The Nation Newspaper

Category: Mind & Body

  • 2021, a year of unbelievable reward for virgins & the sexually-pure!

    2021, a year of unbelievable reward for virgins & the sexually-pure!

    With Temilolu Okeowo

    My darling, precious, glorious, dignified, world-famous and heavenly celebrated Nigerian daughters,

    I must salute and congratulate the sexually-pure in advance as this is going to be your best year ever! A year where God will glorify you! I’m pretty sure, He has unveiled some of His wonderful plans for you in your dreams! You’ve worked so hard to preserve yourself and you mustn’t lose your reward my dearest! However, did you know the more you abstain from ungodly sex, the more the devil tempts you?

    If I were you, in order not to throw away the immeasurable reward of the years of abstinence, I would wake up every morning at 5:30am and go jogging! While burning all the amala and suya of last night, you’d be speaking into your day, casting out what you don’t want in your life and inhaling the fire of God! How nice! What a great way to keep fit physically and spiritually! Here are more of my chastity nuggets to convince you that you’re on the right and best path anyone could ever be! May you start experiencing wonders from today!

    Girls, guys, a sexually-pure life is as unstoppable as a hot air balloon because it is propelled by the fire of God! May you fly higher than those you envy!

    Abstaining from ungodly sex is choosing GOD over DEVIL! There’s nothing God won’t do for you! May He restore your lost and waste years in Jesus name!

    Girls, do you know it’s easy to tame your flesh and not engage in premarital sex? 1. Have no boyfriend 2. “Carry God on your head!” May God honour you in Jesus name!

    Is your life becoming a bad dream? Pursue sexual purity and watch God “HAPPEN” in your life! May your mockers bow for your glory in Jesus name!

    Girls, guys, do you know your destiny’s glorification could be attached to your virginity? Study Joseph, Esther, Mary!

    Abstinence from sex till marriage will not kill you, it would fill your life with POWER and GLORY! May you turn out the “world’s greatest!”

    Girls, if God showed you your “original,” you’d have less heartbreaks and be too busy pursuing your destiny! May God open your eyes before you lose too much!

    Girls, PATRIARCHY is going to get worse! Stop “messing around” with guys! Arm yourselves now! May you be pampered and not tortured by men!

    Some of you carry so much POWER and AUTHORITY but you fling it away when you begin to engage in ungodly sex! May you not misplace your life!

    When you start sleeping with a guy outside marriage you stop being sizzling hot! You reduce in value! He could wake up the next day and spit you out like gall! Stay chaste and be the world’s most sought-after!

    Girls, guys, when you begin to defile God’s temple (your body), you chase God away and hand over to the devil! May the devil not control your destiny in Jesus name!

    Girls!!! The “entrance” of one wrong man into your life can damage you forever! Close up your thighs for now! Close up your life! May your life not become a bad dream!

    Girls, guys, many are daily losing once-in-a-lifetime breakthroughs through ungodly sex! May you not lose one God has planned to change your life forever!

    Ungodly sex gives the enemy easy access to attack you because your SPIRITUAL IMMUNITY drops! May your star not be shut down in Jesus name!

    Girls, if you knew what comes out of your life during sexual intercourse, you’d ABSTAIN and FIERCELY keep yourself till your wedding night!

    Premarital sex fragments your life! Stop scattering your spiritual being! May you be whole enough to carry the glory of God!

    Anyone who compares you unfavourably with girls engaging in sex for money is devilish! May your coming glorification embarrass them in Jesus name!

    Stop envying girls who sleep with men for money! They’re spiritually-stinking, toxic! Not worth envying! May God over-satisfy you!

    You might just be passing through Joseph’s lane! Don’t lose your crown! Don’t lose your glory! Don’t lose your life! Say NO to ungodly sex!

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

  • Storytelling as factor for change

    Storytelling as factor for change

    Omolola Afolabi

     

    Storytelling has been described as a major tool that reinforced the EndSARS protests and in recognition of this, could be used for the enhancement of human capacity and peace building in everyday interactions.

    OneAfricanChild, an organisation that ensures access to quality education for children in marginalised communities, in collaboration with the Youth Coalition Against Terrorism (YOCAT) and Wadi Ben Hirki Foundation made this submission during the training of youth civil society leaders and teachers on the promotion of peacebuilding through storytelling at Civic Hive in Lagos.

    Addressing this, a facilitator at the training, Ms Elizabeth Adeyemo, a PhD student at the University of Notre Dame took the participants through the activities that led to the protests and its implications.

    Her session focused on ‘Storytelling as a tool for Change. Being an interactive session, she encouraged participants to write their versions of the development of the protests

    There were however recommendations on how to fully deploy the energies and capabilities of young people at subsequent times to achieve a positive outcome.

    According to Ms Tinuola Oladebo, project manager of the training, young people inspired by the burning passion for change for their societies usually lack the skills and professional competencies to appropriately deliver on their set goals to promote development.

    Participants, having been exposed to a thorough and detailed process of facilitating peacebuilding workshops using storytelling and to increase their awareness on the power of storytelling, were thereafter made to demonstrate skills that will propel a peaceful and inclusive society in fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goal 16 to ensure a peaceful and inclusive society for all.

