PRESS RELEASE: VLISCO Mothers’ day 2019, “The power of heritage”

11 March, 2019, HELMOND – For this Mother’s Day, Vlisco launches “The power of heritage” campaign at vlisco.com/thepowerofheritage, retail stores, and across the cities of Nigeria. The campaign was inspired by the beauty of family bonds, and how much we learn from the wisdom passed down from our mothers and grandmothers. Through a series of photographs and interviews, the campaign showcases three generations of remarkable women from two Nigerian families in Abuja and Lagos.

Each set of women talks about their tight bond,love and the stories and values that are passed down through the generations.



“It’s amazing to have 3 of us sit like this”

In Lagos, Vlisco interviewed “Skinny Girl in Transit” star Abimbola Craig, along with her mother Roli Craig and grandmother Florence Egbe. Roli Craig speaks with humour and admiration about her own grandmother’s entrepreneurship and dedication to her family, and Abimbola Craig talks about how, even with her modern work life, the faith and values of her mother and grandmother remain strong within her.



“She groomed me into the woman that I am.”

In the Hausa regions of Nigeria Vlisco spoke with Na’ada Joshua about her mother Hajara Friday Joshua, and her grandmother Halima Ballah. She talks about her mother’s strength and its positive influence on the way Na’ada herself is as a mom to her own 2-year old son.“She made it easy for me to talk to her…I want to be a friend like that to my son.”



To capture the moments between these women, we worked with photographer Coco Olakunle, who specializes in capturing the superstar inevery woman, revealing humble and extraordinary details. In the Abuja photoshoot with Na’ada Joshua and her family, Anita Chialuka Ebeledike of the fashion label Divalukky created three ruffle-rich dresses with complimentary headwraps using a wavy check Super Wax. While in Lagos, designer Joan Ibuzo of the House of Marie fitted the three Lagotian women in a magnificent new purple and orange Wax Hollandais with playful appliqués from our Wax Fantastique campaign.



Vlisco:

Inspired by Africa, made with a technique derived from Indonesian Batik, designed in the Netherlands, Vlisco’s heritage and design signature is a multicultural melting pot of beauty and industrial craftsmanship. Founded in 1846 by Dutch entrepreneurs, Vlisco is one of the world’s most dynamic fabric design companies. With a renowned reputation for creativity and innovative craftsmanship, Vlisco produces distinctive fabrics that have been loved by African women for over 170 years. For further information, visit www.vlisco.com

CONTROVERSY OVER RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN'S DISMISSAL VERDICT OF JOS BUTTLER.

Ravichandran Ashwin, Kings XI Punjab skipper, opened a proverbial can of worms when he 'mankaded' Rajasthan Royals' batsman Jos Buttler in an Indian Premier League (IPL). Match in Jaipur on Monday. When the Indian spinner was being slammed by the international cricket community, the Marylebone Cricket Club's (MCC) verdict that the 'mankad' rule is essential, came as a respite. However, cricket's lawmakers backtracked saying that Ashwin's dismissal of Buttler was "not within the spirit of the game".

On Wednesday, the MCC's manager of the Laws Fraser Stewart told British media in the UAE that they had now reviewed their original statement.

"Having extensively reviewed the incident again and after further reflection we don't think it was within the spirit of the game," Stewart said.

"We believe the pause was too long between the time Ashwin reached the crease and the moment it was reasonable to expect the ball would be delivered.

"When Buttler could have reasonably expected the ball to be delivered, he was in his ground."

However, "It is also unfair, and against the spirit of cricket, for non-strikers to leave their ground too early. All these debates wouldn't be necessary if non-strikers remained in their ground until the ball is on its way down the pitch," he added.

Whereas, "This law is essential . Without it, non-strikers could back up at liberty, several yards down the pitch and a law is needed to prevent such action," the MCC statement read on Tuesday.

England batsman Buttler was on Monday run out by Kings XI Punjab skipper Ashwin as he backed-up. This incident was particularly contentious as Buttler was still in his crease when Ashwin arrived, only for the bowler to pull out of his action and wait for him to step forward before whipping off the bails.

BY KHADIJAH YAKUBU AJIYA.

HIDDEN AND EXCITING TRAVEL SPOTS IN INDIA

Are you tired of the known tourist trails? Or seeking to get away to a new place? The offbeat destinations in India offer an awesome experience you won forget in a hurry Escape the hustle-bustle of cities and indulge in incredible experiences. Vacations in these lesser-known locales of the country are truly memorable and amazing. Don’t be a loner but avoid crowds, explore raw natural beauty and unusual cultures, and get to experience a plethora of new things.

