The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sunday magazine

  • How Mike Aremu inspires me –Ebele

    How Mike Aremu inspires me –Ebele

    With a first degree in Accounting and a post graduate diploma in Business Administration, Ebelechukwu Ezeamaka dumped academics to pursue her passion, music. She shared with YETUNDE OLADEINDE on her life as an accountant and how popular saxophonist, Mike Aremu, Inspired her.

     

    HOW did you start in music? For me, it was from childhood that I started playing the flute at age 15.As a child growing up in Benin, it was a hobby and the hobby later became a passion. I found out that it was a gift in me and I took time to develop the skill. I have been playing in the choir in different churches and at the Daystar Christian Centre where I fellowship. I have also played in some concerts at the Muson Centre, Abuja Sheraton Hotel and at other events. So coming to Lagos, I decided to make it professional and make a career of it. This year I have been invited for some international concerts.I didn’t study music, I read Accounting and I have been working as an accountant. I then tried to go into some technical skills to become better. Some Philippinos came to Nigeria and I got trained, I also got some training and exposure from some of the churches that I worked with. Though I worked for a while, music has never really left me. It has always been a part of me all this while.

    Is it something that runs in your family?

    It is just me really. Nobody in my family is in music. When I was in secondary school, then I used to go for extra mural classes. Most times, I would escape from class to do my music thing. But my father, a businessman, was getting pissed off. He was beginning to feel that the music thing was getting too much. They just wanted me to go to school but I was singing everywhere; in the kitchen, bathroom and everywhere. So, they just had to encourage me. I am the second child and first girl in the family.

    If you want to place your music, how would you describe it?

    Well, I call my kind of music gospel contemporary. It means every other kind of music is like jazz, R and B or hip-hop. It is actually a combination. Some of my tracks are very unique and I play the instruments like jazz.

    Who are some of the artists that you admire?

    For my first single, I featured Mike Aremu, the saxophonist. He is someone that inspires me in different ways. I love the way he plays his sax. So I love to play my flute the way he plays his sax. For singing, I love Cece Winans, Shirley Caesar. I also love Whitney Houston even though she did not play gospel. I really love the way she sang.

    When you are not singing, what other things occupy your time?

    First, I read Accounting and then I did a post graduate diploma in Business Administration. After that I have been working as an Accountant with an oil company, Masters Energy Oil and Gas.

    Can you tell us about people who have influenced your life?

    The president of Master Energy Oil and gas, Uche Ogah has been very supportive and he has been sponsoring my videos. When the time came for me to go into music fully, attend shows and other pressing demands, I told him that I couldn’t work full time anymore. Even at that, he still decided to support me. That is why I am still acquainted with the company.

    Do you have other passions apart from music?

    What I also like to do when I am free is health and fitness. I do workout trainings from time to time and this is another potential business for me. I usually go further to talk about the right thing to eat. I also like looking good and this takes me to professional make-up. I like creating beauty, especially when I want to go on stage. For me, music is the main thing but there are other passions that are in me.

    These are things I hope to expand in future. One thing about me is that I am a multipurpose person. I have a flair for talk shows and I am planning to inspire young people through a talk show soon. Empowerment would be the goal and it would centre on leadership, creativity and developing their talents.

    Unfortunately, our ladies have a mindset that without a man you cannot stand. I remember talking to one and I told her that I’d rather be alone than be with the wrong man around me. These interestingly are some of the issues that we would be discussing and finding solutions to.

    Let’s go back to early life; what dreams did you have as a child?

    I wanted to be a newscaster, wanted to see myself on the television talking. As a matter of fact, I would take the newspapers and be reading and watching myself in the mirror. But my mother loved bankers and the way they wear suits. So she said, ‘I want you to wear suits like these girls.’ That diverted my attention and I went to school and studied Accounting. But all the same I never knew I was going to come back to do a talk show. So I would still come back to be that same person I have always wanted to be.

    Are there some Nigerian women that you admire?

    I love what Mo Abudu is doing on Moment with Mo.Though I don’t know the details; how she’s doing it. At least she is the only famous woman doing a good talkshow like Oprah in the US. We have a number of them in the US in different areas. The late Pastor Bimbo Odukoya’s Married and Single was also great and she affected lots of lives. That is exactly what I want to do, to touch and change lives. Not just talking for talking sake.