    Executive Director of the organisation, Ms Victoria Ibiwoye, said “The goal of the training was to help participants increase the awareness about the power of storytelling, to practice the skill of storytelling and to apply the four-stage pedagogy; explain, model, practice and debrief”.

    “These objectives were achieved through a series of activity-based exercises, such as ‘the story of my name’, an exercise which allowed participants to reflect and see the dynamics in their name through story.  The participants also learnt the intricacies of storytelling and its elements, portraying empathy between the teller and the listener,” Ibiwoye explained.

    The participants through a ‘Case Study’ analysis saw why storytelling is more trustworthy than presenting statistics.

    The second phase of the workshop was facilitated by Okeowo Segun Daniel. It equipped participants with facilitation skills, how to articulate and share their stories, practicing, receiving feedback and facilitating peacebuilding through storytelling, all of which exposed them to acts of storytelling which are exposition, conflict and resolution.

    One of the participants, Mrs Ghaniyah Jimoh, stated that she learnt the power of storytelling and not to be stereotypical about anybody, any culture or anything.

    Currently, participants are working on their various projects to apply the knowledge learnt from the workshop. The organisation is currently working with as many as are in need of further support after the workshop.

    OneAfricanChild is a youth-led organisation which had earlier trained over 100 teachers on peacebuilding to set off the second phase which was targeted towards young civil society leaders in the South Western part of Nigeria.

  • Natalie Workman on building teams and achieving success

    Natalie Workman on building teams and achieving success

    Our Reporter

    Natalie Workman firmly believes in the intersection of successful, well-motivated teams and corporate success.

    Her goal to help as many businesses understand this connection is at the centre of her role as the Vice President of Organizational Development at Cardone Ventures.

    “I was motivated to be a founding leader in Cardone Ventures by the significant opportunity to, and responsibility of, helping our clients achieve their personal, professional, and financial goals,” she says.

    “As Vice President of Operations at Cardone Ventures, I have the unique privilege of helping our clients achieve their personal, professional, and financial goals through the growth of their business,” she adds.

    Despite being just 27, Natalie is qualified to help business build their organisational infrastructure after studying the subject across the world.

    “Throughout my studies at the University of Portland from 2011 to 2013, I focused on Economics and Social Justice,” she says. “My understanding of these disciplines was expanded through studying Organizational Development at the London School of Economics from 2015 to 2016.”

    She is taking all the skills she has acquired from her education to push the gospel of Cardone Ventures. In her role as VP, she has quickly become a beacon for employees and clients. In addition to her work within the company, she shares insights on the industry, leadership, and her interaction with executives on her WorkWoman podcast.

    “I was inspired to get into the business consulting industry because I knew Cardone Ventures could bring immense value by filling a vacuum in available consulting services,” Natalie says.

    “There is no other organization expertly helping individuals and business owners attain their personal, professional, and financial goals. I resolutely believe that Cardone Ventures, the WorkWoman podcast, 10X People Skills, and People Essentials are changing the lives of business owners, employees, and female professionals.”

  • Sexual Purity can give you a life no man can give you! (II)

    Sexual Purity can give you a life no man can give you! (II)

    By Temilolu Okeowo

    Dear Ma, I’m not a female but your column caught my attention a few weeks ago and I Google-searched your previous articles and learnt so much. Thanks so much for being a blessing to the world especially the younger ones. God bless you ma!

    Matthew

    Dear Aunty Temilolu,

    I’ve always secretly admired your work in the newspapers and experiencing you and your activities on face book is altogether mind-blowing. I keep asking myself what drives you to write so passionately on the need for girls to preserve their virginity till marriage and develop themselves spiritually and otherwise. I pray I meet you in person soonest. God bless you ma!

    Ruby Okonkwo

    Dear Ma,

    I love reading your articles but I have my doubt about one of your articles- “Sexual purity gives you power to have all you could ever wish for!” There are so many poor virgin girls out there. Does it mean they can’t use their power very well?

    Zipporah, 22, Lagos

    My darling, precious, glorious, dignified, world-famous and heavenly celebrated Nigerian daughters,

    Today, I would give you an insight into how you can make the most of your sexual purity and have what no man can give you.

    1. Our body- the temple of the Holy Spirit

    You must have read in the bible at some point in time that our bodies are referred to as the temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor.6:19 Who or what is the Holy Spirit? In summary the Holy Spirit is the presence of God in our lives without which we can achieve very little. You may remind me that there are a lot of very successful people out there who enjoy flaunting their immoral life-style in our faces but I would also jump to ask- DO YOU KNOW THE TYPE OF STAR YOU CARRY AND WHAT IT WOULD ENTAIL TO MANIFEST? Check out Mary the mother of Jesus, her purity effortlessly made her the most famous woman in creation and till eternity because she was found worthy of bringing our Lord Jesus Christ into the world! Would biblical Esther have become queen in a foreign land if she wasn’t a virgin? Did you even know that a lot of girls/ladies have their life’s settings scattered when they’re deflowered outside marriage? THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS MATTER! Now which power do you really have to ensure God’s wondrous plans for you manifest? Your make-up, pretty dresses or endless surfing on the internet and “face-booking?” NO! The same bible says

    “So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, Chioma, Bidemi, Aisha: Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit, says the Lord Almighty.” Zech.4:6

    I have emphasised in this column over and over again how a lot of destinies are polluted and delayed by transference of spirits and demons through sexual intercourse and how ungodly sex opens up your life to demonic invasion! The point is- to start with- you can’t be kissing God and hugging the devil and expect that you will live a life of your dreams. Even if you sell your soul to the stupid, bad devil, it will always control your life and frustrate it.