These days, more and more people are looking for destinations off the charted routes. However, the offbeat destinations in India offer the thrill of a relaxing getaway but also some cherished memories.

Mawlynnong, Meghalaya

Mawlynnong in Meghalaya, is one of the must visit offbeat places in India. Blessed with the charm of North East India, Mawlynnong has been awarded as the cleanest village in Asia in 2003. The eco-friendly village community will give you some amazing lessons on life.

The scenic bliss of the town is refreshing for your senses. There are waterfalls to visit, caves to explore and most importantly walk on the Living Roots Bridge. Created out of the roots of the trees, the bridges are truly a wonder. Don’t’ stop at just this town, backpack throughout Meghalaya.

Halebid, Karnataka

Halebid in Karnataka is one of the ancient temple towns of South India. The town is untouched by tourist crowds, therefore a beautiful offbeat experience. Known as Dwarasamudra, gateway to the seas, Halebid is the capital of the Hoysala Dynasty for about 150 years.

Sacked by the armies of Malik Kafur in the early 14th century, the town fell into a state of ruin. Even in the ravaged state, the town’s glorAy still remains undiminished. Spend time exploring the temple ruins of Halebid. You can also combine your tour with a visit to Belur along with Jain monuments at Shravanabelagola.

Chembra Peak, Kerala

An exciting trekking trip, the Chembra Peak in Kerala is one of the best offbeat destinations in India. It is located in Wayanad district, at 6,900 ft in the lush lap of misty Western Ghats. The peak is popular for adventure enthusiast trekkers and nature lovers. In fact, to get to the peak it’s mandatory to get permission passes from the Forest Department for the safety of trekkers and preservation of wildlife.

En-route to the peak, a heart shaped lake locally named Hridaya Saras, enchants the visitors. From the peak you can enjoy panoramic views .

BY KHADIJAH YAKUBU AJIYA.

EBIRA TRADITIONAL WEDDING RITES

Wedding as we all know is an elaborate event which is usually celebrated in grand style. It is the joining of two people in holy matrimony. The complete view of the Ebira traditional marriage typical of all African traditional settings. Ebira (also spelt Igbira or Igbirra) are the outspoken and very hard-working people, Nupoid-speaking ethno-linguistic group located in the Central Senatorial district of Kogi State (not far from the Niger-Benue confluence) in Nigeria.


It is believed that a man is up to the age of marriage only when he had gone to have his own farm plot enough to take care of his domestic and immediate needs. He is expected to have the assistance of his immediate family (father, mother, brothers and sisters) as the case may be. The father or the mother keeps an eye on the prospective bride; he or she starts to shower gifts on the parents of the prospective bride not minding the consent of the bride or his or her son. All that mattered was the fact that they know the child (son) is up to the task. This one is very common in all parts of Ebira Land and in African tradition as a whole.

According to the Ebira traditional marriage customs, a man never walks to his in-laws to inform them of his interest in their daughter; instead, his parents and mostly elderly women from his family do this. They will go to the girl’s parents to introduce themselves and the reasons for coming. It is also their duty to conduct a thorough investigation of the lady’s family backgrounds. Such as her upbringing, family history, how well behaved she is. Every other necessary details about the girl and her family is also investigated. A date is set for the formal introduction of both families as a way of bringing to open what has been going on in secret. This in Kogi language is called “Ise Ewere”. During this initial introduction, some gifts are usually given to the bride’s family.


Kogi people tend to shy away from the list of requirements as a list, in other not to make it sound mandatory.
The Gifts as Part of traditional marriage rites requirements in Kogi state
Ebiraland includes the following:

-Forty-two tubers of yam
-Hot drinks, Assorted wines, and Minerals
-Kola nuts
-Walking stick for the father
-Dried fish or bush meat
-10 liters of palm oil
-Groundnut oil
-A bag of salt
-Clothing materials in some boxes
-Pieces of jewelry and Adornment for the lady
-Cash for the clan members and family elders.

Though optional, a groom may decide to present two wrappers to his wife to be Then after this comes the day of general introduction which the groom may not necessarily attend because his family members are usually handy to do anything on his behalf. The bride’s family entertains the groom’s family with foods and drinks and also use the opportunity to know each other properly.


