has become a fad for celebs to visit orphanages during birthday.  You also did. Why did you do it?

    I wanted to go somewhere people do not visit regularly, so a friend told me about ‘Sought after Children Orphanage’. So I visited the orphanage, asked them what they lacked in the place for the kids and I went there with my friends on my birthday with the items. Besides, I am in a position to understand how it feels not to have a mother by one’s side as one grows up. I grew up without my mother who passed away a long time ago; so to see kids smile, laugh & dance with me was a thing of joy to me.

    Who influenced you early in life?

     God and my dad have always been the greatest influence in my life.

    You studied Banking and Finance, what inspired you into acting?

    I have been passionate about being an actress all my life, so when the opportunity presented itself, I ran with it immediately. Great actors and actresses such as Nkem Owoh, Ngozi Ezeonu, Angelina Jolie, to mention but a few, inspire me a lot. Basically, I just hope that the Nigerian movie industry gets bigger and better, because we are still growing.

    Which one is your first movie and how much were you paid?

    My first movie was ‘Best of Enemies’. Acting doesn’t pay my bills for now because I am also into business. I own a fashion outlet in Ikota Shopping Complex called Hubs Couture. I did not do it for the money per se; I did it because it is something that I am passionate about. Few years from now, I hope to see myself up there, be a better actress and being able to touch lives with what I do. I don’t want to be the girl with the pretty face who can’t do anything. I just want to impact in people’s lives.

    You joined Nollywood a few years ago, how has the journey been?

     My experience in the industry so far has been fun. I decided to go into acting because I’ve always loved acting and I was given a platform to act and I did. I got into Nollywood through a friend, a very good friend of mine who is into acting. She’s been there for a couple of years and so she told someone about me and that was how I started.

     So far, I’ve done ‘Best of Enemies’ ‘Troubled King’, ‘Unknown’, ‘Worst of Friends’, ‘Worst Sin’ and so on. My first movie was ‘Best of Enemies’. I have also gone to the New York Film Academy to hone my skills.

    So, how do you strike a balance between modelling, acting and business?

    I find fulfilment in everything I do at the moment. It is easy to juggle all of them. I have assistants and sales representatives who stand in when I am not available or when I am on a movie locations. Modelling doesn’t take too much of my time either because it comes once in a while.

    How do you maintain your shape?

    I watch what I eat. I have discovered that eating right works for me. As much as possible, I stay away from carbohydrates. I eat twice a day at the maximum. Once it is 7pm, no food gets into my stomach, except fruits or water.

    What fashion item is hot for you now?

     One fashion accessory I love so much is shoes.

    How would you describe your style?

    Fashion is not a display of wealth. Style defines who you are.  Even before you introduce yourself, your style should tell people about you. My style depends on the function and how I want people to view me. If I am going to the office I have to dress properly. If it is a weekend and I am going to the cinemas, I have to dress differently too. I am not a one-sided dresser. I dress the way I feel I should. I could put on a pair of jeans and trainers and there are times I wear knickers and a T-shirt. I will never wear a tight jump suit because it does not look good on me. I think every lady should know what flatters her.

    What has being a celeb robbed you of?

     Being a celeb has not really stopped me from doing things I love to do. I still go out sometimes with my good old friends when I am not working.

  • Ameena Mahey Shagaya rocks

    AMEENA Mahey Rasheed is the daughter of Alhaji Mahey Rasheed, who got married two years ago to Hakeem, the second son of billionaire businesswoman, Hajia Bola Shagaya.

    Ameena, who is a medical doctor, is a combination of beauty and brain.  She still finds time out of her busy schedules to step out with her husband even as they look forward to their third wedding anniversary.

    Shagaya, a graduate of University of Sheffield and second son of the society woman, married Ameena at a grand wedding in February 2013. From Katsina where the bride comes from to Abuja, the couple were fêted by their families and friends in grand style.

  • Between Bola Muse and Ada Akpunonu

    YOU can always tell when two people are best friends because they will always do things harmoniously. This explains the bond between two powerful society women, Barr Ada Ebubedike Akpunonu and Hajia Bola Muse, the boss of Bomarah Group.

    Ada and Bola are two influential society women whose paths came together in the maritime sector. Ada, a lawyer cum freight forwarder, is currently the Vice President of the Association of Nigeria Customs Licensed Agents (ANLCA) at Tincan Ports, while Bola also holds a prominent position at the Apapa Port branch of the association, both in Lagos.

    Though they are active players in the field with proven track records, they have never allowed their individual achievements affect their relationship egoistically. Since they came to know each other, they have remained inseparable, not minding their different backgrounds.

    Ada is an indigene of Anambra State while Bola hails from Oyo State. But regardless of their ethnicity, their friendship has become a sort of envy in the social circle as they always do things mutually.

  • Much ado about Abiola Dosunmu’s club

    N 2009, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu celebrated her 62nd birthday with the launch of an exclusive club; The Beach Centre, located at her high rise house on Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The club is exclusively for the very high-end executive who values privacy, luxury and class.

    Facilities at the club include; a restaurant, gym, massage room, cyber parlour, library, meeting room, games room, conference room, exclusive lounge bars and many more. Membership does not come cheap either, as it costs millions to enjoy the facilities at the elite centre.

    Despite that, Erelu still caught the attention of many at the event as she strut in her all-white regalia trademark. The multimillion naira facility, we gathered, is devoid of grandeur associated with it from the beginning.

  • Wicked rumour trails Tombra Alamieyeseigha’s marriage

    THE news making the rounds is that all may not be well with the seven-month old marriage of Tombra,the son of former governor of Bayelsa state,DSP  Alamieyeseigha and his beautiful wife, Chikodi Stella Ononiwu,the the CEO – House of Diella.  . The couple had their engagement towards the end of 2013 while their registry was in March 2014. This was followed by a traditional wedding last year July in Nwangele LGA Imo State. Their talk of the town white wedding was held in Abuja in August.

  • Demola Aladekomo plans retirement

    THE founder and managing director of Chams Plc, Demola Aladekomo, will be retiring from the company he started almost 30 years ago. The brainy and witty CEO as part of his retirement which is due for September 2015 will be proceeding on leave by April.

    Though we cannot ascertain his next line of action yet, trust Aladekomo, who is acknowledged as the brain behind the success of the first e-payment card in Nigeria birthed by the Valucard project working with a consortium of five indigenous banks, is not resting on his oars.

    Aladekomo’s Chams Plc started as the first indigenous computer maintenance outfit. Over the years, the company has pioneered many new technologies and provided intelligent solutions to a wide range of public and private initiatives.