    I am a fashion person and I like looking good. I am a casual person at the moment but events would determine what I wear. If I am going for events, I like to look really gorgeous so that even before you hear my music, you are already looking at me.

    Most of our gospel artistes are doing well. Nigerian gospel music is coming up but I think we need to do more to have uniformity and bring up the standard. I don’t think there should be any distinction about secular music or gospel music. We really need to buckle up and do more. What I am doing is something that is unique to every kind of person.

    What would you describe as the greatest influence in your life?

    My mum, though she is late. When she died in an accident, it was a turning point for me. It was a lesson to the family and we learnt a lot from it. She was a very spiritual person and it was that accident alone that she never saw. So, I became matured over night. And that was why I dedicated my second album, If you don’t know, to her. She had a gift of dreams and if she dreamt about something you can be sure that it would happen. And so if there is a negative revelation we would all pray about it.

    Most of our musicians also act. Are you also interested in acting?

    I can act; I know I have the talent. But not for Nollywood, but if it is a Christian movie, why not? I think they are trying but my bit is that people act a role but still do and portray the same thing they are acting about. I think that acting should be a correction thing, and so if you play a role that didn’t favour me, then I should not portray the same image again.

  • ‘Being a working priest is a plus’

    ‘Being a working priest is a plus’

    The parish priest of St Peter’s Anglican Church, Lekki, Lagos, Rev. Asoliye Douglas-West, works in the oil industry. He spoke with Sunday Oguntola on finding balance between ministry and secular works as well as the long-awaited Petroleum Industry Bill(PIB), among others

    hat does the New Year portend for Nigerians, especially Christians?

    Once we are alive, it is always optimism. You know, keeping our hopes alive, one has to be on the bright sides of life despite the turbulence of last year. One hopes government will bring out policies that will help to realise their aspirations this year because nothing has really happened in the last two years and this is the peak of this administration. We hope they can stabilise the economy for better things to happen to the people.

    What has changed for you since you assumed the priesthood?

    So much has changed. There is now increased closeness to God and value of things of God. Each day as I grow in the ministry, I get closer to God. I try to detach myself and allow God to have His way. There is this huge expectation that once you are in the ministry, there should be a turnaround in your life. There is also an awareness of the responsibility and that is beginning to show in my life, conducts and attitudes, which I can attest to. I also have greater, eternal joy, which gives me an immeasurable sense of fulfillment.

    Are you likely to go full-time any moment from now?

    The parlous state of the economy will not allow that for now. We cannot tell what the future holds for all. If there is a vast economic improvement soonest, why not, so that one can devote it all? But now that I have responsibilities, I cannot but keep my professional job to be able to sustain my immediate family.

    Don’t you feel sometimes that you would have done more if you were in full-time?

    That is very most likely from the pure spiritual concept of the ministry. Marrying the two worlds creates distractions and prevents the quality time that one would have given to the ministry. But the economy world is also very important. You need a lot of finance to do evangelism and the church today is such that you cannot remove the economics from the church. You need a measure of economic independence to do good ministerial jobs. That is the value that some of us offer so that we don’t tax members too much. We are not adding additional burdens to the congregation.

    Asides from financial support, what other values are you able to add to the church?

    The experiences that I have gained in my professional life are also helping me to administer the church better. I can manage the church and people better. The resourcefulness comes to bear and the network of contacts also helps. If I had been a full-time priest, I would have been denied the contacts I am able to get for the church’s benefits. Seeing me as an ambassador gives my parishioners a sense of hope in the workplace. I am able to model and teach them how to be marketplace Christians because I am one. It is a plus from all sides for the church.

    Some people believe professional priests like you would thrive better in pentecostal settings. Do you agree?

    Not really so. It does not matter where you are. I believe ministry is to serve God and humanity. So, it does not really matter in which clime or setting you are serving. I believe we are all pentecostals. The most important thing is to be evangelical and I have a clear understanding where I want to be.

    Regardless of my professional background, the level of my spiritual understanding dictates and requires me to remain in the orthodox setting which has a strong heritage of discipline and regimen. There is no other denominational movement that can hold claim to superior evangelical orientation more virile than my brand of orthodoxy.

    We are as much divinely spirit-filled and as materially result producing in our approach. By and large, I am spiritually satisfied and materially content where God has located me in His vineyard.

    As a professional in the oil industry, what is your take on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB)?

