Tuesday, October 31, 2006

FAB 40s

As a young woman, I gain so much inspiration from the Nigerian women who have paved the way. Not only are they successful in their chosen careers, they manage to successfully balance it with family life.
The big 4-0 is the arguably the most revered age for women – I know some of my friends in their twenties have already started dreading this milestone.
These women in various stages of their 40s show that there is no need to fret, instead there is a lot to look forward to.
Here are the FAB 40s

Nike Ogunlesi
Adenike Ogunlesi changed the clothing business in Nigeria. From a tiny shop with her and her mother as the main staff, Nike turned Ruff ‘n’ Tumble into an instantly recognizable brand. When banks wouldn’t loan her money to expand her business, she turned to family for support and they never regretted their decision to invest in Ruff ‘n’ Tumble. Nike turned a 150,000 naira initial investment into a multi-million naira business.
Despite her many commitments as a CEO, wife and mother, she makes a strong effort to share knowledge with young entrepreneurs. She featured in the Africa Open for Business documentary and was recognized as the FATE Foundation Model Entrepreneur in 2005. Nike is an excellent role model for young women who want to pursue the business of fashion.

Mo Abudu
Five years ago, the name Mosunmola Dominique Abudu would probably have elicited blank stares from most Nigerians but not anymore. In a few short years, Mo has made a very strong mark in the Nigerian business landscape. Bold and future-focused, she is the Founder and CEO/MD of Vic Lawrence & Associates, one of the most successful indigenous consulting firms in Nigeria. She has taken several steps to set a good example for other Nigerian businesses such as inviting new partners into her firm (very rare for indigenous Nigerian businesses). She was also one of the brains behind the Protea Hotel Oakwood Park and is on the Junior Achievement Nigeria Board. Mo who is married with two children is a great role model for any women hoping to enter the corporate world in Nigeria.

Ify Ighodalo
Ifeyinwa Ighodalo entered the limelight when she won the St Moritz Most Stylish Woman award. She was one of the people who were rocking Ankara before it became the new ‘it’ fabric. Ify is definitely not all about beauty and style. In her year, she was one of the best graduating students from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where she studied Accounting and along with her business partner, Moni Fagbemi has run an extremely successful furniture and interior design company called Design Options for over a decade. She is very involved in various non-profit and developmental initiatives and is one of the founders of Wimbiz, an organization that supports and encourages women in business.
She is married to Asue Ighodalo and has a daughter. For young women with entrepreneurial ambitions, Ify is a really great role model.

These women in their 40s who exemplify FABNESS.
To the akara seller in her 40s struggling to send her children to school, the 40-year old single mother whose daughter finally graduated from university, the woman approaching 40 who is scared because she hasn’t had a child yet, the 45 year old woman who after years of hard work has finally broken the glass ceiling…this is dedicated to YOU. This is dedicated to our mothers.

I’ll be doing more features on a wide variety of people on bellanaija in the future. So watch out…let me know if you have any ideas or suggestions for future features…

Have a great week!!!!!
We luv to read your comments so please let us know what u think!

Sunday, October 29, 2006

There has been another plane crash in Nigeria.
Today, an ADC plane leaving Abuja for Sokoto with over 100 people including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Mohammadu Maccido, one of his sons, Senator Badamasi Maccido and his grandson crashed soon after take-off.
An entire family was wiped out as Senator Gandi, his mother, wife, three kids died in the crash.
One other family lost 4 children.
I don't even know what to say because I am shaking right now.
I am so angry. I believe the airline, aviation authorities etc.. should all be ashamed of themselves. Yes, air accidents happen but ours is becoming way too much. Many people were not even shocked. Is this the type of thing we should be getting used to? All reports indicate that rescue efforts were poor as usual. Its a damn shame.
Why? Again?
I really sympathise with the families and also those whose family members and friends were victims of all the previous air disasters because this will surely open some sore wounds and bring back some devastating memories.

May their souls rest in peace. Here is the Manifest.
Reports say there are 7 survivors including 3 daughters of the Kogi State governor. I thank God for their lives.
You can go to CNN or BBC for up to the minute details.

Friday, October 27, 2006

WEEKEND LUV - THE RETRO EDITION


I have been sooooo busy this week!
Its just been crazy...I have so many things to do at home and at work....
Next month is going to be even crazier but God will give me strength....
Dont worry, next week is going to be fiyah! I have a lot of things planned so lets see how it works out!
Enjoy!

What's Hot?
Icy's blog has been on fiyah this week! She's been running an excellent tribute to naija guys.....
Go check it out...I can feel the temperatures risin' - HERE
BGT is celebrating enterprising Nigerian women......young women doing big things! She also has some hella fab Peridot & Ruby pics. Check on it - HERE

The Roundup
29 Year Old South African Legend, Lebo Mathosa passed away this week. She was killed in a tragic car accident. She was known for her bold vivacious nature....She really broke a lot of boundaries for female musicians in Africa and will be remembered for her vibrant personality and groundbreaking career! May her soul rest in perfect peace.






A memorial service was held mark the 1st anniversary of the passing of First Lady, Stella Obasanjo. Her son Muyiwa Obasanjo and his wife Imelse were at the event. I can't believe its been a year already.