Meanwhile, the gifts that the groom provided are shared among the neighbors and the extended relations to solicit for their prayers and to inform them that the lady is now betrothed to a man of her choice??????????????.


The bride price of the lady is usually agreed upon by her parents and it depends to a greater extent, on the financial status of the man. There are other prices here and there to be paid after the initial bride price and they include the following:


“OTANUVOGEI” which simply means, ‘Joining hands together’
“OZEMEIYI” which means ‘I am attracted to her’
“IDOZA” stands for the farming price, which the groom pays in place of physically going to work in the farm for his father-in-law as in the olden days.When the day of the traditional marriage arrives, women from the man’s family each carry tubers of yams on their heads in a dancing procession to the bride’s home. The occasion is always said to kick off as soon as the women arrive the bride’s home. During the occasion, a religious leader is usually called to offer prayers along with both parents for the success of the union. Refreshments are served to the guest present, amidst lots of jubilation prayers for the success of the union.
Thereafter, the colorful occasion would be brought to an end and the new wife’s friends with other women accompany the lady to her home.


BY RUTH AJAKO.

MANGOES FRUIT AND ITS IMPRESSIVE HEALTH BENEFITS

When you savor delicious and succulent mangoes every season, you probably don’t think about the immense health benefits coming with every bite.

MANGOES; Also, known as the king of fruits mangoes are tropical fruits that belong to the same family as that of pistachios, gandaria, mombin, and cashews Common names for mangoes are mangot, manga, and mangou, depending on the region or nation. Beyond the sweet, luscious taste of mangoes, they also contain an abundance of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that assure your optimum health.

PROMOTE WEIGHT GAIN; Eating mangos is one of the easiest ways to gain weight. 150g of mango has around 86 calories, which can be absorbed easily by the body. Moreover, they contain starch, which transforms into sugar and aids in gaining weight. Mango milkshakes will accelerate the process of gaining weight since they also contain milk and are notoriously delicious!

AIDS IN DIGESTION; The digestive enzymes in them help promote natural, efficient digestion. The bioactive ingredients in mangos like esters, terpenes, and aldehydes contribute in enhancing appetite and also improve the function of the digestive system.

CURE ANEMIA; Mangoes are rich in iron, which makes them beneficial for people suffering from anemia A regular, moderated intake can help eliminate anemia by increasing the red blood cell count in the body. The tonic made from mangoes in Chinese herbal medicine is known as yin tonic, and it is used to treat anemia, bleeding gum, cough, constipation, nausea, fever seasickness, and as a cure for weak digestion.

USEFUL IN PREGNANCY; Mangoes are beneficial for pregnant women since they fulfill the iron requirements during pregnancy. Doctors often prescribe iron tablets during pregnancy, but instead of supplementation, you can enjoy a healthy iron-rich diet with juicy mangoes. The taste buds during pregnancy usually lose some of their sensitivity, so mangoes will surely prove to be the delight of your day, more than just its health benefits.

DELAY AGING; Mangoes contain high amounts of vitamin A and C, which help produce collagen proteins inside the body. Collagen helps protect blood vessels and the body’s connective tissues, thereby slowing down the natural aging process. Therefore, mangoes can rightly be called an anti aging food.

BOOST IMMUNITY; Mangoes are rich in beta-carotene, a powerful carotenoid. This element helps to enhance the immune system and make it impervious to bacteria and toxins. Excess beta-carotene is also transformed into vitamin A inside the body. Vitamin A is another antioxidant that gives you additional protection against the free radicals harming your internal systems.

BY STEPHANIE E. HEMEN

AZUBUIKE OKECHUKWU BECOMES U-23 EAGLES CAPTAIN.

Nigeria’s U23 captain, Azubuike Okechukwu expressed joy towards his effort to have led the team to qualify for the final round of the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Accordingl Okechukwu was stated to be outstanding for the Olympic Eagles over two legs as they defeated Libya 4-2 on aggregate.

The Rizespor midfielder will be looked upon to inspire the U-23 Eagles in their final qualifying round tie against Sudan for a place in the group stages of the 2019 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations tournament billed to hold from November 8 to 22 in Egypt.

Sudan booked a date with the U-23 Eagles after holding Kenya to a goalless draw in the second leg of their first qualifying round fixture at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on Tuesday.

The Sudanese advanced 2-0 on aggregate.

Sudan will host the first leg on June 5 with the reverse fixture billed to hold in Nigeria on June 9.


BY KHADIJAH YAKUBU AJIYA.