    May I announce to you- if you are still defiling your body- God’s holy temple, YOU’RE CHEATING YOURSELF, MISSING A LOT! A clean vessel is a POWER-GENERATOR- THE POWER HOUSE OF GOD! While a dirty vessel is the DEVIL’S PLAYGROUND! Did you even know that an imagination incubated in the Holy Spirit is a time-bomb of miracles waiting to explode? Hmm…I’m afraid 85% of girls in the world today don’t know the power of God resident in them, the gold mines they are and what they could make out of it! Before we meet again, may God open your eyes to reveal the wonder in you so you can start pursuing your destiny instead of boys/men.

     

    • To be continued.
  • SHOLA BALOGUN: Working with models gave me my breakthrough

    SHOLA BALOGUN: Working with models gave me my breakthrough

    ?For Shola Balogun, seasoned photographer, the journey to fame was a big hurdle. He started with nothing, no support and no place to call his own. However, he was determined to make it against the many odds at the beginning. Today, he is a name to reckon with when it comes to celebrities, models and some corporate firms. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, he goes down memory lane to recall the tough times, his first break through, breaking the glass ceiling and more.

     

    Tell us about your experience and some of the things you did before going into photography?

    We all have ups and down in life. As a person, I faced a lot of challenges initially but thank God today for the level that I  have gotten to . Interestingly, some  of my colleagues that  I started with then are no longer in the business. Some have traveled outside the country, some are in the country but they are not thriving or up to the standard of the present day photography in terms of technology and the financial aspect.

    Looking down memory lane, I would say that it’s been a tough journey but then the challenges also opened my eyes to the opportunities. I can say Shola Creative studio has been in existence more than 20 years now and we are still on.

    What kept you going?

    Training and retraining has helped me a lot.In addition, I have traveled to different countries to study more about photography. I have traveled to London,, Germany, Frankfurt to study more. Most of the things we are doing now in photography is different from what we did at the beginning. To thrive , I have invested in a lot of equipment that helped to push the brand and bring the  standard up to the level, So, I have invested a lot of money in equipment and in new technology which makes the output better.

    What was the turning point for you?

    I started my career in photography in 1997. But the first breakthrough was in 2001. Interestingly, when I started in 1997, I didn’t have a studio, I didn’t have anything except my camera. I also didn’t have clients, nobody and nothing. It was just analogue pictures, you buy and develop films. It wasn’t easy at all because we don’t have customers.

    The only advantage I had was that I went to parties a lot, would snap pictures and print immediately, which was what we did at that time. A picture was sold for 20 naira. Later, I moved to a friend’s shop, it was a small place but I just needed to attach myself somewhere and have a contact to put on my business card. When I go to parties I gave the complimentary card, which was my friend’s contact and that was how I started saving money to have a small shop, it was a container shaped office and I used “I better pass my neighbor generator”. I remember then when ladies want to change, I  would step out and come in to snap when they are done. If a man wants to change the ladies had to step out. That was how we were running things then.

    Gradually, people started liking my jobs. In the whole Surulere we were just two. One of my colleagues price was higher. I was doing my pictures for 100 naira and he was charging 300 naira and we had  the same quality. So, people come to me more. From there, I started having more customers. In a day, I could finish 4 rolls of film, five rolls of film and one film was 30 exposures then. I started earning more and that was how I got my office which was a three bedroom flat. That was when the turnaround started somewhere at Adeyemi close, Surulere.

    It was here that I started getting jobs from Delta soap, Orange drugs, Doyin Group of companies. People started sending their models to me for calendar jobs. That was the turning point in my career.

    Let’s talk about some of the memorable experience on the job?

    I don’t know where Orange drug was located. I just noticed that they usually send models to me to take their photographs. They would come with models, I charge them and the driver would pay me. The memorable thing was the day I got a call from the owner of the company, Chief Tony Ezenna. He just called and asked, “Are you Shola? I said yes. He replied: “We have been sending models to you and you didn’t bother to know where the models are coming from? I said sorry sir. He then said: “See me in the office tomorrow by noon. When I got there, he said, I want to ask you one question. Did you want to be part of the company or you just want to be collecting money? I told him that I want to be part of the company. He said, “we will be paying you quarterly. He started sending models to me. The first cheque I got from Orange drugs was the highest money then I have even received, it was a cheque of one million naira. That was one thing I would never forget in my life, the first day I got a cheque of one million naira from photography. After that, I have been getting more.