    I think the bill has been over-politicised, which is why there is so much dilly-dally about it. We should be able to read in between politics and building virile institutions on principles. We should be looking at the global benefits that come from the enactment of the PIB, especially what is in it for us. We should be able to answer if the bill is fair and allows us to derive the best benefits from the resources that God has given to us. We should do away with the parochial interests and politics involved. We should make sure the host communities and the nation get the major benefits and not the politicians. I have had opportunity to flip through the pages of the bill and the most interesting issue is what comes to the host communities. I believe the enactment of that bill will give great relief to the host communities and that is what bothers me most.

  • PFN: Who takes over from Oritsejafor?

    PFN: Who takes over from Oritsejafor?

    From Monday, February 4th, thousands of ministers and church leaders under the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) will gather in Uyo, the capital of Akwa-Ibom, for the biennial conference of the body.

    Though the conference will feature many ministrations and sessions, most of them will be more interested in the closing ceremony when the new national president of the body will be unveiled.

    The outgoing president, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, whose tenure ends at the conference, many believe, took the bloc within the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to greater heights.

    Under him, PFN gained more national prominence, culminating in his emergence in July 2010 as the first pentecostal leader of CAN in a keenly-contested election.

    The achievements of Oritsejafor as leader of the body has raised the stakes for those interested in the seat.

    Investigations revealed that the leading contenders for the post are: National Secretary, Pastor Wale Adefarasin; National Vice President (South West), Bishop Wale Oke, renowned evangelist, Uma Ukpai and a member of the National Advisory Council (NAC), Bishop Felix Omobude.

    Culture of secrecy

    None of them, however, was willing to confirm interest in the seat.

    This is because emergence of leaders in the pentecostal body is always well-guarded. Unlike CAN or even secular politics, there is no open campaign in the PFN.

    Leaders in the body also do not go through election. Rather, the National Advisory Council (NAC) determines who becomes who in the PFN.

    The influential body consists of past presidents and notable pentecostal leaders in the country. Though it is considered an advisory body, NAC wields enormous influence over the leadership and composition of PFN.

    NAC members intervene at crucial moments in the body, making critical pronouncements that go unchallenged.

    Sources said members of the powerful organ are already beaming the searchlight on who to succeed Oritsejafor.

    It was gathered that Adefarasin remains the biggest contender, having succeeded in stabilising the Lagos chapter of PFN, which was rocked by serious crisis some years in the aftermath of the Evangelist Benny Hinn fiasco.

    Adefarasin not only stabilised Lagos PFN but also restored confidence in the body, bringing back many members who left in annoyance.

    Tales from the camps

    Those who believe in him say he is the man who can get the job done for now in National PFN.

    One of them said: “Pastor Wale is calm, cool-headed and reliable. He is the only one that can bring order and sanity to the body.

    “Don’t forget he sanitised Lagos PFN and recorded many achievements without being abrasive or rubbing it in on anyone.”

    Those against the urbane preacher, however, said he lacks the muscle to assert discipline and impose sanctions on erring members.

    According to one of them: “Yes, he is a good man but being good is never enough for a complex organisation like PFN. We need someone who can put his foot down and ensure discipline across board.”

    Unconfirmed reports said he is the preferred candidate with the backing of the incumbent.

    Firmness might be Adefarasin’s weak point but it remains the strongest qualification of foremost evangelist, Uma Ukpai. Ukpai, they say, is about the only founding father of the PFN that has not led the body.

    “With someone like him, you can be sure we are home and dry. He is a source of inspiration, strength and steel for upcoming ministers.

    “He is a man everyone will willingly surrender to because of his stature, disposition and wide contacts,” a source stated.

    Those against him, however, said he is too old to lead the body.

    “He is an elder that should sit back and watch the younger ones work. He should just concentrate on his crusades and leave politics for the tough-minded,’’ another source said.

    Besides, many said he does not have a church, which makes it difficult to lead the PFN.

    A member of the anti-Ukpai camp said: “We have a history of choosing church leaders. It would be a departure for someone like him to emerge. Without a church, how can he fund the organisation?”

    Going by charismatic and friendly appeal, Bishop Wale Oke of the Sword of the Spirit Ministries Ibadan would easily emerge the new PFN leader. He is also perceived as close to Oritsejafor and government leaders.

    But many say he will not get the nod because of undisclosed issues bordering on the past.