Anita Hogan, the Nigerian actress and former reality star got married to her fiance. If you remember Anita and her boyfriend were embarrassed by a huge scandal when their nude photos were published on the internet and in some newspapers.




One of Nigeria's foremost fashion and beauty photographers, Yetunde Ayeni (she shot this fab photoshoot - see here) tied the knot with her media/advertising executive fiance, Steve Baba Eko. The couple had what has been dubbed as Nigeria's first beachfront wedding. They arrived at the spectacular La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Ibeju-Lekki via a Caverton helicopter. Congrats to the couple!




Madonna rocked an ankara outfit while clarifying her adoption saga on Oprah. Fab!






Thanks to Uzo for reminding me about this!
Umoja is coming to Nigeria.....the famous South African theatre production is finally here. I actually saw it in London some years ago...it was SPECTACULAR! Click on the official flyer for more information.







Hits
Felix Liberty - Ifeoma - Audio
Ifeoma, Ifeoma, I want to marry u so give me your love! lol....who doesn't remember this song...I remember seeing him live in the National Theatre with my mum...lol...oh memories
Onyeka Onwenu - One Love - Audio
I luv Onyeka...this is one of her top hits from back in the day...one love really keeps us together
Asha - Baba - Audio
Asha is sooo talented...he is definitely one of the top new generation artistes...check on it!

Anyway, hope you have a great weekend!

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

WHITE MAGIC







Photographer: Ben Ingoldby @ Exposure Studios
Hair: Abey Yusuf @ Bobby's Signature
Make-Up: Bunmi Olunloyo
Stylist: Omoyemi (Yemi) Akerele
Models: Aisha Danjuma & Ishioma Onyebo (Finalists, Face of Africa 2006)

I luv the white hot look! True Love fashion spreads rock!
Make sure you buy your copy and subscribe...its worth it!
Especially the clothes in the last 2 photos....UBER FAB!

What do you think?

Monday, October 23, 2006

CHANNEL O MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS

The Channel O Spirit of Africa Video Music Awards took place last weekend in Gallagher Estate, Johannesburg, South Africa.
It was really a spectacular show! Performers from all around Africa came together to entertain the continent and they were duly rewarded!
Nigeria dominated the awards by carting away a whooping total of 9 awards including Video of the Year!!!
Check out the winners and pics from the ceremony…

Best Male Video - Lagbaja (Never Far Away)
Best Female Video - Lizha James (For All Ya'll)
Best Newcomer - D'banj (Tongolo)
Best Duo or Group - Malaika (2 Bob)
Best Urban Jazz Video - Zamajobe (Ndawo Yami)
Best Dance Video - DJ Cleo (Good Bye)
Best African Pop - 2 Face (Ole)
Best African Southern - Mista Doe (Hot To Death)
Best African West - 2 Face (Ole)
Best African East - Jonny Ragga (Give Me The Key)
Best African DJ - DJ Fresh
Best Hip Hop Video - Mode Nine ft. Nnena (Cry)
Best Reggae Video - Lucky Dube (Respect)
Best R&B Video - Dare (Escalade)
Best Kwaito Video - Brickz (Tjovitjo)
Best Collaboration Video - Danny K and Mandoza (Music)
Best Director - Mode Nine ft Nnena (Cry)
Best Special Effects - Weird MC (Ijoya)
Video Of The Year - Mode Nine (Cry)

Dare, Uchie, Sasha ~ D'Banj & Don Jazzy

Chomee (SA) ~ Gal Level (Namibia)

D'Banj & Don Jazzy ~ DJ Jimmy Jatt

Jazz Legend, Hugh Masekela ~ Ikechukwu & Azola

Kaone & Lungile ~ Kaone (Winner, Face of Africa 2005)

Katung (Winner, Big Brother Nigeria) & Tana ~ Musicians, Nnenna & Silver Saddih

Nonhle & Lungile ~ Laura, Nonhle, Proverb, Grace (All Channel O VJs)

Olisa Adibua & Nonhle ~ Melody (Face of Africa 2006 finalist) & Proverb

Weird MC ~ Dare-Art Alade

Mode 9 & Nnenna (Winners, Video of the Year) ~ Channel O Nigeria VJ, Tana Egbo

Tana ~ Nonhle, Olisa (Storm Records Exec/Radio & TV Personality), Tana

Naeto C, Dare, Ikechukwu ~ Sasha, Nonhle, Naeto C, Ikechukwu

Dare ~ Tapuwa & Katung (BB Africa & BB Nigeria)


I’m sooooo proud of Channel O and South Africa for putting up such a great show!
I think South Africa is such a great country for real. I have promised myself to visit Cape Town, SA sometime next year.
Nigeria did us very proud by winning all those awards! Storm Records was also in the building with a very energetic group performance.
Thanks to all bellanaija readers for voting and congrats to all the artistes that won!
In my opinion, they really deserve the awards and accolades!

What do you think about the awards? Did the winners deserve it? Why so you think Nigeria dominated this year?
Have a great week, hope you had a great weekend and make sure u let us know what you think!

*RIP Lebo Mathosa, she died in an tragic car accident this week. I'll do a mini-tribute sometime soon.