    What did this mean to you?

    I was dazed. Not just the money. The very first picture I took then I saw on bill boards and calendars for Orange drugs. I was passing by one day and when I saw my image on a bill board, I was amazed. That was one of the biggest jobs I did, I can never forget.

    What other things occupies your time?

    Of course, my studio is still there and I also have plans to have a photography school where I can teach a lot of people. These days, people just jump into photography. They just go online and buy equipment without having a studio you can operate as a photographer. I want to set up a school where they will start from the scratch and know that it’s a business you can depend on and feed your family.

  • Sexual Purity can give you a life no man can give you! (I)

    Sexual Purity can give you a life no man can give you! (I)

    By Temilolu Okeowo

    Dear Ma, I am 30 and a virgin. Whenever I was under pressure to compromise and fornicate I will visit your timeline and read and my brain will immediately reset. I have since vowed to remain a virgin until marriage. Thank you for all you do ma.

    Adedoyin E.

    Dear Ma,

    I came across your articles in the newspaper and I’m most grateful for your guidance ma. I am a young lawyer and a virgin and it’s my earnest desire to wait till marriage. I am a hard working lady but going through lots of hardship ranging from being in a highly abusive home, poorly paid or no pay job in law firms and undue comparison and high financial expectation from my mom despite not having a good job. I just want to disappear, I mean why has death refused to come for me? I suffer greatly from depression and suicidal ideation and this is eating me up daily. Some men are evil, they want to mess a lady up in exchange for helping her but I vowed never to let any man have me before marriage! I only wish God will make it easier for me because no matter how I try to act ignorant of the fact that lack has pushed many ladies into misbehaving, it does happen. God said He will not tempt us more than we can bear but this is more than me already, I am overwhelmed! Please why do good and decent girls suffer?

     

    Sunshine

    My Sunshine and my darling, precious, glorious, dignified, world-famous and heavenly celebrated Nigerian daughters,

    Sunshine’s message not only strikes a chord in my heart but makes me wish I could give her EVERYTHING she needs right away and make her happy! In actual fact, 50% of Nigerian girls are in her shoes! And believe me, it’s so difficult to counsel anyone in this situation and convince them to wait on God and be of good courage. It’s one of the worst challenges a woman can face and it only takes a lady who’s fiercely-determined and loves God with all her heart not to bow to pressure from men to live a comfortable life. If you are reading and have suffered so much pain from men refusing to help except you sleep with them and have had to deprive yourself of goodies and even your basic necessities for righteousness sake and yet it appears your situation is not changing- sorry…sorry…sorry please!

    However, did you know God has a record of all the goodies you’ve ignored just because you fear Him? DO YOU THINK THAT’LL PASS JUST LIKE THAT? If only you knew how committed God is to those who fear Him, you’d never spare a thought to your friends who would sleep with every Tom, Dick and Harry to have all their dream goodies! Even if from their promiscuity they ended marrying good men and even have children, what A’s destiny can endure, could destroy yours! Do you know the type of star you carry? Do you know God’s plan for your life? This may be difficult to stomach but anyone in my darling Sunshine’s shoes could just be going through a process or test master-minded by God, with a huge crown awaiting her. And the more you suffer for doing things God’s way, THE GREATER YOUR REWARD FROM GOD! BELIEVE ME, YOUR LIFE WILL TURN TO A BEAUTIFUL DREAM! Isaiah 49:23

    But this is what the Spirit of God said I should tell you- “For I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you.” Leviticus 26:9 KJV

    Hmm…a whole God is saying that to you- believe me, you may not even look or smell good now because you can’t afford to yet you stick to God – little did you know that fear of God in you is building you up into a fiery furnace, a spiritual house and a formidable weapon in the hands of God- a city set on a hill that will be saluted till eternity, a light to the world!

    I wish you wouldn’t be depressed and instead make the most of your situation. It’s not easy but there’s so much you can gain from what now seems a huge disappointment from life! Even though I plan to fashion a way out for you to have a more comfortable life- inbox, please note today’s date, by the time God who sent me to you is done with you, not only will you be superbly-established- no longer needing help, some of world’s wealthiest and most honourable men would jostle to supply your needs without asking for anything in return! YOU’LL SAY I SAID SO! Before then, may you receive help from an unexpected quarter this month in Jesus name! I love you my sweets!

    • To be continued.

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

  • JULIET OKONKWO: How I earned sobriquet ‘Queen of Fancy’

    JULIET OKONKWO: How I earned sobriquet ‘Queen of Fancy’

    By Taiwo Alimi

     

    I made more money than I ever made during the lockdown

    Founder of Julz Hair, Juliet Okonkwo, has said that she made so much money than she had ever made in her life, from selling raw human hair during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown.

    Speaking in an interview in Lagos, the Edo State-born entrepreneur, who graduated from the University of Benin, and worked in an insurance firm before quitting after getting married to a loving Igbo man from Anambra State, said she derives passion from making and selling human hair.