GROOM DIES, BRIDE WOUNDED AFTER WEDDING GIFT EXPLODES IN INDIA.

A newly married man and his grandmother were killed in India when a wedding gift they were opening exploded.

The man’s wife was critically injured in the blast on Friday in the eastern state of Odisha, police said.

Soumya Sekhar and Reema Sahu got married on the 18 of February and they received the “gift” at their wedding reception a few days later.

It was actually a parcel bomb and did not have the sender’s address of it, police said.

The parcel exploded as soon as it was unwrapped, relatives told local media.

Mr Sehu and his 85-year-old grandmother, Jemamani Sahu, died from their injuries in a hospital.

The motive for the attack is not clear, police said, however they suspect it was carried out by someone in the area.



BY KHADIJAH YAKUBU AJIYA

BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN SHANGHAI CITY YOU SHOULD VISIT

Bund sightseeing tunnel

Built in 2000, the tunnel is located between shanghai Pudong oriental pearl TV tower and Puxi Nanjing road E. of the bund, it was opened in October and in china’s first cross river pedestrian tunnel, Linking Puxi bund sightseeing area and Pudong Lujiazui emerging tourist area as a whole, which formed the most beautiful scenery line among shanghai tourism landscape .it includes an underground cooling tower. The 646.7 metre long tunnel wall is illuminated by a variety of high tech –made strange colors changing non-stop, bringing visitors a dreamy journey.


Huangpu Park on the bund

It was built in 1868 and enjoyed a history of 130 years and located at 500 Shanghai RD, it was once called the bund park, witnessing the vicissitudes of the century of the bund. On September 21, 1994 , it was successfully converted into shanghai’s first free park with the standing shanghai’s first free park with the standing shanghai people’s heroes Memorial tower . The bund history museum on the ground of the tower is literally presenting a century of struggle of the Chinese nation.

BY KHADIJAH YAKUBU AJIYA.

HIGHLIGHTING YOUR FIGURE WITH HIGH WAIST OUTFITS

If you look around these days, you will realise that old fashion styles have finally found their way back to the present-day fashion world. It is no longer news that people nowadays dress exactly the way fashion icons dressed in those days.

Old fashion styles and dresses have taken over the fashion world and are now in vogue; people tend to look trendier when they are dressed in the old fashion way. High waist outfit for example, are incredibly flattering and surprisingly interesting, making them an excellent choice for women of all ages and sizes.


Here in fashion, it reveals the secrets in making the best out of your high waist outfit. In most cases, the key is usually your body type.
In order for you to look good at something, you should know what your body type is and what works best for you. High waist outfit are not only great in making your waist look smaller, but they will also help you keep up with the fashion trends.


To avoid appearing frumpy, make sure you wear your correct size by getting a fitting. Remember that the best part of fashion is feeling like yourself with what you are wearing. High waist pants, skirts etc. will definitely give you a stylish and elegant look. You can combine them with simple blouses, blazers, shirts, or some elegant top. Also wearing these pants or skirts with some cool crop top will give you a stunning look. Like all fashion trends, high waist clothing can look fabulous if it’s worn well but can also be the subject of a serious fashion faux pas. There are a number of ways to wear high waist trousers and when you get the style right it can be a chic look that works on a range of occasions.

High waist trousers can be a particularly useful item in your work-wear collection, especially in a wide-legged style. Be sure to balance out your top half and wear an embellished, bold-coloured blouse or add some glamorous accessories.


For a more casual look, high waist fitted trousers offer more structure than skinny leg jeans, which can be unforgiving for curvier figures. Opt for bold statement colours for these trousers – there’s a great range in mustard, burgundy or bright, fun floral. Styles that just brush the ankle also evoke a fun vintage feel, so this is a great trouser for girls who aren’t really trouser-wearers. High waist skirts are a classic item for any office wardrobe, with pencil cuts creating a chic and sophisticated look.


There is also a range of fun high waist skirts available in more casual styles with pastel colours and bright shades. Try a skirt with pleats for a fun and gorgeous friendly look.
If you have a full chest, try to pair the skirt with a looser fitting shirt to balance your feature and leave you feeling ultra girlie.