    For Bishop Felix Omobude, many say he will be a worthy leader, giving his long years of experience in the ministry and fatherly disposition.

    He is seen as a man that younger and older elements in the body will easily submit to. But sources close to him say he might not be interested.

    “The man will just face his ministry because he is already winding down after years of service in the vineyard,’’ a competent source stated.

    The flamboyant general overseer of House on the Rock, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, is also said to be eyeing the office.

    But many dismissed his ambition as misplaced, stating that it is not yet the turn of his generation.

    The younger Adefarasin was removed few years ago as the National Youth Leader of the PFN under hazy circumstances.

    It is believed that the forces that removed him will never allow the energetic preacher return to any leadership office in the PFN.

    There are talks the National Vice-President, Rev (Mrs.) Mercy Ezekiel, will also be in contention.

    But it was learnt power brokers in the body will never hand over the leadership of the PFN to a woman.

    “Mama has done her best. It is time for her to step out graciously. There is no way a woman will lead us. How will men submit to a woman as the leader?

    “Forget gender discrimination. The Bible is clear. A woman cannot lead in the multitude of men in such a strategic body as PFN,” a source hinted.

    There is no doubt whoever is anointed by the NAC will get the post. He will surely have many fences to mend before settling down to business.

  • ‘Governors should pray against another death’

    ‘Governors should pray against another death’

    The founder and spiritual leader of Christ Deliverance Ministries (CDM), Prophet Ekong Ituen, has appealed to the Governors Forum to pray seriously against the death of another member.

    Ituen said: “They should declare a solemn assembly with a day of fasting and prayer.

    “They should pray against the spirit of sudden death in their midst as some of them will die untimely before the end of their tenure.”

    He also predicted that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will lose the 2015 Presidential elections going by the level of division and disunity that an impending crisis will cause.

    Ituen spoke last week on what awaits the nation in 2013.

    The renowned prophet also urged Nigerians to pray and guard against a severe famine that will rock different parts of the nation.

    On security, he warned that there will be more bombing across the nation, stating, “I pray we should not get to the level of Afghanistan.”

    He advised President Goodluck Jonathan to be wary of praise singers who mean him no good.

    According to him: “The President should be more careful with people around him, especially some northern governors, who would not be there for him when he needs them most.”

    He urged Nigerians to intensify more prayers to avert disintegration of the country.

  • A missionary’s passion for change

    Armed with just N70 and a copy of the Bible, former juju maestro, Rev Idowu Animasahun, walked into Badeku, a sleepy village in the suburb of Ibadan, capital of Oyo State, 25 years ago full of hope.

    Badeku, like most rustic villages, lacked electricity, pipe-borne water, good roads or any social amenity. Yet, the widely travelled Apola King was undeterred.

    He was just consumed with compassion and passion for souls. He was confident the mainly idol-worshipping residents would turn to God.

    Animasahun, who left behind a glamorous life as a celebrated musician, started a weekly fellowship in the muddy house he was offered on arrival.

    The fellowship gave birth to World Hope Ministry, a multi-faceted mission organisation that has since spread roots to other parts of Nigeria and Africa.

    As he was preaching, he was also doing good in the village. The enchanted villagers were amazed by the wonders of the gospel, turning themselves in large numbers to the gospel.

    Through Animasahun, the first private clinic in the village started. That was in 1998. World of Hope Maternity Centre became a huge succour for the village women.

    “There was a government hospital when we came here but it was not functional. On many occasions there were no doctors because of the distance. Sick people couldn’t get drugs and it was becoming a big challenge and that was why we decided to establish a clinic,” Animasahun explained.

    When The Nation visited the clinic, the midwife, Mrs. Olamide Onidare, said the institution takes between 10 and 15 deliveries every month.

    She added that even though fees charged at the clinic is low; most of the villagers still find it hard to pay.

    “We charge two thousand five hundred for every successful delivery, but most of the women who come here cannot afford it. There is nothing we can do because we are running this clinic to help the villagers and not to make profit,” she stated.

    The mission also established nursery, primary and secondary schools in the village. The nursery and primary school has over 100 students while the secondary school, which was established about four years ago, has about 70 students.

    While students in the primary section pay a meagre N2, 500, their counterparts in the secondary section are charged only N6, 500 every term. Yet, most of them cannot afford the meagre fees.