    Stating that she started the human hair business about four years ago from home, without  taking  it seriously, but as a passion, the alluring founder of Julz Hairs, said her primary motive at the onset, was to let people around her have the  beautiful and 100 per cent human hair without tangible profit.

    Dazzled by the quality of the raw human hair that she sells, the number of clients patronizing her shot up to roof top, forcing her to turn it into a full-fledged business.

    According to Mrs Okonkwo, ”when I saw the way people kept coming to me, I decided to turn it into a business. It was challenging in the beginning, but it was a passion for me as I love beautiful hair. I love making wigs and beautiful hairs, which made my son to call me the queen of fancy.

    ”I asked him what he meant by the queen of fancy and he said: ”Mummy because you love beautiful things”.

    On how her passion for all things hair started, the thriving entrepreneur said: ”Before I left the UNIBEN in 2002, I used to love to fix my hair and that of others. I used to go to Cotonou to go get hair extensions popularly called (Amina attachment) which was in vogue then. I would buy a lot and I return to school to sell without my parents knowing I did all that. It was just a passion.  Even my friends used to seek my input on how their hair looked when they came back from the beauty salon to fix their hair’. hair business in 2016 when I travelled for summer” added Mrs Okonkwo, whose Facebook page is @Julzhair.

    She said that attending a beauty school during her summer trip abroad equipped her for the challenges and demands of the hair business. “I went to a beauty school to learn more about hair. When they started this human hair stuff, I had to incorporate wigs into my business, so I had to learn more about it. It was not something that happened by accident or luck. Even with my passion, I had to learn more about”.

    Speaking on how she made her biggest fortune so far in the first two months of coronavirus pandemic lockdown this year, the straight-talking Julz Hairs CEO, with Instagram handle, @julzhair, said ”people are impressed with our products and they keep coming back, with more referrals to other clients. We keep having orders from USA, Canada and all over the country.  They know that our product is 100 raw human hairs and our quality is top-notch.

    “Raw human hair is expensive. In fact, some are very expensive. During this lockdown I made my biggest sales ever  when we were home just as I usually make during the festive season, and there was no movement I had to ask my husband ‘where do  these women wear this hair to’. I asked one of my customers why was she buying these things and she said she wanted to wear it for her husband to admire her the more”, added Mrs Okonkwo.

    With a growing clients’ list, she said plans were afloat to expand the business line in order to meet the challenges of the future and satisfy the tasty appetite of her clients.  Some shell out N300, 000 for a luxury 100 per cent raw human hair sourced from Vietnam, Argentina and Cambodia.

    ”We have started our expansion plan, with the launch of our wholesale package. People kept coming to me, saying they wanted to resell and for me to do the wholesale, I had to now partner a reputable company abroad  so that I can actually get at a very good rate,” she  added.

  • DORIS OKORIE: The many influences in my movies career

    DORIS OKORIE: The many influences in my movies career

     Doris Okorie is a writer and Nollywood actress who has participated in movies and a number of series. During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, she took interest in the increasing rape trends , did a research and worked on a  production, she is so passionate about.

     

    HOW did you get into acting?

    My ex- boyfriend actually suggested that since I was so dramatic, that I should go for an audition. He actually helped me to find the audition, took me to the audition and even paid for my first pictures . That was how I started.

    Tell us about the experience at your first audition?

    My first audition was in Surulere, Lagos and it was okay. When I got there, there was a crowd and I didn’t know what was going on. I didn’t know that you were supposed to get there, write your name , have a picture or headshot. I didn’t know any of those things. My friend just dropped me off and I found my way basically. And then, I was told to wait behind after my audition. And waiting behind is like the next stage and that really encouraged me to go for more auditions.

    What are some of the memorable experience in the sector?

    There are a lot of memorable experiences. Recently, I just finished working on a project with Tomboy and it was awesome. Everybody on that set was awesome. I love the character, I really cannot wait for you guys  to see this one. It was actually quite amazing. Then I got to work with my idol, Nse and it was quite a memorable experience.

    Tell us about some of the movies you did recently?

    I just recently finished a project called, ‘The Wait’, You guys actually have to wait for this one. It is an amazing project. I also did a couple  of Series but the coronavirus is making things pretty slow. Of course, there are other things to come but COVID is just making everything difficult. Of course, my project called ‘The Wait’ by Tolu Turner is great inspiration for me.

    If you had to advise young people who would like to come into the sector, what would you tell them?

    I would tell them, don’t be too eager, know what you want and stand by the truth.

    Don’t let anyone try to sway you. Don’t let anyone try to cheat you. Know your rights, but you don’t have to be aggressive or rude when you are communicating your rights. It is also important to know your worth,  know why you are here. You must know why you want to be here because people join different sectors for the wrong reasons. So, know why you want to be here and share the problems. You can also reach out to the older people in the  industry. You have to know how to handle things as an adult basically.

    What are some of the changes that you will like to see in the sector?

    I would like to see better treatment to talents, better pay and like I said Royalties have to be implemented. That would be good for everyone. And of course, better stories. We have good stories but they could be better. Just better treatment of the people in the industry, whether behind the camera or in front of the camera.

    What is your assessment of the sector?