Another interesting high waisted outfit is jeans. Jeans are a perennial staple in any woman’s closet, but styles of jeans cycle in and out of popularity. High waists are a relief when it comes to body coverage, styling them presents a whole new challenge. The casual trend of leaving shirts un-tucked is certainly pointless with a high-waist jean, while a cropped top still may not show very much skin at all, if any. Women may see high-waist jeans in photographs and long to wear them but not know how to begin with styling. First, understanding what makes a jean "high-waist" will help shoppers pick the right styles of jeans. The best way to go about styling high-waist jeans is to consider one’s fashion personality first and take it from there. One’s personal style will affect the cut of the jeans as well as the wash chosen. Some of the jeans of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s did feature higher rises, so a high - waist flare jean is right in keeping with the days of Flower Power. Here are three bohemian looks to get you started.


• Mix a light wash high - waist flare jean with a peasant-style blouse and a simple natural sandal.
• Wear high-waist jeans with a knit turtleneck top and wooden-soled clog.
• Combine a T-shirt, vest, and high-waist jeans with platform heels.

Most high-waist jeans are not the same as traditional five-pocket jeans; they need specific styling to look good and are not the type of jeans that one throws on with a T-shirt and sneakers ‘’unless this is done purposefully to achieve a specific image’’. High-waist jeans are a specific style that calls attention to the high waist, while high-rise jeans are merely regular jeans that come up higher and can be worn like any other standard jeans.

Another beautiful high waist outfit to consider is the Empire dress waistline. Empire waist dresses have a waistline directly under the bust which creates a flowing appearance that is universally flattering. The cut of empire waist dresses is extremely forgiving and hides trouble spots while accentuating the positives of the female physique. An empire waist dress is extremely versatile, and the dress can go from casual to formal with a few simple changes. When wearing an empire waist dress, focus on shoes. Because shoes define the empire waist dress. For a casual look, wear sandals. For workdays, wear flats or low heels. Pumps and high heels give the empire waist dress a sexy makeover for a date or night out. Make sure the shoes are appropriate for the length of the dress. An empire waist maxi dress is very long and would look best with flats, while a shorter dress looks best with heels.

BY MAIMUNA BAGUDU

BEING TOGETHER AS MARRIED COUPLE

Getting married and living together are two different things entirely.

Even if you're really ready for marriage and can picture the entire rest of your lives together, it's normal to wake up some days and think, "OH Lord’’ Am I really married forever and ever??"

Everyone knows marriage is a big commitment, of course, but even when getting married is a natural step in your happy relationship, years later when you're more appreciative of the decades you have ahead of yourselves, you can be floored by how extraordinary it is to commit to one person your entire life.

And you should also note that you are not just marrying your partner but his family also.

Family is very important, it is one of the best aspects of human lives, and you realize everything you do revolves around your family.

So also when you get married, your husband’s family is your family, so is yours to him, because you have become one of them, so you are not just marrying him, but embracing his whole family as yours.

The little things matter a lot in relationship. So i think the best test of whether you could live with someone else forever is to ask yourself if you could put up with his or her biggest flaws, or the worst version of this person for the rest of your life. I think that's a good exercise, since people become more themselves as they age, their desires, strengths, and flaws get sharper. If your partner is somewhat of a curmudgeon now, he or she will probably only become crankier and more stubborn as the years go by. Conversely, the best things you love about a person could hold you steady through the inevitable tough times, and I also think it's the little things you have to look for, because in the day-in/day-out of marriage, the little things add up.

Little annoyances like snoring in the night or leaving a wet towel on the bed are really easy to overlook during a relationship when the bigger things—the way your partner makes you laugh or how beautiful you feel around him or her—attract your attention more.

When we're "in love" we tend not to notice the small things that could drive you crazy months later, like hanging the toilet paper the wrong way.

On the flip side, it's also the small acts of everyday kindness, respect, and love that keep a marriage going. Romantic gestures like buying flowers or a surprise date out are great, but they don't hold a candle to mundane things like unclogging a drain or taking over child-bathing duty.

Doing chores becomes sexy in a way you would never imagine.

You both have to change to make the marriage work.The old adage that you can't change someone by marrying them still holds true. You shouldn't think you can change your partner just by marrying him/her and you probably don't want anyone to change you either. The truth is, though, you're probably both going to have to change or adapt, as a choice, to keep the love alive.

BY SHAMSIYA BARA'U AHMED

THINGS COUPLES SHOULD UNDERSTAND

Couple should learn to understand and communicate with each other because two biggest things are learning how to fight together more productively and how to communicate in ways that make more sense to both of you.

It can take a long time to learn what your partner's silences mean (and don't mean), that grudges can kill a relationship, and how to adapt to the ups and downs that life is going to throw at you both.