    Twenty five years down the line, Animasahun is impressed with the spiritual and infrastructural transformation in the village.

    But he is aware there are far more grounds to cover. If he had all the money in this world, he said he would provide better medical and educational services completely free for the indigent villagers.

    Like most mission agencies, funding remains a big challenge.

    “It has not been easy for us. We have to subsidise because these are poor people who cannot afford to pay for these services. At the hospital where many of them put to bed, they cannot even pay the token we charge them.

    “It is the same thing at the primary and secondary schools. They cannot pay and we cannot afford to send them away because they don’t have anywhere to go,” he said.

    He called on government, Christians and individuals to support mission works.

    “Missionary work is a collective responsibility. We must show concern for the plight of these people because that is what the gospel is about.”

  • Group seeks restoration of pastoral integrity

    AN interdenominational group, The Concerned Christian for Ministerial Integrity, has called on pastors and other ministers of the gospel to cultivate moral integrity and other virtues exemplified by Christ and the early Church.

    The group made the call last week during its three-day Ministers and Workers’ Conference in Lagos with theme “Who is on the Lord’s side?”

    Its President, Pastor Samuel Olutoye, said the rot in the Church today was due to the fact that many preachers have derailed from the foundations laid by Christ. Olutoye, a former President of the Kaduna Branch of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), called on such pastors to rededicate themselves to avert the wrath of God.

    “What we are seeing in the Church today is the direct opposite of what Christ and the early Church portrayed. Many pastors have derailed from the truth because of societal pressure and the quest for materialism.

    “They focus on prosperity messages because they think it is a quick way to acquire wealth. I am using this medium to call on such pastors to rededicate themselves to God,” he stated.

    The General Overseer of Peculiar People’s Ministry, Pastor Taiwo Ishola, also called on Christians to be watchful in their daily lives.

    He said even though the proliferation of churches has tainted the image of pastors, there are still genuine men of God who will never compromise the truth of the gospel.

    Other speakers at the programme also admonished pastors to emphasise holiness and other aspects of the gospel instead of just focusing on prosperity and other popular messages.

  • Gospel artistes bag awards

    Last year ended on a bright note for distinguished gospel acts who smiled home with awards at the 2nd edition of the Nigeria Gospel Music Awards (NGMA Awards).

    Some of the winners at the event organised by the Academy of Gospel Music in Nigeria include high-flying Frank Edwards who won three awards.

    Edwards won in the “artiste of the year”, “best male vocalist” and ‘song of the year” categories.

    Emmanuel Benjamin, popularly known as Eben, won “best gospel rock artiste and the “album the the year” awards.

    Other winners include Wole Oni (best music producer); Asu Ekiye (best indigenous contemporary category); Joe Praize (alternative category); Onos (best female vocalist); Henri Soul (new revelation of the year); Femi Oyeleye (best male artiste in the Disapora) and Lyn (next rated artiste) and Kayode Olusoji (traditional gospel act).

    Joe Praize said: “From now on you people should expect the very best of music from Joe Praize.”

    Onos described the honour a morale-booster, stating “in 2013 as I am preparing to release a new album and video, excellence will be my watch word. No mediocre works from me henceforth.”

  • Season of wide-legged trousers

    Season of wide-legged trousers

    WIDE-legged pants are very much in trend this season. In this season of cooler temperatures here comes a new fashion trend to boost your look: it is the wide leg pants! The resurgence of core wide leg pants has been widespread.

    How to pick it right

    •A pair of wide leg pants with a high waist in and dark colour is flattering on almost anyone. If you lack height, it is better you choose a more discreet flare in the legs rather than big, billowy legs. The flare at the bottom of the wide leg pants can help to balance out your shape.

    •The wide leg pants can be elegant on ladies if they are worn on the body hug top with a dramatic flare in the leg; it keeps the top glossy and simple. Try not making it look too busy by putting on a billowy top on it especially if you are on the short side.

    •When putting on wide leg pants try wearing a heel as they tend to visually cut leg height. Choose a slightly chunky shoe with a two to three inch heel rather than flats, if you want to step out in style. The shoes with pointed and long toes are flattering when worn with wide leg pants. If you are 5’4″ in height, I recommend you wear wide leg pants that are without cuffs.

    •When wearing wide leg pants, try using a belt on the waist; it brings out a good shape.