    The sector is okay. It could be much better and you hear stories of Sex for roles and stuffs like that. That has never happened to me.

    I am not saying it is not happening but like I said before, if there are proper labour structures, things would move smoothly. People would not owe you money for months. I know people who have been owing me money for two years, for one thing or the other.

    So, to assess the sector , I would say that it is not bad, and it is not good either. It is just in between. We are struggling basically but we can do better.

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

    Well, I won’t wear something that looks like underwear, and just walk around and say it is fashion.

    No! Even if I cannot define my style, I am quite chic. I won’t be seen to be wearing a see through , when my bra is blue and the outfit is something else. I wouldn’t be caught dressed like that.

    What would you consider as the turning point in your career?

    The turning point in my career is not here yet..This is because my aspirations are really high. I don’t agree that it is here but it is really coming.

    Who or what would you consider as the greatest influence in your career?

    The greatest influencer of my career is funny but it is Tchidi Chikere. I have watched his movies as a kid and that is how I know that this is an interesting career. Watching old movies, movies that I can’t even remember the names. But when you are watching stuff on satellite and you press information, you will see who the producer or director is on the screen at the end. And I took note of Tchidi Chiikere and that really drove me to say that this is interesting content and actors.

    And when he worked with Nse,it was just like magic to me. So, he influenced my career a great deal.His stories are so touching. And of course, Nse, watching her all through. Then of course, we have Emem Isong. I am not just the kind of actor who just watch actors. The person who produces, directs or puts together the story, all influence me and Tchidi Chikere, Emem Isong, Nse and of course, recently we have Kemi Adetiba, who is killing the game. We also have Mo’ Abudu finishing the game. So, this are people who have influenced me and are still influencing me.

    Tell us more about the people you admire in the sector?

    I love Nse, she inspires me and I got to work with her a couple of months ago. It was like a dream come true.  I admire that lady and I call her, the acting god. I was so inspired by her that my project in university was inspired by the movies she had done. I also admire Mercy Johnson and Genevieve Nnaji.

    What type of books do you like to read?

    I like to read all types of books. I have a library in my house and I was talking to my friend the other day about a book called Nectar. It was a ridiculous book. I first read it as a teenager but I didn’t understand it. So, I had to look for that book and I read it again.I studied English and majored in Literature. So, I have all the Chinua Achebe’s, Chima Amanda and all the books from Shakespeare. At the same time, I read novels. I read, a Female writer that I really like.

    She is an amazing writer. She has romance but it is mixed with essentials  of witchcraft. I love to write. I love to read..I haven’t read in a long time because of work..But I love to read, research and find new things.I also love to watch movies. I am a movies person and I can be in my house for a whole week. But there must be food sha. I am a screen writer and I just love everything creative basically.

    What is your definition of style?

    I really cannot pinpoint my personal style. It depends on the when, where and how I feel. If it evening, then I fix the look. Or if I want to step out casually, then I do just that.

    What inspires the things that you do?

    I wouldn’t say that there is anything in particular that inspires me. Things, people and situations all inspire me. For instance, a couple of months ago, I had written and produced a story on rape. This is because during the lockdown, the number of rape cases had risen. The rape news that we were getting were in a hundred folds and so I decided to do something. So, I would day that there is nothing in particular but a variety of things. It could be a situation, a person I had just seen or just how I feel. So, I really cannot pinpoint one thing that inspires me anything, a cough, sneeze and everything that happens around me inspires me.

    If you could change something in the industry with a magic wand ,what would it be?

    I would like to change the labour laws in the industry. We do not have a strong sector that guides actors, writers and producers. So, I will change the laws or at least set up proper labour laws for the industry. And of course, there is also the issue of royalties in the industry. It is quite sad. You shoot something and you get paid. They will tell you that it is not a big budget. But at the end of the day, it looks really good and they sell it off for millions of naira and you don’t get royalties for that. So, if there is anything I want changed in the industry, it is proper labour laws and royalties.

  • Ada Ehi: I cried when I saw the crowd at my Future tour

    Ada Ehi: I cried when I saw the crowd at my Future tour

    Ada Ehi is a gospel singer who is making waves with her songs. In this interview with YETUNDE OLADEINDE, she opens up on her messages, personal style, memorable moments and the things that motivate her

    Tell us about your experience as a gospel singer

    It’s been awesome. My experience as a Christian artist has been very special; unique in different ways and I usually do a self-review of what I am doing from time to time. That way, I would say that the experience has been revealing, yet most fulfilling.

    For me, gospel music is about the message, sharing, caring and personalising this goodness has therefore been a wonderful journey for me.

    Looking back now, what lessons have you learnt?

    There has been so much to learn on a daily basis. I have therefore learnt to measure success with nothing else but impact! Impact! Impact! That way you can see the transformation that is going on. Also, that way my biggest achievement is daily becoming bigger than my yesterday.

    When was the turning point for you?

    For me, the turning point in my life and career would be the day I started to believe in myself and almighty God who chose me.

    What would you consider as the best job you ever did?