I think every couple should go through at least one really tough time together before they get married, just to see how the other person handles such things.

Now there are two of you not just you anymore, so you have to put the marriage above everything else, and might even forget what you were like when you were single and "free." It's not a bad thing, necessarily. It's just a lot of responsibility, being responsible to someone else.

It's a Constant Work in Progress, you might think once you've finally settled down you can relax and live happily ever after, but nothing can be farther from the truth.

The years jumble together, and if you're not careful you'll easily take the marriage for granted. I think the thing that's made the most difference for marriage is the regular vacations and other traditions—things that force couple to take stock again and again in their relationship and reconnect on a deeper level. Just "being in love" isn't enough to make a marriage work.

Even after decades of living together, you'll be learning things about your partner, bit by bit, that might surprise you, or they'll suddenly change or have different priorities. It's like a dance, and you both have to keep up with each other.

But what a beautiful dance it can be if you follow each other’s steps carefully.

BY SHAMSIYA BARA'U AHMED

#WOMANCRUSHWEDNESDAY

It another Wednesday, and we happen to be crushing on a beautiful stunning, gorgeous lady who has captured us all with her spectacular smile, who goes by the name Maryam Augie-Jibrin from the family of Justice Amina, Augie, which happens to be a prestigious family in the society. 

Maryam Augie jibrin is married to Abdulmumin Jibrin, they got married on the 24th of November 2014 at the emir palace Argungu, Kebbi state, this also happens to be Maryam Augie-Jibrin birthday date.Maryam Augie-Jibrin spouse, who loves and adores her, also appreciate and praises her at every opportunity he gets. Take for instances her birthday, He talks about Maryam Augie-Jibrin smile and in his own words says “with maryam by ur side, just go to bed; boy, go to bed.. Inotherwords maryam Augie-Jibrin smile can warm anyones’s heart, no matter how harden it is. 

Maryam Augie-Jibrin and her spouse Abdulmumin Jibrin, are a couple we admire, cause from what we see, they happen to love each other, Abdulmumin Jibrin also gushes out of how maryam Augie-Jibrin his wife they both can’t go a day without laughing. Maryam Augie-Jibrin is known for her simplicity, beauty and most of all her captivating smile, which her spouse Abdulmumin Jibrin always talks about, and no doubt this we definitely agree with regarding the pictures we see, captivating smile.

PHOTO CREDIT @GEORGE OKORO



BY MAIMUNA BAGUDU

SINGER SIMI REACTS TO PASTOR KINSLEY OKONKWO INTIMACY SERMON

A Nigerian pastor Kingsley Okonkwo took to social media to talk about his ideology of Intimacy, he is seen in a viral video preaching to an all –female congregation about Men and the psychology behind their behavior according to him God put a lot of sexual passion in men expecting women to obey God's command by denying men of these pleasures until marriage.

These as caused mixed reactions on social media since the video went viral. However, the sermon did not go down well Nigerian singer Simi who said women are overwhelmed already. When it comes to sex and relationships, a lot of people in today's society appear to be fighting what is considered the norm which is; men want sex and women, marriage.

Blackface releases song attacked former music mate.  

The battle between two ex-members formerly in the defunct plantashun boiz, seemed not to have ended. You may recall that Blackface and 2baba have not had the best of times over the years as they have been accusations and counter accusations between the duo.
The recent development trailing social media has been the released by Blackface diss track tittle War which was directly targeted at 2baba.

BY SOPHIE AIGBOMIAN.

A CHIC WOMAN'S GUIDE TO SHOES

It's no secret that women adore shoes. To some, buying a new pair is an instant mood lifter. When you feel great, you make a trip to the shoe store in celebration. And on special occasions, you must have something special to wear.

The truth is, there will always be a good excuse to add to your shoe closet. Here are a few tips on expressing your personal style through your footwear.


Don't Be Hobbled by Discomfort

Even if you love a pair, if you can't walk in them, don't buy them. Limping around in heels is decidedly ungraceful.

Dare to Wear Bright

Electric hues can amp up a look, including outfits in colours other than black and denim. Try coloured shoes with white, khaki, and pastels. A scarlet-red dress, however, calls for neutral footwear.

Choose One Attention Getter

If you are wearing an over-the-top dress, for example, keep your shoes toned down. But if your look is low-key, a standout shoe adds excitement.