    Ladies, I believe the best way to determine what style of wide leg pants you will look best on is to visit boutiques and try on various flares and I am sure you will find the one that the width is most flattering on you.

  • ‘I would never make a dress I can’t wear’ – Adewunmi Yesufu

    ‘I would never make a dress I can’t wear’ – Adewunmi Yesufu

    A graduate of Business Law from Portsmouth University and South Thames College, United Kingdom and Essex County College in New Jersey, USA, Adewunmi Yesufu of TailorLoRoN Clothier started designing clothes for her personal use. She later dumped the law profession for fashion designing and today has a success story to tell. In this interview with Kehinde Oluleye, the multi-talented designer speaks about her career and foray into the fashion world.

    How did it all start?  Although I didn’t start off designing clothes for the public, I actually started making clothes for just myself first, then my immediate family. But along the way, I widened my horizon, and I started designing clothes for my close friends who loved what I wore. As I continued to enjoy doing this, friends of my friends began to show sheer interests in my works too. Thereafter, when referrals to me became astounding, it encouraged me to dive into fashion full time, and officially too. And today it has birthed TL Clothier. Glory be to God

    Do you feel your formal fashion education helped prepare you for the industry?

    Absolutely not! I have had no formal or informal trainings whatsoever as far as fashion is concerned. I am not afraid to declare that I am an amateur who’s learned extensively on the job. However, while it is encouraging to get properly trained on the logistics/rudiments of fashion designing, I also think it has more to do with being gifted. I am of the stance that it is necessary to further inform one’s gifts by enriching it with adequate education.

    But personally, in the area of fashion, I humbly say that I have learned that your merit is more dependent on your ability/gift to discern. More so, to be able to put clothing items together accurately. All these I narrow down to being gifted in the overall.

    What inspired you to go into fashion design?

    My inspiration came from God. I only just found it to be a true part of my existence. Quite apart from that, I get inspired solely by overwhelming commendations, feedbacks, and by the continuous out-pour of encouragements from ladies, and at times even from males. Initially, it was a question of “Oh you carry this outfit well” and “Whaoo…I love your designs, I want one too”. Notice these comments are two different things. The former will make anyone believe they are the reason the outfit looks gorgeous because they carry themselves well. And the latter will inform you that the outfit itself is absolutely fantastic. Hence, it will suit anybody else. So these were the sorts of applause that compelled me into fashion full time. And I have never enjoyed any other job like I do this one.

    When did you realise your passion for fashion?

    Again, like I said in my earlier statements, fashion has always been in me. I only just started serving my taste of it to the public since moving back to Nigeria few years ago. Matter of fact, I have been doing this for barely 2years.

    What is your philosophy about the art of fashion?

    My philosophy about the art of fashion is thus; wear ONLY what suits you irrespective of what may be in vogue. And this includes colour combinations, fabric prints/texture and the overall style of outfit. Also, it is advisable to be very mindful of your body shape before you make anything. Don’t just follow the crowd complacently, you can stand out in a spectacular way, no matter what the fashion statement of the time or day may be.

    Two things attract people to your mode of dress sense. It is either because you are too clumsily conspicuous in your appearance of unmatching colours, or because your simplicity and demeanour is absolutely regal. These are the two extreme reasons people pay attention to you.

    What do you enjoy most in designing clothes?

    I enjoy tossing around with different fabrics, with a combination of reasonable colours in one outfit. Nothing gives me more joy than when I spontaneously get a new inspiration for my next outfit design. The natural impulse is always amazing and exciting for me.

    What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to start a career in fashion?

    Well, I would say, pay attention to your intuition, make sure you aren’t only verging into it because of monetary benefits. To carve a niche for yourself in fashion, be innovative, do not imitate. Avoid mental laziness and full reliance on catalogue/fashion magazines, because any idiot can copy what they see in a magazine. So try to be different. Ultimately, make sure it’s your calling. Encourage feedbacks momentarily, be open to criticism, and be very patient with your clients. Unlike me, you may wish to enroll in a formal fashion tutorial, so as to amplify your creativity; as not everyone can get away without it. I am just a lucky rugged person that trained herself on the job (Laughs).

    Having been around for a while, what would you like to see fashion designers improve on?