    There have been so many events and I would say that every job is unique in its own way. Making music and performing it to the people we made it for has therefore been very interesting and exciting for me. In addition, I would say that travelling everywhere just to do this brings great memories. One other thing that keeps me going is sharing my faith through music. It is always inspiring when I perform songs I wrote somewhere private with so many people I have never met! Hearing them shout those lyrics back at me is something else.

    How has being in music affected your lifestyle?

    It’s almost like I hear rhythm or music in almost everything I do.  Otherwise, I’m just me. Simple! Until you put me behind a camera and turn on the big lights, then you get the best of me.

    Let’s talk about some memorable moments in your life and career

    Looking back now, I would say that the first time I heard myself on the radio was quite memorable for me. Another memorable experience for me was the first time I heard my music blaring from music vendors at Ikeja bus stop. Recently, I got on Twitter and saw that I just got listed for YouTube Nigeria’s top 20 songs of the decade.

    I remember walking into the auditorium at the very first leg of my Future Now Tour and was overwhelmed by the turn out; I cried. It took a lot to hold myself together. I will never forget that experience.

    What are some of the challenges you might say you encountered?

    I am grateful for the rise of streaming sites; it has taken a lot off the table of music pirates.

    What makes your music and messages different?

    First, I must say that my message is good news! That’s what gospel means. I have interacted with the message of the gospel and so it’s become truly a personal message for me.

    Who or what do you consider as the greatest influence in your life and career?

    First, it is Jesus Christ himself. I also draw a lot of inspiration from a lot of great Bible heroes of faith. That has been a very remarkable influence for me. Then, I admire and respect Rev Chris Oyakhilome a lot; he and his message are one.

    Let’s compare when you started and now, what has changed?

    Like night and day, I have grown! As a writer, singer, composer and a performer, so many things have changed in my life and I am very grateful for everything. Plus I have learnt to say no just as simple as NO to some of the things that I tolerated at the beginning.

    What are you looking forward to in the next few years?

    I look forward to MORE!!!This includes being fully one with my message. And I really look forward to a greater Nigeria where her youths can thrive and flourish with their skills and acquired knowledge.

    What are some of the changes that you would like to see in the sector?

    This sector (Nigerian music) is exploding globally and there are so many opportunities if you know what you are doing. I would also say that we are emerging. For me, I just love to see it going through this wonderful transformation. I also can see that the desired structure is coming with it is coming with growth. So, again I would say that I am excited and love to see it expanding this way.

    What is your definition of style?

    Style means so many things to different people. For me, it is how you wear your smile with confidence on any outfit.

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

    I would not follow a trend that doesn’t suit me, just for the sake of it. Also I wouldn’t go out in anything I’m not feeling myself in. Comfort is very important.

    How would you assess Nigerian gospel artistes today?

    They are doing very well. The sector is rich and emerging, could be quicker and broader. Here, I mean in terms of sound and style, but it certainly and surely is gaining and changing in a unique way.

    What are some of the things that you treasure most in life?

    I treasure my family, friendship, free weekend and some quiet time.

    How do you relax?

    I just stop and remove myself from anything I am doing or taking all my time at that moment. Start or resume something new or different that gives the freshness I need. Let’s talk about the people you admire and role models.

    I have a number of people I admire, especially some amazing young ladies who are ruling their world and making an impact. One of such people include Funto Ibioye: who has been influencing young ladies in career and lifestyle. When I heard she just turned 30yrs, I felt like flushing my phone. Young people have to push, put in their best and make the necessary impact for their generation.

    Who are your mentors?

    I grew up listening to Maranata, Intergity Music, Don Moean, Bob kit, La blanc, Ron Kenoly and a whole lot of people like Mary Mackey and Genesis. And a lot of Handel Messiahs, Mozart; which could be boring for some. My father had a healthy compilation of Kings College Choir, a lot of choirs especially Mary Mackey and Winans Brothers.

    So, those would be the people who have influenced me greatly. For role models, it would be Pastor Chris Oyakilome. Everybody knows that he is my pastor; his message and himself are one. What he preaches is what he is. And because I sing, I have had the opportunity to travel with him around the world and minister on his platforms. He is one big inspiration. He is a very humble person and it is very inspiring to watch him as he applies the principles of God’s word in his life and ministry.

    What was it like growing up?

    While I was growing up, I had dreams to sing. I was a member of Tosin Jegede’s team. She was a child star back in the 90s and I always wanted to sing and perform. I am not sure I thought of a star. But I didn’t quite know what it was but I just wanted to be in front of the camera and sing. I just wanted to entertain, to perform. So, that has always been my dream growing up; to sing, perform and travel around the world. I had an opportunity to sing for Tosin. Then we had to go to the stage to sing and you sing over and over again. It was a lot of work and I was a child. Then having to wake up early, move around and you arrive tired and then you have to come up the stage. It opened my mind early to the hard work in the entertainment industry as it were.

    Did your parents play any role?