Wear What's Appropriate

Open-toe sandals may be too risqué for a conservative suit, while a flat may be too casual for a cocktail frock. Keep your sneakers relegated to gym clothes or casual jeans. When in doubt, it's hard to go wrong with a classic black pump.

Going Outdoors? Say No to Stilettos

It will be difficult to walk when your heels keep sinking into the ground, and you'll ruin your shoes. Flats are fine, but if you want height, wedges are an ideal option.

Make a Statement

A stiletto sandal is all about looking sexy, while a bow-emblazoned kitten heel veers more toward cute. Know what look you're going for, and go full out.

Va-va-voom Shoes Have Their Place

Night time is the right time for attention-getting shoes. If you still want to wear a “knock-'em-dead” look during the day, choose a closed-toe or peep-toe pump.

Pair Sky-High Shoes with Tame Hemlines

When going for major air, keep your hemlines at an inch above the knee. But when wearing a short skirt or dress, wear a lower heel or flat, it will balance you out and keep you from showing altogether too much leg.

Wear Flats with Properly Hemmed Clothes

Make sure your clothing is tailored or you'll risk looking sloppy. A trouser leg should fall at or above the ankle, while skirts or dresses should end above the knee.

Think About Balance

And we're not talking about the kind you need to walk. A thicker-heeled shoe grounds a heavily layered look, when something dainty could look off balance. The reverse also holds true. When wearing a wispy frock, a thin-strapped sandal is an appropriate match.

BY MAIMUNA BAGUDU

BRIDAL HAIR ACCESSORIES

Every bride walks into her wedding day with enthusiasm and even nervousness.

Designing a perfect bridal gown with impeccable hairstyle to complement the design of the dress can be an unwieldy chore to most of the brides.

This requires a lot discussions with your hair stylist to seek one that goes with you to aptness. To get the scenic hairstyle, it is essential to opt for a perfect hair accessory. Hair accessories are those things that can transform your simple hairdo into a magnificent one. So, if you decide to get the best, you need good knowledge about all sorts of available hair accessories.

Hair Clips

The most elementary hair accessory are hair clips. This mainly serves the purpose of dealing with your hair by keeping the hair off the face and assisting to pack it up on top the head. Hair clips can be of various forms; for instance, barrettes, which are made of plastic or wood or even metal.

Hair Comb

Another basic hair accessory is the hair comb; this is a most for bridal hair styles. This is a kind of headpiece which is fastened in your hair with the help of its small comb shaped structure. Hair combs can be worn on the top of the head or on the both sides of the head. They come in several charming designs that are ornamented with rhinestone and pearls.

Flowers

A bridal hairdo is incomplete without flowers. It is the most preferred hair accessory for brides. If you have a penchant for flowers, they add sweet fragrance to your hair as well.

Ponytail Holders

If you like to be simple, then a simple ponytail would suit you the best. Bejeweled elastics and ponytail holders can embellish your hairdo well.

Crystal Hairpin

Bridal hair accessories are incomplete if you do not include crystal hairpins in them. These are available in soft fluffy look, Orchid shaped designs, diamante branch shapes and even funky shapes as well.

Headbands

These are one of the most glitzy and classy accessories that one can go for. They come in different sizes to be worn by different head sizes. You may select the one that suits best on your head. The trick lies in seeking the best one to go with your hairdo in the best way possible.

BY MAIMUNA BAGUDU

CELEBRITY OF THE WEEK

Today our celebrity of the week is a gorgeous, beautiful, gifted, talented, and phenomenal woman, who is full of life, in her career and marriage, and also has a lot of people who look up to her, (I happen to be one of them) ADESUA ETOMI.


Adesua Etomi whose full name is Tolulope Adesua Etomi, is a Nigerian actress, producer and a fashion icon, was born in owerri, imo state, on the 22nd of February 1988. Her father is a soldier of Esan descent, and her mother is an engineer of Yoruba descent. She is the youngest of three siblings. Etomi attended Corona School in Victoria Island, Lagos, where she joined the drama club at the age of seven. Thereafter, she attended Queen's College, Lagos before moving to the United Kingdom at the age of 13 years old, and later obtained a diploma in "physical theatre, musical theatre and performing arts" from City College Coventry in 2004. After completing these courses in 2006 with triple distinctions, she studied drama and performance at the University of Wolverhampton, graduating with first-class honours.


Adesua Etomi with her qualifications started building a career in the entertainment industry since 2012. She played few minor roles. In 2014 she featured in the Esem Isong produced romantic drama tittled “knocking on heaven’s door” taking the lead role Adesua Etomi became the people’s choice actress, since that year to the present moment.