    First of all, as a full blooded Nigerian, I applaud every distinguished fashion designer in this country. In the last 5years, I must say that the overall outpour of fashion consciousness in Nigeria has been very encouraging. The awareness has been blown up like a parachute. And for years to come, I am certain we’ll be one of the best, if not the best in the world. All thanks to our fine African prints. For the overall improvement, I say, designers should try do away with complacency. Avoid being monotonous with fabrics and styles. Be innovative and copy less. With these, the sky will be just the beginning for all.

    Where do you get your design inspiration?

    My design inspiration? Hmm, like I told you the other day, am an insomniac. So I get my overflowing inspiration to design in the wee hours of the mornings, say between 2 and 5 o’clock, and within the confines of my bedroom. It just comes naturally. When am informed, I draw it out instantaneously, and boom! I make it real as soon as possible(asap). That has been my pattern over the years.

    What is the best perk in being a designer?

    The best perk for me is that I get to model my designs myself, and I get to wear every one of them first. I love to show off. After all they say charity begins at home (Laughs).

    What do you wish people would understand about the fashion industry?

    That it is a very wide platform that can contain every intending fashionista, no matter how many want to do it. And that it is also an intricate venture, given that crises are inevitable, it will always occur. For example, you may get a client who wants an outfit they have seen on you or another client, wanting it the exact way they have seen it. When you make a replica for such a person, they may find it doesn’t suit them like the person on whom they first saw it. This in fact is a major challenge in the fashion industry. And not many understand this aspect. Therefore, I always advice adequate consultation is put in place with every client. Don’t assume you know what they want. And even when they choose something they love, it is the designer’s prerogative to advice such on whether or not their choice will be suitable for their body shape and colour. That is key.

    What trends do you see becoming big in 2013?

    I see the Peter Pan collar all the way. I see the bright colour mixes. Even though in recent time, some people have made the colour combo situation a very appalling sight to behold – the ‘colour blocking’ mix, as it is called in Nigeria. We need to be very careful with these colours, not all of them are appropriate to dress sense. And again, the ankara prints are going nowhere! I see them more in 2013 and far beyond.

    If you could design the wardrobe for any movie star, who would it be & why?

    Whao, interesting question, you got me on this one. Didn’t see it coming. Hmmm, never given much thoughts to this. Genevieve Nnaji and Bisi Ibidapo Obe. If both ladies get to read this, get in touch with me fast (laughs). See, both ladies have body shapes that I love absolutely. For Genevieve, she’s got carriage that I would love to be a part of. Same with Bisi, she’s a tall woman with a good sense of dressing, and I would also love to see my designs on her.

    If you could be a famous designer for a day, who would you choose to be and why?

    Oh oh, I assume that you mean Nigerian designer? I would love to wear Lanre Da-Silva’s shoe for a day. Reason is because I love her concepts, more like the Ancient Scottish taste of fashion. Peculiar but fantastic. Kudos

    What is your absolute favourite item that you’ve made?

    This would be the ‘Cinderella dress’, undoubtedly. I love the concept.

    Does your work reflect your personal fashion taste?

    Oh absolutely indeed. Don’t forget what I said earlier, I get to wear all my designs first. Would never make you a dress I cannot wear myself. So yes, my works are a total reflection of my personal fashion disposition.

    Please describe your style.

    Very simple, precise, yet stylish; less for me is more for me. I love comfortable and very versatile outfits.

  • Heel-less wedge

    THERE are three varieties of wedge that are hotly in vogue now: the wedge sandal, wedge shoes and the wedge slippers. A wedge shoe is guaranteed to make you look chic. But never buy one without trying it out very well and making sure it fits at the store.

    Peep toes shoes

    They are simple, yet solid shoes that allow a lady to show off her lovely feet while just revealing a bit of the toes.

    Stilettos

    Everything you could want in a pair of sexy high heels, from strap sandals, peep toe to covered shoes with sexy heel. They are the most elegant shoes of the season. They are a must-have for women of style, who need to look classy and different.

    Flat shoes

    These well-balanced, trendy and funky shoes are another women foot wear that cannot go out of fashion. The pattern and style may vary per season, but the flat shoes will forever remain in fashion.

    Pump metallic

    These shoes have had almost the same shape for ages without changing. It is a fashion material that women can’t get tired of.

    Bow shoes

    Otherwise known as butterfly shoes is trending.

    Matching pair of bag & shoes

    The Italian shoes are forever getting more stylish and designers are experimenting with mixed fabric.