    My parents did a fantastic job raising me because they were professionals. My father is an engineer and my mum is a nutritionist and guidance counsellor. So, you know what parents are like. That you have to go to school and focus on your education, but my parents were different. They played things a little differently. They got me a music teacher at home and so my brother and I had a home tutor for school work and we also had a music tutor for just music. So after school, we would take extra lessons for school work and special lessons in music. Then my parents encouraged us so much to be involved in anything art and church. So, in the local church they got us involved and they had quite a number of friends who were very involved and they got kids around. We learnt a lot of scriptural songs. Every holiday, we were up to something. My creative mind was encouraged. I remember watching a lot of the classical Hollywood like the King and I, Sound of Music, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, My Fair Lady and a whole lot of musicals. I watched them several times up until I was in the university and we had them well preserved in those days on VHS and so on. My father had all those things well preserved especially when he knew that they were my go- to and I could lock myself up with them. He just preserved them and had people to service those things. I watched them for hours, days upon days. Then he had a lot of videos on preachers, sermons and he was very balanced. That encouraged and harnessed my potential very early in life.

    Any advice for young people?

    I will tell them to think about the future. Don’t make any decision for now; don’t make permanent decisions on where you are now. Think about you in the future; don’t make temporary decisions to soothe or cater for temporary needs or present purchase. Also, have at the back of your mind that the future is now. If you are not preparing for the future, then everything that you are doing would not add on. Don’t be in a hurry, take your time and do things right.

  • Girls, may you not end up a frustrated single mother (II)

    By Temilolu Okeowo 

    Dear Aunty Temilolu, I am 19 years old and I have a baby who is a year and some months. I tell you in recent times, I always feel bad about myself that I have a baby. I had promised to keep myself till I get married before the baby came. Now, I feel I’m not going to have a man who would cherish me because I already have a baby. Is that true or just my thinking? I would have terminated the pregnancy but for the fear of God. Please counsel me. God bless you ma.

    Anonymous

    My darling anonymous,

    I congratulate you from the bottom of my heart for fearing God enough not to abort that destiny! I may sound strange but I also thank God you are a mother today! Yes! That child may have come from a sinful relationship but God decided to release that child into the earth for reasons best known to Him! But you will know in future! You may be tagged all sorts now BUT ONE DAY, YOU MAY HAVE CAUSE TO LOOK BACK AND THANK GOD FOR ALLOWING THAT CHILD COME YOUR WAY INSPITE YOUR DISOBEDIENCE! You don’t want to know the horrible pain too many women are going through just because they can’t conceive a child!

    (Girls, this is not a leeway for you to engage in premarital sex!)

    You see, not every bad or unpleasurable thing that happens to us in life is our making. A lot of things that happen to us in life were fated to happen and some are designed by the enemy to confuse us and derail us from our divine paths of destiny.  If you had been warned over and over again against having a boyfriend and you refused to listen but ended up in the family way,  although you have to bear the consequences of the path you chose to follow but eventually you have to forget about the troubles that come with it and align yourself with God so His divine agenda for you can manifest!

    Asides this, when a family pattern has been set and you are not well-equipped to ensure you don’t follow that pattern, how can you avoid it? If your mother had you in her teens/out of wedlock if care is not taken, you’ll have a child that way too. When I emphasize on concentrating on your spirituality as a teenager and eschewing boyfriends, I know what I am talking about! A lot of you are not bad children but when one wrong emotion is allowed to gain grounds in your life, I tell you the devil takes over. No matter what you brought upon yourself or what was fated to happen to you, in order not to end up in the gallows of life (which is what the devil and your detractors want for you) and end up missing God’s wondrous agenda for you, you have to totally surrender to God and care ONLY about what He thinks about you and wishes for you!

    He already told us in Isaiah 8:18 that we are made for signs and wonders. The enemy doesn’t like this and would do everything to stop us. Even if out of your youthful exuberance you already have 2 kids for 2 different men out of wedlock, you can still align with God’s divine agenda for your life and have the best of the noble men in the world run after you. Certainly, with God all things are possible! If you’ve been badly stigmatized and ashamed of your life; wallowing in self-pity and crying all the time, hanging your head low, you are disappointing and belittling God while you are glorifying the devil and making him laugh at you! Cheer up, my dear! Don’t allow the negative voice of anyone get at you. Do not be conformed to the world in your thinking. Brace up and concentrate on the word of God and His glorious plans for your destiny. If you can follow him with all your heart, you will be amazed at how your mockers would eventually bow for you and pray that God glorifies them the way He glorified you.

    Before you were born, God gave you a unique mixture of spiritual gifts, passions, abilities, personality, and experiences. There’s no one like you in the entire universe because, in part, there’s no one with your unique mix of talents.  IF I WERE YOU, I’D MAKE THE BEST OF THE ABOVE; LIVE A COMPLETELY HOLY LIFE AND COME AND SEE WHETHER THE WORLD’S MOST HONOURABLE MEN WOULD NOT RUN AFTER YOU WHEN GOD DECIDES TO SHOWCASE YOU HIMSELF! Yes, my dear!

    • To be continued

    I invite you to follow me on Facebook – TEMILOLU OKEOWO (not Temilolu okeowo girls club or TEMILOLU OKEOWO Girls Club group). Instagram @ Okeowo Temilolu.