She has also played leading roles in films and television series such as


_FALLING-2014
_SOLDIER’S STORY-2015
_OUT OF LUCK-2015
_THE WEDDING PARTY-2016/2017
_COUPLE OF DAY-2016
_SHUGA-2015/2017
and so many others.

Adesua Etomi does more than just acting, She is a fashion icon and a social media influncer with over 1.7 milliion followers on Instagram. Adesua Etomi got engaged to BankyW in February 2016, got traditionally married on 19th November 2016, had their court Wedding on 20th November 2016, and on 25th November 2017 they had the White Wedding in cape town south Africa. And thus, she became Adesua Etomi-wellington. Adesua Etomi-wellington is known for her resilience and astounding performances in her roles and has banged a lot of awards. In 2016 she won African magic viewer’s choice award for best actress in a drama, Golden movie awards for discovery of the year, Eloy awards for actress of the year-big screen, Nollywood reinvented awards for best new actress and so many others.

Adesua Etomi-wellington has been featured in the April issue of vogue magazine alongside 14 actresses from 14 countries across several film industries including Hollywood , Nollywood and Bollywood global super star. Adesua Etomi wellington is outstanding and dedicated to her work and career thereby setting a goal for herself, with all her achievements and hard work we decided to pick her as our celebrity of the week.

BY RUTH AJAKO

MATCHING SHOES WITH YOUR OUTFIT

wearing the perfect shoes to complement your outfit is somehow difficult to do. Often times, women find it difficult deciding which shoes are the most appropriate for their outfit. When you have the right pair and colour of shoes to match your outfit, it makes you feel elegant. The first step in selecting the best shoes is choosing the ones that complement your clothing, rather than ones that compete with your outfit. The next step should be choosing a shoe that would match the type of event or occasion. Let’s take a quick guide to the dos and don’ts of matching footwear with your outfit.


Heels
Arguably the most alluring shoe option, heels are great for adding more style into a variety of outfits. But that doesn’t mean people should go overboard by wearing heels with every outfit. Heels work best with dresses and skirts, and if you’re considering slipping on taller heels, pencil skirts tend to help add some length to your frame. Lower heels have more versatility when it comes to wearing clothes, and for office settings, kitten heels match well with slim pants for a look that’s both professional and elegant. For those with shorter legs, you’ll want to try avoiding taller heels. Typically, the higher the heel, the less slender your legs will appear; so it’s always a good rule of thumb to wear shoes with heels that’s no taller than three inches. Stick with closed-toe heels for more formal outfits, such as suits, jackets and trousers. When it comes to open-toe heels, show off your feet with skirts and dresses geared more toward lively settings, such as cocktail parties or a night out in town.




Flats
Every woman needs a pair of flats. It’s typically best to slide on some flats or loafers when you’re trying to stay comfortable rather than stylish. But that doesn’t mean the two can’t mix. Knee-length skirts, shorts or capris are generally the go-to bottoms when it comes to wearing flats, and you’ll generally want to avoid pairing these shoes with longer dresses or skirts. Flats are also great for an outgoing style because they come in a variety of prints and designs that can add some uniqueness to one-coloured outfits.



Boots
When it starts to get a little chilly outside, as we are approaching the Hamattan season, this is the perfect time to dust out the boots, mainly because of the sheer variety of styles they come in. If you’re trying to find a more sophisticated look for your boots, strap on some skinny-heeled boots the next time you wear a pair of darker jeans or straight-legged trousers. Women with longer legs will look great in knee-high heeled boots with dresses and skirts that rest just above the knees. Of course, the classic combination of a vest, black leggings and fur-coated wide-heeled fashion boots is always a winning look during the harmattan season.

Colour coordination
it’s important not to forget how the colour of your shoes complements your outfit. Brightly coloured heels or boots should be worn with a more subdued outfit. If you’re wearing a printed top, try to pair it up with a solid coloured bottom that matches the shade of your shoes. Of course, you can always play it safe by going with coloured attire that will always match while looking classy and elegant. Colour Colour is very important when choosing your shoes; you must always keep in mind the colour of the dress to well make the best choice. The dress and shoes do not need to be the same colour, but you need to combine them correctly. Some colours are always more difficult to combine, and preferably, black shoes go with any colour of outfit, as such, it could be your best bet.

BY MAIMUNA BAGUDU